The Espionage Revolution: Congress Sparks a Spy Mission for Arthur Lee - December 12, 1775!
On December 12, 1775, an espionage revolution began with a letter sent to Arthur Lee.
Front Page News Around the United States: December 11, 1924
A twist on "this day in history" sharing front page news from three American newspapers on December 11, 1924.
Unearthing History: Grace Sherwood in the Archives
After seeing Colonial Williamsburg's Cry Witch, this blogger was inspired to find documents related to Grace Sherwood's witch trial.
Stratford Hall in Virginia: A Historical Jewel Linked to the Revolutionary Era Lee Family
Have you visited Stratford Hall? I recommend it for history lovers and here is why.
Proclaiming A Day Of Thanksgiving: General Washington's 1775 Order
On this Thanksgiving Day, take a moment to read the words of General George Washington.
Before the Journey Begins: My Top 5 Tips for a Memorable Visit to Historic Sites
Before you head out to visit a historic site, get prepared! Read my 5 tips to make your visit memorable.
Unwrap the Past: 2024's Ultimate Holiday Gift List for History Enthusiasts
Here it is! A gift guide for 2024's holiday season focused on history!
Grace Sherwood of Colonial Virginia: Was She or Wasn't She a Witch?
Colonial Williamsburg's Cry Witch is an immersive performance about Grace Sherwood's trial.
Announcing My American History Affiliate Partnerships: Finding History on the Road and Having it Delivered to Your Home
I want everyone to have access to history. It's why I've chosen to partner with two companies: one for finding history on the go and one for learning history at home.
Echoes of Freedom: Patrick Henry's Timeless Call for 2025 and Beyond
Patrick Henry said so much more than Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death. He talked about being an American!
George Washington's Parting Message: A Commanding Address from September 19, 1796
Our first President's farewell message is full of inspiration and insight to think about. At election time and always!
Discover Smith's Fort in Surry, Virginia: A Must-Visit for All American History Enthusiasts!
History lovers must visit Smith's Fort in Surry Virginia and check out what Preservation Virginia has done there.
Celebrating Lafayette While Continuing to Learn More and More about American's Favorite Frenchman
Continuing the celebration of American's favorite Frenchman: Major General and Marquis de Lafayette during the 200th anniversary his Farewell Tour of the United States.
Reflections, Ideas, and Action Items for Exploring the Tribal Nations of the Eastern Woodlands
I'm exploring the Eastern Woodlands tribes, sharing my ideas and action items related to our shared American history.
October 13th: Commemorating the United States Navy and More Notable Events in American History
What happened on October 13th in American history? From the Navy's beginnings to William Shatner's historic trip into space, let's take a peek into a fall day in history.
Mark Couvillon Unveils the Untold Story: Patrick Henry's First Marriage and Sarah Shelton's Struggles
Get a factual history of Patrick Henry's first marriage to Sarah Shelton, whose mental health was agonizing.
Visiting the Richard M. Bowman Center for Local History on an Impromptu Trip to Charles City
Do you keep a list of places to visit when you're in the mood to learn history? The Bowman Center in Charles City was on mine.
Meet James Madison: 3 Perfect Insights To Introduce Him on the WAHISA Blog
Our 4th US President, James Madison was as complex as any of our founding fathers. Here are 3 perfect insights to introduce him to history lovers.
September 27th in American History: A Look Back During Hurricane Helene
While history is happening, I'm taking a look back at what happened on September 27th in American history.
Revolutionary Perspectives: Discovering the American Revolution Through 18th Century Letters
History is made up of humans. It's why reading 18th century perspectives of the American Revolution is fascinating!
Learning Native American History from George Washington: the Truth About American Indians
George Washington understood the importance of American Indians to creating a new United States. So should we.
Embracing Spontaneity in History: Two Unplanned Learning Experiences
You don't always need to have a plan if you want to learn history. Be in the moment and experience history.
September 16 in American History: The Mayflower's Voyage and Oklahoma's Historic Land Run
The Mayflower set sail for Virginia on September 16th 1620, but landed in New England. What else happened on this day in history?
My Quest To Find John Randolph’s Residence: Tazewell Hall Brought To Light
In 1775, Virginia's Attorney General, John Randolph left for England- and in 2024 I became determined to find his house.
Timeless Treasures: Must-Visit Living History Museums That Bring the Past to Life!
Living history museums not only bring the past to life, but preserve trades and immerse you in the past. Visit one!
Introducing the Mission Statement for My American History Blog
Announcing the mission statement for this What American History Is About blog!
