Mention of Newport, Rhode Island generally elicits thoughts of extravagant wealth: palatial mansions, mega-yachts, possibly even Taylor Swift. Yet the charming seaside town comes from rather modest colonial roots, and is home to citizens of all socioeconomic classes. Commonly considered New England’s summer resort, Newport has far more to offer than its desirable coastline and summer visitors. Before we explore the city as it is today, however, let’s have a brief look at the history of Newport. 

Check out this week's new books from Arcadia Publishing & The History Press.

Check out July's Best-Selling Titles.

Author Susan Hoffer McMillan shares a number of stories she's heard regarding the impact of her books, Conway and Myrtle Beach and Conway in Vintage Postcards

Decades ago, the only street food available was a hot dog stand or two in most cities. In recent years, the food scene in many major cities has exploded and so has the popularity and availability of new types of street food.
Al fresco food is a culinary gem, and thanks to the pace of modern life, many of us eat on the run, grabbing virtually any type of food, any time of the day. Want to know where to go to taste some of these handmade delicacies?  Here are the top towns in the U.S. for innovative and delicious street food.

Although the Maine Coast has plenty of attractions to keep you occupied, most people find that the splendors of Acadia National Park inevitably draw them in to stop and explore. Rolling sea waves meet the dark-green mountains at Acadia, providing a veritable treasure trove of wonderful sights and experiences, all just waiting to be discovered.

With the release of Netflix’s newest gripping thriller, Ozark, we thought it would be fun to showcase the lake on which the show’s residents live and work, the Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding area, as this week’s city spotlight. 

Two readers share how 'San Francisco's Bayview Hunters Point' has impacted their lives...

Check out this week's new books from Arcadia Publishing & The History Press.

Listen as author Bob Hansman discusses his new book Pruitt-Igoe 

All regions have their own personalities, and southern Pennsylvania is no different. Until late June 1863, few if any anticipated that Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, would become the site of the greatest battle fought in North America. The Army of the Potomac, under George G. Meade, headed north in pursuit of Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, ultimately resulting in one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War.

What was once a Native American trail on Cape Cod for centuries, would one day be part of the longest highway in America. Beginning in Provincetown, the road would twist, turn, and run in various compass directions along the bay side of the Cape.  It starts in Provincetown, where in the late months of 1620 a mixed community of separatists and opportunists on board the Mayflower first eyed the New World. 
 

Watch as author Alan Stello shares insight into the early history of South Carolina and discusses his book Arsenal of History.

Salem, Massachusetts is a town located 16 miles north of Boston, on Salem Bay Harbor. It was incorporated in 1626 by Roger Conant, and was the second oldest settlement in New England. It’s theorized that the town’s name is the shortened form of the biblical term, Jerusalem, meaning “City of Peace.” Ironically, Salem, or “Witch City” is perhaps best known for an albeit brief period of extreme religious intolerance, during which the infamous Salem Witch Trials occurred.

Students know their history. On May 26, I had the opportunity to speak to the third-, fourth- and fifth-graders at the Edison Elementary School in Westland. It was my pleasure to share some of my knowledge of the history of Westland with these young scholars.

Very early on in the process of researching this book, I realized something rather significant: Writing a history of coffee in New York City is like writing a history of the city itself. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that almost no other single thing—not pizza, not egg creams, not The New York Times—so completely captures the conglomerate that makes “New York City” what it is.

“Jazz on Cape Cod: From Colombo to the Columns” is the story of a special place and a special group of people.
I am a lifelong jazz fan and when I came to Cape Cod in the early 1980s I immediately realized that there was something special going on here. There was a lot of jazz going on, played by first-rate musicians.

If you enjoy traveling, but think exciting journeys are a plane ride away, consider traveling by rail this summer. Since the 19^th century, many have enjoyed this romantic yet practical way to tour the countryside. You can relax, take in the sights and even reflect on the history of rail travel during our nation’s push westward in the post-Civil War era and beyond.

Teaching a child to read takes time, patience and focus. Well worth the effort, reading opens wonderful new worlds of education and imagination in a child’s life. In fact, the very act of helping children learn to read provides you and your child a multi-faceted learning experience.

​Alabamians love their barbecue and boast about its excellence, but they do not even agree with one another about how to define it.

