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.

Oct 11, 2024

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.

Oct 01, 2024

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.

Sep 21, 2024

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.

Sep 17, 2024

Introducing the Mission Statement for My American History Blog

Announcing the mission statement for this What American History Is About blog!

Aug 31, 2024

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.

Aug 19, 2024

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.

Aug 02, 2024

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!

Jul 25, 2024

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.

Jul 13, 2024

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.

Jul 08, 2024

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.

Jun 28, 2024

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.

Jun 23, 2024

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?

Jun 11, 2024

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 25, 2024

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.

May 11, 2024

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.

Apr 28, 2024

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.

Apr 07, 2024

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.

Mar 31, 2024

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.

Mar 20, 2024

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.

Mar 15, 2024

Introducing Mrs. Jane Vobe: A True Nation Builder

Mrs. Jane Vobe, tavern owner during the Revolutionary period, is Colonial Williamsburg's newest Nation Builder!

Feb 16, 2024

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!

Feb 08, 2024

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.

Feb 06, 2024

Weekend Reads for American History Lovers

Do you love American history? I have three very different books that make for perfect weekend reading.

Jan 28, 2024

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.

Nov 26, 2023

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?

Nov 15, 2023

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.

Nov 09, 2023

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.

Sep 28, 2023

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.

Sep 17, 2023

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.

Aug 19, 2023

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!

Aug 08, 2023

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.

Aug 07, 2023

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!

Aug 07, 2023

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!

Jul 21, 2023

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.

Jul 16, 2023

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.

Jul 04, 2023

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!

Jun 29, 2023

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.

Jun 28, 2023

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.

Jun 24, 2023

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!

Jun 23, 2023

What to Write About When There Is So Much History? Anything.

What this blog is about: American history as I learn it.

Jun 22, 2023

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!

Jun 18, 2023

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.

Jun 09, 2023