Exploring Bacon’s Castle: A Journey to America’s Oldest Recorded Brick Dwelling in Surry County Virginia
History lovers need to visit Bacon's Castle, the oldest recorded brick building in North America.
Uncovering the Lives Behind Historic Homes: It's More Than Just About the Buildings
Do you love early American homes? I do. And I'm into learning the history behind the buildings.
Creating a Brand and Business Through a History Blog: Inspiration and Commitment to My Readers
My promises to readers who love American history! It's what the brand will be built upon.
Reflections on Thomas Jefferson’s Garden Book: A Thoughtful Exploration from a Blogger's Perspective
Insights into what you can learn from Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book, inspired by a blogger's perspective.
Exploring Patrick Henry's Virginia: A Captivating Adventure through Mark Couvillon's Remarkable Work
Explore the homes and buildings that make up Patrick Henry's Virginia in a masterful work by Mark Couvillon
A Perspective of 19th Century America From a Woman Who Bought Her Freedom: My Review of Elizabeth Keckley’s View Behind the Scenes
There are many reasons you should read Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.
August 3rd in American History: From Governor Amherst to the Macarena
Every day is loaded with history! So what happened in American history on August 3rd? I've got a list for you.
Seeing History Firsthand: Jefferson and Lafayette's Letters in Special Collections
Sometimes you just want to actually see a letter in person. Especially if it was written by someone like Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson Pursuing Happiness: A Review and A Request
What was Thomas Jefferson thinking as he penned the Declaration of Independence? Colonial Williamsburg may have a performance that offers insight.
Workcation in Essex County: Finding Historical Sites of Early America
As a history blogger, I can't help but seek out historical sites everywhere, including on my workcation in Essex County Virginia!
On the Minds of 18th Century Americans July 20th: Direct Quotes from the Washingtons, Jefferson and More.
Cornwallis' retreat was brought to Washington's attention and Jefferson was discussing the value of books. What else was happening on July 20th in American history?
Primary Sources: July 15th in Daily Life... Early America
Primary sources exist for July 15th and every day! Check out diary entries from George Washington and letters written during the American Revolution- all around July 15th.
Exploring New Kent County's Historical Society and A Journey to the Grave of First Lady Leticia Christian Tyler
A visit to the New Kent Historical Society helped me find hidden history including one First Lady's church and another's gravesite.
Documents Leading to American Independence: Patrick Henry's Resolves in the Special Collections of Colonial Williamsburg
Thanks to the Special Collections of Colonial Williamsburg, I saw Patrick Henry's Stamp Act Resolves!
Have You Read Many Newspapers from Early America? Start Here.
Early American newspapers chronicle America in a unique way- and the Library of Congress gives us all access for free.
June 29, 1776: The Day Patrick Henry Was Chosen to Be Governor of Virginia
On June 29th 1776, the summer of American Independence, Patrick Henry became the first non-royal governor of Virginia. Read the words he had for those who chose him.
History is Found Through Objects: Clues About Daily Life in Early America.
Objects definitely give us clues into early America. From wig account books to rebuilding Anderson's Armory, it's all there for us to learn from.
The Reason for and Results from My Drive West to Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown
A drive to Patrick Henry's Scotchtown in search of a book is inspiring more history for this blog.
Juneteenth: Honoring the Enslaved and Celebrating the Freedom of All Who Lived in Early America
Juneteenth is a day of celebration. I'm choosing to honor it with a poem from Phyllis Wheatley.
An 18th Century Mace: the Silversmiths' Project for Celebrating 2026
How are an 18th century mace from South Carolina, silversmithing, and Colonial Williamsburg's 2026 celebration connected?
June 14th: Happy Birthday to our Army and Other Notes on This Day in American History
On June 19th, 1775 our United States Army was officially born! What else happened on this date in American history?
I Wish I Could Ask Questions of the People From Early America: Thank Goodness We Have Letters and Diaries!
What better way to learn about people from early American history than to read their own words?
3 Lessons from the 18th Century Relevant to Earning Income as a History Blogger
Living steps away from the largest living history museum in the world gives me access to the 18th century every day of the year. As a blogger, I've learned many lessons.
This is the 87th Post on My What American History Is About Blog: Let's Talk 87s.
For my 87th post on this American history blog, let's look at 1687, 1787 and 1987 in American history.
Memorial Day: Always Remember the Why
What does Memorial Day signify for you? As a nation, let's remember our why.
Organizing History Again: Learning and Evolving as the What American History About Blog Grows.