For our new Iconic Images City Spotlight Series, we decided to start with what we know and love best, our hometown of Charleston, SC. We love this city so much that we decided to base our company here all those years ago, and now we want to share with you some of the city's most iconic locations, and images from both past and present. Plus, if you're planning a visit, we've included some helpful travel tips to ensure you make the most out of your trip to "The Holy City."

Readers discover their own photos in 'Vallejo'

For many Americans, lighthouses have an enduring appeal. These beacons act not only as guideposts for sailors, but also as reminders of a simpler past, one without satellite navigation and advanced technology.
Are they romanticized? Definitely — and for a good reason. Gazing at any lighthouse, your mind wanders to thoughts such as ships seeking safe harbor in a storm or an independent person manning the post as its keeper.

From author Bill Archer...

Suzanne shares the joy her mother-in-law experienced after being gifted Around Hazleton.

On June 2^1st, it’s time to celebrate the summer solstice, the day that marks the beginning of our favorite season. It’s also the longest day of the year, the day when the sun hits the highest position in the sky in our hemisphere. This results in the longest period of daylight of the entire year.

This testimonial Tuesday, a grateful reader shares her story about renewing a connection to Oakland Hills.

The 10-part true crime documentary, The Making of a Murderer, had America completely enthralled when it debuted on Netflix in December 2015. Not only were people unable to look away from the fascinating story of convicted criminal, Steven Avery, but they also found themselves still immersed in the storyline even after they turned off the television. As a result, social media blew up for months on end with conversation and debate.

We all observe Martin Luther King Day and express our gratitude for Dr. King’s incredible accomplishments with a day of service. We also recognize Black History Month as a great opportunity to celebrate the monumental accomplishments of African American leaders, activists and visionaries. However, few people think about Juneteenth as a day to commemorate.

Laurie expresses gratitude for the publication of Palisades Amusement Park.

Some dates are burned into the American memory because of historical significance. For instance, we can’t reference July 4^th without instantly thinking of our nation’s birth. We can’t see the date September 11^th and not remember the terrible tragedies that occurred that day in 2001.

Rosemary shares her gratitude with the author for writing the Ventura Postcard History Series.

On June 14^th, it’s time to celebrate Flag Day here in the United States once again. That’s the anniversary of the day we officially adopted the stars and stripes as the banner of our country.

Fenway Park is much more than just a famous American ballpark. It’s so iconic that it’s become the stuff of legend over the years. Anyone who has made the trip there will agree that history of baseball isn’t complete without the story of Fenway Park.

The reason that I am contacting you regarding your fantastic book (Sacramento Indomitable City) is that it has personally touched and changed my family and I in a very personal way.
 I initially purchased your book last year when I came across it last year and thumbing through it at Costco. I immediately could tell that it gives a great history of Sacramento and thought it would be a great way to read about our own history.

I am sending this email to express my compliments to both Joy Wallace Dickinson and Arcadia Publishing for the excellent book "Orlando: City of Dreams" by Joy Wallace Dickinson. This is a truly excellent book, I originally checked this book out from my local public library and I was very impressed by its excellent explanation of the history of Orlando, I learned a lot from this book and I also enjoyed the nice historical photos. I am very glad this book was published and I hope this book will continue to be sold in bookstores so I can purchase this excellent book. Congratulations to both the author, all the editors, and the publisher for this excellent and very successful book.

Meet the author of Murder & Mayhem in Seattle, Teresa Nordheim!

Beer and ale are nearly as American as apple pie in the eyes of millions, and it’s not hard to see why. There are over 4,000 different breweries today in the business of crafting and manufacturing beer. 

Is there anything that represents a perfect, all-American summer day better than an afternoon at the ballpark? Have you ever taken the time to think about why? It’s not whether your team wins or loses that makes the day. It’s the ballpark experience itself—everything from the taste of the hot dogs to the sounds in the stadium.   
Each ballpark brings its own unique atmosphere to the table as well. This summer, why not indulge your inner baseball fan with a trip to some of America’s most iconic institutions? Make sure the following all make your list.

​I recently completed the Arcadia book "Hudson's National Guard Militia" with Bill Verdone as the principal author.  He spent a lot of time and effort gathering together the pictures and history of the unit that he once served as their commander, and was very excited to work with me converting that collection into an Arcadia book.  About 2 weeks ago, the first issue of that book finally arrived and made it into his hands, and he was one very happy fellow.

Read the story of how one woman's fertility struggles led to the resurrection of a failing adoption institution.