The categories I've organized on the What American History Is About blog will make you want to dive deeper into learning history!
May 20th in American History: 2 Posts Over 2 Days Honoring Random Dates Because Why Not?
King George III responded with Intolerable Acts and other bits of American history that happened on May 20th.
May 19th in American History: A Sunday Read to Enjoy Any Day of the Week
What happened in American history on May j19th? Diverse and important events! Births and deaths that impacted our future and our culture.
Equine Lessons from the Courthouse Green: Insights on Horses in the American Revolutionary War
The history of horses in American society is long. If you want a glimpse into their existence during the American Revolutionary War, this post is for you.
No Matter Where You Go in Our United States of America: Find History Like I Did in Palm Desert. Here's How!
Do you look for history everywhere you go? I do! From historical societies to cemeteries and parks: it's everywhere.
History Is About Humans: Dig Deeper Into the 18th Century for a Better Future
We really can learn from history. From words to archaeology, the success of our future lies in the past.
April 19th in American History: What Happened?
If you're an American history nerd, this post highlighting events from March 29th is for you!
Advertisements in Virginia Gazettes: Insights from the Capital City of the Largest Colony During the Revolutionary Period
What better way to peek into daily life during the Revolutionary era than seeing what was advertised in Williamsburg's Virginia Gazette?
The 4th Grade Trip that Kept Silversmithing and Its Role in American History Alive: Remember April 11th by Honoring George Cloyed, Master Silversmith
Master Silversmith George Cloyed is the reason I'm focused on April 11th as an important date in American history.
History Isn't Always Visible: I Saw Kinheche and Never Will Again.
Have you seen a piece of history before it went into storage for the rest of your life? For me, that's Kinheche.
Samuel Washington: The Brother Archaeology and DNA Testing May Bring Back Into History Books
George Washington's younger brother is coming into focus, thanks to DNA testing.
The End of U.S. Involvement in Vietnam’s War and Other Notes About March 29th in American History to Kick Off Spring
If you're an American history nerd, this post highlighting events from March 29th is for you!
Kicking Off VA 250 Inside Williamsburg's Reconstructed Capitol is History in Itself
The March 2024 event in Colonial Williamsburg that was the ultimate immersion into American history.
Celebrating the Marquis de Lafayette: 1824 to 2024
If you haven't gotten to know the Marquis de Lafayette, 2024 is the year as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his 1824 American tour.
The Final Breakfast: An End to Dunmore and Washington
New research is shining more light onto the friendship between George Washington and Virginia's last Royal Governor.
Anne Geddy: Wife, Mom, and Businesswoman of the 18th Century
Who was Anne Geddy? A wife of an 18th century tradesman who exemplifies her role in the 18th century.
Leap Years in American History: What Happened on February 29th?
Leap years don't come every day so why not take a peek into what happened in American history on February 29th? It's fascinating actually.
Introducing Mrs. Jane Vobe: A True Nation Builder
Mrs. Jane Vobe, tavern owner during the Revolutionary period, is Colonial Williamsburg's newest Nation Builder!
A Review of "Witness To Revolution" by Michael Cecere and Jennifer Cecere: Insights from a Blogger
Michael and Jennifer Cecere's Witness to the Revolution is an historical fiction novel you don't want to miss.
Good Presidential Quotes to Celebrate President's Day 2024
Good presidential quotes are a perfect way to celebrate Presidents Day in the U.S. this year!
Learning Black History Daily: A February Post About Opportunities Every Day
This year for Black History Month, the blog dives into learning black history every day of the year.
January 29 in American History
What happened on January 29th in American history? From the Raven to Starkweather's capture, a lot.
Weekend Reads for American History Lovers
Do you love American history? I have three very different books that make for perfect weekend reading.
Bricks and 18th Century American History: An Overview from a Blogger's Perspective
Bricks in American history: the fun stuff I learned in Colonial Williamsburg that got me interested in bricks.
Year 24s of American History: Let's Review 1624, 1724, 1824, and 1924 as 2024 Kicks Off!
As we kick off 2024, the What American History Is About blog reviews the 24th years of the last 400 years.
Exploring 18th Century Medicine: The Role of Orange Peels and Insights from Dr. John Minson Galt
Go down the rabbit hole of 18th century America with me and learn about John Minson Galt along the way.
Happy New Year! January or March and from Wassail to Rockin Eve: It's About American History.
From Wassailing to Dick Clark, New Year's Eve in American history. Small bits as I wish you a Happy 2024!