Meet the author of Murder in Linn County, Oregon Cory Frye, who delivers a riveting, detailed account of the shocking and tragic crimes that haunted Linn County for decades.

Do you love nothing better than discovering a truly amazing craft beer? Would a trip to beer nirvana really make your summer? If so, Portland needs to be on your road trip radar. Portland boasts more breweries than any other city in the entire world. Plus, it’s just a hop, skip, and a jump away from other fantastic brewing destinations along the picturesque Oregon coast. Think Eugene, Bend, and Hood River, to name just a few!
Best of all, Portland’s beer scene is constantly growing and evolving. That means there’s always something new to see and enjoy, even for someone who’s visited this iconic beer town in the past. The following are just a few of the essential breweries you can’t leave Portland without visiting.

This #TestimonialTuesday we bring you one family's thank you note written to the author of 'Filipinos in Vallejo'

In America, Cinco de Mayo has a lot in common with St. Patrick’s Day. Both holidays are rooted in authentic celebrations of ethnic and cultural heritage. People of all cultural backgrounds have embraced both occasions with open arms over the years, turning them into mainstream celebrations with the ability to appeal to everyone.

Mother’s Day falls on May 14^th this year. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with giving the standard bouquet of flowers and a card, many people want to choose a more unique to celebrate the day. After all, your mom is one of a kind! She deserves to be honored in a way that’s as special and amazing as she is.
The following are just a few suggestions for making Mother’s Day a little more creative this year. Don’t be afraid to personalize them or allow them to inspire new ideas of your own.

After 146 years, the famed Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus will fold its tent in May 2017. The closing of this venerable institution marks the end of an important chapter in the history of American popular entertainment. Ringling’s “greatest show on Earth” has thrilled generations of audiences around the United States. It’s hard to imagine childhood without at least one chance to experience this dazzling production with its star-studded cast of elite performers.

Although we ought to be mindful of nature and the environment every day, Earth Day is a wonderful reason to really focus on what a treasure our planet is. It’s a great reason to spend the day with your family appreciating Mother Nature. And it’s the perfect time to start teaching important eco-friendly values to your children as well.
This April 22^nd, commemorate the occasion by engaging in some fun, family-friendly activities that engage the entire household. The following are just a few suggestions to consider.

Author of Two New Arcadia Kids Series Coming Soon to a Bookstore Near You!

National Poetry Month sprung to life in 1996, thanks to the Academy of American Poets. Since then, it’s quickly become one of the largest, most widely celebrated literary events in the entire world, and with good reason. Poets and poetry are an essential part of our collective culture, and everyone could benefit to know more about this expressive form of literature.

In honor of our new book, Pittsburgh Drinks, a couple of our team members got together to make one of the book's heritage cocktails. Read on for the recipe and photos from the impromptu mixology lesson!

Some people develop an interest in tracing the history of their family tree for very specific reasons. Others hop right in almost on a whim without giving it a lot of previous thought. Whatever the case may be for you, you’ll be happy that you took the initiative.

It’s only natural to be curious about where you come from and to want to learn the unique story of your own family tree. Genealogy research also comes alongside many other benefits. For instance, studying your family’s history and origins can make it possible for you to:

Planning a vacation in the Midwest this spring break? Consider one of the 3 great spots we’ve rounded up!

Once known as the “Great War,” World War I remains an unprecedented event in history. Previous wars failed to inform and prepare countries for the terrible conflict that ensued after the summer of 1914. Everyone hoped and prayed for a decisive victory. However, one unexpected event occurred after another, permanently altering both Europe and Western culture by the end of the war in 1918.

This April 28^th, it’s time once again to celebrate Arbor Day in America. As a holiday, Arbor Day honors the importance of trees in our natural world. Arbor Day also offers an amazing opportunity to connect with your family and engage in meaningful, enjoyable activities that everyone can enjoy. If you’re not sure how you want to observe the day, consider the following suggestions to spark your inspiration.

Although it wasn’t so long ago, American have mostly forgotten the history and the people and the places of World War I. A centennial event is a great time to learn about things we should have known in the first place—this is how it was for me, when I wrote New Haven in World War I for The History Press. Thanks to all of the activities surrounding the centennial event both here and across the world, some of these stories are coming back into the light, and deservedly so. New Haven, a small city on Long Island Sound, played a part in these events, and in turn, was deeply affected, which I tried to document in my book. Some of these things are more known, such as Stubby, the brown and white bulldog-type mutt who was smuggled across the Atlantic in the coat of a corporal, and who went to the front with the 26^th “Yankee” Division, and the exercise regimens designed by Walter Camp, the “father” of American football and the use of rifles and cartridges made by Winchester, the company famous for the “gun that won the west.” 