December 15th in American History: Celebrating the Victory at Yorktown in 1781
On December 15th 1781, Williamsburg celebrated the victory at Yorktown. What else happened on this day in history?
Leather Breeches to Blue Jeans: Everyday Pants in American History
History isn't just about major events. It's also about the clothes people wore. So let's talk about everyday pants.
Sandra Day O'Connor Passed Away and I'm Reflecting on More Female Firsts in American History
The passing of Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice in the United States, led me to explore more firsts.
Unshakeable Wisdom from Washington: Essential Principles for Living Boldly
Learning from history is vital and these wise words from George Washington are some of the best Washington quotes out there.
November 23rd Celebrates Thanksgiving 2023, but What Else Happened on this Day in American History?
In 2023, we celebrate November 23rd as Thanksgiving Day. But what else happened on this day in American history?
Unearthing America's Past: My Top Podcasts Featuring Primary Sources!
The best podcasts to learn American history from use primary sources.
United States Place Names and the History Behind Them: The Cities Edition
Do you ever wonder how cities got their names? Who are the people behind the place names?
The Most Powerful Tribute: Honoring and Supporting Veterans of the United States Military and Their Families
No matter how you do it, take the time to honor veterans of the U.S. Military and their families - every day of the year.
3 Cool Primary Sources That Are Not the Declaration of Independence but Are Fascinating Bits of American History
3 primary sources that are just as important as the Declaration of Independence in our American history.
November 6th: A Day of Presidential Elections and More!
Lincoln was elected as the 16th American president on November 6th. What else happened in history on that day?
October 19, 1781: Victory At Yorktown and the Beginning of A New Journey
Celebrate the victory at Yorktown this October and every October!
October 11th: Eat BBQ and Dive into a Day of Mysterious Death and the Birth of a New American Comedy Legacy
Celebrate October 11th by eating BBQ and diving into some serious American history.
The Jefferson Triumvirate of Williamsburg: A Concise Historical Summary
Who influenced, supported, and taught Thomas Jefferson? Meet his Williamsburg triumvirate and get a taste.
The Spy Whose Powerful Decision Helped Get an American Victory at Yorktown: Meeting James Armistead Lafayette
Have you met James Armistead Lafayette? He was the spy who helped us at Yorktown and shouldn't be forgotten.
4 Things I Learned at Margaret Hunter's Millinery: An 18th Century Trade in an Original Building
I'm loving Margaret Hunter's shop, the 18th century millinery in Colonial Williamsburg.
October 1st: Celebrate Fall with Pumpkin Spice and Remember Johnny Carson's Debut on the Tonight Show
Celebrate fall with Pumpkin Spice and remember all the other bits of American history that happened on October 1st.
The Trades of Colonial Williamsburg Teach Us About Daily Life in the 18th Century
Major events in history are easy to find information about. What if you want to know a bit about daily life in the 18th century? The trades shop in Williamsburg can help!
Today I Learned About George Washington From a Scholar Named Peter Henriques
Learning about George Washington took on new meaning through Washington scholar Peter Henriques lecture in Colonial Williamsburg.
Notes on How Decisions to Take Action Impacted American History
What if our founding fathers procrastinated? My personal procrastination on a marketing project inspired a post about decisions to take action in American history.
September 21 in American History: The Traitor Becomes a Traitor, Reagan Speaks and the King of Horror Is Born
When did Benedict Arnold become a traitor to America? September 21st 1780. See what else happened that day!
Putting this Blog into Context: A Quick Note About the 13 Colonies
Let's have a quick chat about the 13 colonies to put this American history blog in context.
4 Things I Learned from the Colonial Williamsburg Gunsmiths- A True Gem of a Trade
The Colonial Williamsburg gunsmiths make early American guns lock, stock, and barrel and share insight into the era!
The Scotchtown Post: Insight into Patrick Henry and the Place He Lived for a Few Pivotal Years
Have you visited Patrick Henry's Scotchtown? He only lived there for a few years, but they were pivotal ones.
September 8th: On the Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s Passing, Let’s Look at This Day in American History
What happened on September 7th throughout American history? Get a snapshot of this day in history here.
September 7th: From the 1776 Naval Attack to 2003's Farm Aid 16
What happened on September 7th throughout American history? Get a snapshot of this day in history here.
Colonial History Learned From the Trees Around Us
What can trees tell you about history? A lot! Start with this post and begin the journey into history through trees.
Put Your Toes in the Sand and Celebrate the All-American Holiday: Labor Day
The origins of Labor Day beyond the cookout and into the real American history.
Agecroft Hall: The Tudor House that Traveled to Virginia in the 1920s
Reasons to visit the Tudor house that travelled to America during the Gilded Age because of TC and Bessie Williams.
August 27th: George Washington Requested Food for Soldiers and Mary Poppins Premiered!
What happened in American history on August 27th? George Washington asked the states for food in 1780, LBJ was born and Mary Poppins premiered!
Experimenting on the Farm: A Necessity in 18th Century America and Beyond
Why was experimental farming necessary in early America? Let's hear what George Washington and others had to say.
A Visit to One of the Most Historical Sites Around: Berkeley.
Have you visited the ancestral home of 2 presidents? Take a peek into the Harrison home in Charles City Virginia and soak in some history.
Capturing the Right Spirit of Early American History: More Names to Know
Meet Caty and Rochambeau, two names from early American history that helped shape our world.
George Washington: What Was He Thinking as He Left the Presidency?
What thoughts did Washington have about our United States after eight years as President? Start grabbing some history here.
August 15th- A Day to Remember Because So Many Things Happened
What happened on August 15th in American history? Let's take a look, blogger-style.
Discover the Sweet Secret of 18th Century Baking: One Pound Cake, Endless Delights!
How a Nun's Cake is related to learning the history of food in a place like Colonial Williamsburg.
Get Excited for National Simplify Your Life Week: Fun Tips to Make American History Easily Accessible!
Use my 7 tips to simplify your journey into finding out about American history!
Thank Goodness Abigail Smith Adams Loved to Write Letters Because They Show the Woman Behind the Public Image
History is about real people. Abigail Adams' letters give us a glimpse into the private thoughts behind her public image.
August 7th: A Day in American History
What happened in American history on August 7th? A few events to talk about at the water cooler and at the dinner table!
The House Richard Decatur Lee Built
Richard Decatur Lee built a piece of art called Lee Hall Mansion, and I had to tell you about it!
The Woman in the Portrait and 2 More Who Fascinate Me
I saw a portrait and it led me to write about 3 women from early American history.
The 2nd Continental Congress Established the Postal System and Sandra Bullock Was Born: July 26th in American History
The U.S. Postal Service, Vivian Vance, Sandra Bullock and the FBI were all born on July 26th!
3 Names From American History You May Not Know but Should Learn
Do you know Peyton Randolph died so John Hancock's signature replaced his? I'm sharing 3 names from American history you may not know but should.
I Heard Music No One's Seen Performed for Hundreds of Years
We heard music from Jefferson's library that was unlikely performed for hundreds of years!
Things to Love About the Raleigh Tavern, Past and Present
Past meets present when you visit the Raleigh Tavern, an 18th century reconstruction showing off the Daphne and Apollo rooms, where liberty happened.
July 15th- A Random Date On Which Many Things Happened
What happened on July 15th in American history? Let's find out.
Freedom Is Not Free: A Grandfather in Maine Created an Evergreen Movement Reminding the World
If we are talking about American history, Wreaths Across America's Mobile Education Exhibit deserves a mention.
Music in History: All-American From the Start of our United States
How did music start out in early America? It was all-American from the beginning!
Musings on Liberty: A Quick Post Celebrating Independence Day
If we're discussing what American history is about, liberty must be discussed as we celebrate Independence Day.
3 Reasons to Take Tours and Visit Historic Sites Multiple Times
Keep visiting historical places you love. I'm sharing 3 reasons why, knowing you really want to see what American history is about!
Honor the Frenchman Who George Washington Cherished as a Lifelong Friend This 4th of July!
The Marquis de Lafayette, Washington's friend for life and why we should honor him on Independence Day.
I Went to the Library to Learn About the Rare Breed Program but Left Wondering About Sheep.
Sheep were a vital part of American history! Learn the impact during Colonial times.
How Do You Get the Right Frame on a Huge 1690’s Painting? Create It!
When you acquire a 1690's painting and the frame is not original, creating a period-style frame happens, at least in Williamsburg!
What to Write About When There Is So Much History? Anything.
What this blog is about: American history as I learn it.
Want to Really Understand American History? Read Letters and Other Primary Sources.
What's the best way to learn American history? Reading letters, inventories, diaries and other primary sources!
Colonial Colors, the Blog Brand, and History of Course: Let's Talk About Wallpaper
Let's talk about 18th century wallpaper because it tells us about history, not just color.
Being Free At 50: I Moved to Williamsburg and Get to Experience American History Every Day
Experience American history come alive! This blog is dedicated to what American history is really about. The people and everything in their lives.