April is a popular month for spring break vacations for youth and adults alike. The cold winter snow is melting, the plants are beginning to bloom, and animals are preparing to mate. This month we’re going to explore popular vacation destinations and adventures all over the country. Today we’re starting with great spots to check out on the West coast of the United States.

When you’re a sports fan, the advent of spring is about a whole lot more than better weather, singing birds, and the return of spring flowers. It’s also a sure sign that it’s almost baseball season again. Opening Day is always highly anticipated, and now it’s right around the corner.

If you’re a natural prankster, the chances are pretty good that you look forward to April Fool’s Day every single year, and with good reason. An amiable prank is a great way to honor the spirit of spring by enjoying a laugh or two in good fun.

My first glimpse of what remained of Buxton, Iowa came in 2008.  Standing in the middle of farmland, gazing at the crumbling ruins of a stone warehouse, I closed my eyes and tried to picture the amazing town that once was – a thriving coal mining town established in 1900 that was integrated, its 5,000 residents, of which 55% were African American, living and working side by side. I tried to see the company store, filled with quality goods brought by rail from Chicago, New York, and St. Louis.

Dorothea Lynde Dix was born in Hampden, Maine, on April 4, 1802. She had a difficult child as the daughter of a mother who suffered frequent bouts of depression and an alcoholic father. Despite this adversity, she took charge as the primary caretaker of her younger brothers. Then at the age of 12, she left home to live and study at the home of her affluent grandmother.

Defying the odds of gender and race expectations of her time, Bessie Coleman became the first civilian-licensed African-American pilot in the world. This women’s history month, we celebrate the determination that drove her to pursue and achieve her dream. 

Clara Barton was an educator, nurse and humanitarian who supported a number of war efforts throughout her life. She is most notably credited with founding the American Red Cross. Read on as we honor her life and achievements this women’s history month!

Sandra Day O’Connor, now 87, is best known for serving as the very first female justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, beginning at the age of 51. She served for 24 years before retiring to take care of her husband, whose health was declining. Read on as we explore her contributions to the political climate in the United States. 

Helen Keller is best known for her ability, with the help of her tutor, Anne Sullivan, to excel despite deafness and blindness, such that she not only graduated magna cum laude from Radcliffe, but went on to publish a number of important texts on social issues. What’s less known is her efforts on behalf of the underprivileged and the rights of women. Read on as we explore the lesser known story of Helen Keller’s life. 

Sally Ride is both the youngest woman to enter space, as well as the first American woman to enter space. After her career in aeronautics, she started the organization Sally Ride Science to encourage like-minded girls and young women to pursue their interest in math and science.

Amelia Earhart is widely regarded to be one of the most famous pilots in history. Not only did she break a number of records in her career as an aviator, but she sought to diffuse social stigmas about appropriate career paths for women.

Nobel Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison has earned fame and acclaim through her published works on black experience, notably female black experience, within the black community. Among her best-known novels are The Bluest Eye and Beloved.

Amid blatant sexism and regular denigration of her contributions to science, Marie Curie made history in her discovery of not one, but two elements, polonium and radium. She was also the first woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize, and remains the only woman in history to hold two Nobel Prizes.

If you’re like many people, the phrase “soul food” can’t help but conjure up mental images of some truly glorious dishes. You picture crispy fried chicken, earthy greens seasoned with salt pork, golden cornbread, and other comforting dishes.
 

 
Noor Inayat Khan, codenamed “Madeleine,” served in the WWII resistance network Prosper, as a British spy. Though she was later captured and executed in a concentration camp, she earned recognition for her efforts and bravery in the face of the Nazis.

Malala Yousafzai is a young activist who campaigns loudly and effectively for the right of women to earn an education. Unperturbed by an assassination attempt on her life by the Taliban, the now 20 year old young woman speaks around the world on behalf of subjugated women and girls. 

Political pioneer and staunch conservative, Thatcher’s divisive political policies continue to elicit heated debates, even after her death. While some see her as having saved Britain from economic decline, others believe she destroyed the livelihoods of millions of workers. Read on as we aim to understand more fully her life, both professionally and politically.

Ratified on August 18, 1920, the 19^th Amendment to the United States Constitution granted American women the right to vote. Needless to say, it was a major victory for a movement that struggled to gain success for so long.
 

Betty Friedan is most known for her book, The Feminine Mystique, which explores the idea of women finding fulfillment outside the home. However, she also had a profound impact on women’s rights, working in favor of extending them in a variety of areas.
 

What motivates you to write?
I love to read a variety of books – history, mysteries, Civil War diaries, cookbooks to “lose” myself in other settings. Writing has given me an outlet to express myself as well as a way to hold on to memories. I’ve done travel writing through the years which has given me an avenue to learn about other areas. 

Billie Jean King can rightfully be described as a visionary and innovator, as well as an indisputable tennis champion. Though she is best-known for her prowess on the tennis court, she also actively campaigns on behalf of the LGBT community. 

One of first questions I received after the book came out was, “I know you are busy, did you write this book because you were afraid someone else would?”  My answer without thinking was, “No, I wrote this book because I was afraid no one else would.” 

Gloria Steinem is widely recognized as one of the great feminists of our time. Working alongside other prominent feminists, such as Bella Abzug and Betty Friedan, she is credited as an acclaimed trailblazer for women’s rights, working both as an activist and a journalist, for the benefit of the cause.

There’s no doubt that college basketball is exciting to watch. Whether it’s the pride that washes over you when your alma mater scores a point or the adrenaline rush during the final seconds of a particularly intense game, it’s all part of what keeps you coming back year after year.

Simone de Beauvoir is largely lauded for her radical book, Le Deuxième Sexe 2 vol., or in English, The Second Sex. However, her lifelong relationship with philosopher Jean Paul Sartre is tied to her biography with nearly equal acclaim, as it too was radical for the time during which they lived.

Texas is a different kind of place. It was born out of its own revolution that in many ways parallels the American Revolution. Texas heroes like Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and William B. Travis have their names plastered on schools, public buildings and highways in the same way Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin celebrated throughout the US. This unique heritage for Texas resulted in the formation of a particular mind-set for Texans that some call swagger. A Texas truism says to never ask a stranger if he’s from Texas. If he is he’ll tell you, if he isn’t you don’t want to embarrass him.
 

It’s almost that time of year again. The vernal equinox approaches, so spring is almost here. It’s not just time to start enjoying warmer weather and spring flowers. This year, March 20^th will also be an opportunity to celebrate the original Earth Day.

Today’s notable woman in history is Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. While her story is a marked deviation from previous tales of suffragettes and activists, Chanel’s role in the evolution of women’s fashion, and ultimately women’s lives, cannot be discounted. Globally, fashion continues to be a multi-billion dollar industry, and though her meager start began just over a hundred years ago, her impact on the industry and women’s fashion endures.

Last July, Carla Hayden received official confirmation as the 14th United States Librarian of Congress. This happened following an April confirmation hearing that she passed with flying colors. The United States Senate authenticated her approval with a 74-18 vote. In other words, almost everyone believed that she was the right for this position.

Anyone who has purchased or applied a beauty product to their face within the last 90 years, be it moisturizer, sun block, exfoliant, blush, lipstick and the like, chances are, you’ve got Max Factor to thank for it. 

While we’ve already discussed 2 notable American women who fought for woman suffrage (Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Susan B. Anthony), we wanted to take some time to share the story of British suffragette, Emmeline Pankhurst. Pankhurst is best-known for her militant campaigning strategy. Though opinions may differ on whether this was the best strategy, in the end, it worked. Let’s take an inside look at her life and the road to woman suffrage in Britain!

  Baseball in Montgomery has been a long time coming. I found the Montgomery history more difficult to obtain than that of other southern cities. Montgomery’s history was complicated by having played in seven different professional baseball leagues, using thirteen different team names; and spending forty-one years of its baseball timeline of 125 years without any professional baseball. What kind of history could come from such a fragmented past? Fortunately for me I quickly unearthed several long forgotten stories that would give me the enthusiasm to see this project to completion. Montgomery baseball has five unique and very interesting stories in its baseball history.

Susan B. Anthony was born on February 15, 1820 and raised in a Quaker household. After the failure of her father’s business in the 1830’s, her family’s farm became a meeting place for members of the abolitionist movement and she developed from an early age a strong moral code.  Famous abolitionists such as Frederick Douglass were known to visit the home.

While writing the book, ‘Spanish Missions of Texas,’ I was struck by two facts that are seemingly incongruous but are, in reality, completely and inexorably connected. 

Elizabeth Cady Stanton is highly-regarded for her part in the fight for woman’s suffrage. She is also known for working closely with Susan B. Anthony for a number of years. Let’s explore some other parts of her life that may be lesser known. 

What motivates you to write?
My primary the site motivation for writing is meeting all the people, their individual stories and connection to the story and, of course, the education. This included all the traveling and meeting the various sources as the story becomes a “living” book of information and knowledge. My motto for this project was/is, “never stop learning.”

Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer who dedicated her life’s work to advancing the rights of women. Born in 1759 to an abusive father who made several failed business ventures, Mary left home at the age of 21, following the unsettling death of her mother. 

​In the 1850s, pioneers of the westward expansion settled in the Great Plains. Kansas Territory would soon become the battleground to a pre-Civil War over the issue of slavery. Bloodshed was impetuous and criminals were plentiful. Bushwhackers, horse thieves, and murderers were typically restrained by armed guards in military encampments; if they weren’t strung up by a lynch mob first. In Leavenworth and other early townships, wooden structures made of hand hewn logs became the first jails in the state.
 

What do you call the greatest center fielder of all time? How about Spoke. Tris Speaker is without a doubt the greatest center fielder to ever play baseball. Almost a century after he hung up his spikes, he still owns several major league records. While his skills with a bat and glove are legendary, I think it was his character that made him a great man. And it is why those who knew him the best simply called him Spoke.

When it comes to history, the accomplishments and contributions of important men dominate most texts and courses. Many female leaders, heroes, and contributors have also made meaningful contributions throughout history.

​Cleopatra may be best-known for her immense beauty and powers of seduction, but there’s far more to her story. However, it is prudent to note that there lies some doubt as to the precise details of her biography, as no contemporary accounts of her life exist. Much of what is known about her is the result of the work of Greco-Roman scholars, particularly Plutarch.

Queen Elizabeth I has a story many are familiar with, no doubt due in great part to the actions of her infamous father, King Henry VIII of England. Her mother, Anne Boleyn is known for being beheaded by her then husband, King Henry, on questionable charges of adultery and conspiracy. 

History and true crime, is there a better topic to write about? Is there a better topic to read about? As a historian and a true crime buff, I doubt it. But then again, I am drawn to historical crime… and punishment, punishment that was much more severe than that handed out today. Cold blooded killers like Bonnie and Clyde and Baby Face Nelson never got their day in court, they were gunned down in the streets by officers of the law years before the words Miranda Rights would mean anything. This was during the great depression, a different world. There was no middle ground, the law was less compassionate. Hardened criminals such as Bonnie, Clyde and Baby Face, lived by the gun and died by the gun. No questions asked.
 

According to data gathered from the 2010 Census, a post from the U.S. Census Bureau last December shares the top 10 most common surnames in the U.S. by race and Hispanic origin. This post also included a link comparing the most popular surnames of 2010 against the 2000 and 1990 censuses. Although the top 3 names haven’t changed in the last 30 years, the others start trading places a bit. Read on as we explore the top 10 most popular surnames in the U.S. and their meaning.

Manufacturing has been an important part of the American economy since the late 1800s.  Throughout the Southeast textile mills were established to create jobs for local workers and to keep investments in the community.  Places that were once dominated by an agrarian economy transformed into industrial powerhouses that brought changes to the community and local workers.  People across the country left farms and small towns to work in vastly different industrial environments for a steady paycheck year round.

 The practice of Hoodoo, a set of folk practices incorporating magic, spirituality and healing has a distinct heritage in the Memphis and Mid-South region. For hundreds of years the use of roots, herbs and charms have been a fixture in the Bluff City. It’s earliest presence seen in the late 1800s as Africans who were taken as slaves were taken from their homeland and relocated throughout the Mississippi Delta. After years of struggling to survive amidst racial violence and segregation the culture of hoodoo has managed to maintain a presence in Memphis.

 North Carolina is known for such famous people as Ava Gardner, Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Michael Jordan, Thomas Wolfe, Andy Griffith, Billy Graham,  Ric Flair and Dean Smith and such things as tobacco, furniture, bar-b-cue, NASCAR, basketball,  Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Pepsi Cola and last but not least moonshine. Why is gritty moonshine included in this list of famous North Carolina people, places and activities?

This Saturday, February 26, 2017 marks the 89th year of the tradition of the Academy Awards. The event is presented by the Academy of the Motion Picture Arts & Sciences where the best films of 2016 will be honored. The ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. 

One of my earliest remembrances as a child was when my father would take me from Philadelphia to New York City to see the Yankees play.  And while seeing Mickey Mantle play was impressive, equally impressive was the means we used to get there - travel on the Pennsylvania Railroad.  The first time I ever saw the famous Pennsy GG-1 pulling into a station left an impression of awe that is still with me today.

​The President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, delivered his inaugural address from the steps of the Alabama State Capitol Building on February 18, 1861. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his Address at the Conclusion of the Selma to Montgomery March on March 25, 1965 from the very same steps. Both spoke with the passion of their times, as leaders of their national conflicts from the Alabama Capitol Building steps almost 100 years apart. One might consider this juxtaposition of opposites as a theme of the Civil Heritage Trail in Montgomery, Alabama. It is thought provoking, to say the least, that two of the most transformative movements in American history began in a relatively small town in Central Alabama.

Some things we just don’t talk about.
In Coweta County, Georgia, the Atlanta suburb where I live, items that fall under this category might include slavery, segregation, the Textile Strike of 1934, and most assuredly the public spectacle lynching of Sam Hose that occurred just north of the town of Newnan, our county seat, on April 23, 1899.

Sarah Grimke (1792-1873) and Angelina Grimke Weld (1805-1879) were two sisters born 13 years apart who shared the deep-seated belief that slavery was not a condition which any human should have to abide. In their fight to end slavery, they came to be strong believers in the importance of equality between men and women, thus becoming prominent speakers for women’s rights as well. Read on as we delve into the lives of two women who were early and prominent activists for abolition and women’s rights.

With so many electronic devices these days, it can be difficult to truly connect to one another.  So many people put down their smartphones, turn off their TVs and computers, and then say, “Now what?”  Here are some fun ideas for ways to connect with your family -- children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews -- and friends.

Ready to plan your next getaway?  Why not cross something off your bucket list?  Here are five absolutely amazing destinations that should be on any traveler’s bucket list.

Earlier this week, a leak reported that Nokia plans to unveil an old favorite, 17 years old to be precise, the Nokia “brick phone.” While it’s reasonable to suppose that this is just an affordable option for those that want the convenience of a simple, portable phone, without the high price tag and breakability, we wondered, is this in fact a nod to the rising popularity of other vintage devices? Read on as we explore this trend.

The Oroville Dam, located on the Feather River in California, is the largest dam in the United States. It is also the tallest, towering over the Hoover dam by a considerable 40 feet, and one of the highest in the world. Unlike the Hoover dam however, it is an earthfill dam, as opposed to concrete construction. Like many other dams across the United States, construction began in the early sixties and it was finally ready for use in 1968.
 

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ve put together the procrastinator’s guide to planning the perfect vacation for your sweetheart. This is the ultimate guide on where to play and where to stay this Valentine’s Day. We’ve rounded up 7 romantic destinations across the country that offer not only beautiful views, but fun things to do, to help you plan an unforgettable Valentine’s Weekend Getaway.
 

Now that the holidays are long over with, it only makes sense that we’re all looking for ways to survive the bleakest, coldest months of the year. That means staying engaged, productive, and entertained even though bad weather and prohibitively chilly temps may keep us inside.

Don't want to deal with making reservations and packed restaurants this Valentine's Day? Cozy up at home with your sweetheart and a home-cooked meal. Here we've compiled 10 fun, easy, and delicious meals to enjoy. 

When you picture the art and culture associated with New Orleans, the sight and sound of the city’s signature brass bands probably tops the list, and with good reason. After all, true New Orleans natives never pass up an opportunity to have a parade, which is never complete without a brass band. Brass bands are an important part of events like jazz funerals, city festivals, and more.

If you spend enough time getting to know a city, you’ll notice official and unofficial monuments of its history. On rare occasions, you might catch sight of grown men in crisp white and sky-blue uniforms kicking up clouds of dust at the diamond on 4th Street and Evergreen Avenue. This is part of the lesser known piece of Los Angeles history captured in “Mexican American Baseball in East Los Angeles.” The book’s photos and stories are drawn from the Latino Baseball History Project archive, permanently housed in the CSU San Bernardino library. This book is part of a series by Arcadia Publishing that enables authors to turn personal snapshots, historical photos and archive materials into paperback books with a regional emphasis.

Millions of people all across America consider Mardi Gras to be cause for celebration, but no place does Mardi Gras quite like New Orleans. The Big Easy is home to some of the most astonishing, famous public festivities every single year. It’s also considered the place to come celebrate, drawing tourists and adventurous spirits from all over the world.

It goes almost without saying that Mardi Gras is a major event if you live in New Orleans. People will pass out beautiful colored beads and soak up the unforgettable atmosphere that will permeate the city on February 28^th this year. They’ll also gather to enjoy an overabundance of food and drink one last time before Lent begins the following day.

For many, President’s Day is simply a reason to enjoy a long weekend away from the office. For others, it’s a day to hit the mall and check out all the specials their favorite department stores are running. In reality, it should be a day to honor those that have led our country over the past 200+ years, especially George Washington, as President’s Day is the federal celebration of his birthday.

If you’re the sort of person who has absolutely had enough of winter, cold, and snow by the time February rolls around, you probably also hope the famous Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow on February 2^nd. According to folklore, a cloudy Groundhog Day on which the groundhog can’t see his shadow after coming out of hibernation signifies spring weather that will arrive before the equinox. A shadow, on the other hand, means six more weeks of winter.

When you think of Martin Luther King, what are the first things that spring to mind? If you’re like most, you think of someone who made the world a better place, not just for people of color but for all people. You picture someone whose very name is synonymous with concepts like courage, justice, and love. Of course, you think of that incredible “I Have a Dream” speech and everything that it stood for and still does stand for today.

People all over the world commemorate the start of the New Year by cooking, eating, and sharing foods considered to be lucky in their culture. American southerners dine on collard greens and black-eyed peas because of their resemblance to money. Germans love pork sausage and sauerkraut, while Swedes enjoy large smorgasbords filled with various seafood options.

Helping the poor is something many of us consider important, and it’s something we could all contribute more. However, learning about poverty, who it effects, and how you can help is one thing. Actually raising enough awareness to inspire other people to get involved is quite another.

This January will find millions of Americans looking to get 2017 off to the best possible start in a number of different ways. January is a great month to sign up for a gym membership and work on getting in better shape. It’s a good time to become more generous and start giving to charity more often.

Personalized customer service is a big part of why people choose local or independently run businesses in the first place. They like the feeling of having a warm, close relationship with the people they count on for goods and services.

As we say good-bye to the old year and prepare to welcome whatever the new one brings our way, it only makes sense to want to mark the transition in some way. Some of us do that by throwing a party or making a list of New Year’s resolutions for the year to come. However, it’s important to understand that these aren’t the only ways to ring in the New Year with style.

If you’re like most people, Christmas was probably the pinnacle of your entire year when you were a kid. Everything, from your family’s Christmas tree to the much-anticipated presents on Christmas morning, was nothing short of magic. However, as time rolls on and adulthood sets in, the holiday season can lose some of that sparkle you remember.

The holiday season can mean many things to many people. However, when you’re a family person, it’s about spending plenty of quality time with loved ones of all ages. Sitting down together to enjoy your favorite holiday TV specials all over again is, of course, a must.

For millions of Americans, the holiday season isn’t just about roast turkey, Christmas trees, and piles of presents. It’s also still very much a religious affair. For those people, the holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without staples like holiday devotions, seasonal scripture readings, or midnight mass.

Exactly eighteen out of fifty states have a Greene or Greenville County and there are twenty-three cities with some form of Greene in their name. Yet not many know where the name of their place of residence comes from. Nathanael Greene can certainly be called one of America’s forgotten generals because he is not widely known despite his vast contributions as one of our first military masterminds. My book, Nathanael Greene in South Carolina: Hero of the American Revolution, is about Greene’s unlikely rise to power, his military successes in South Carolina, and ultimate act of freeing Charleston from British occupation.

Few people realize the important role ten houses of refuge, built by the U. S. Life-Saving Service between 1876 and 1886, played in the development of Florida. Although Arcadia Publishers insisted that the name “Florida’s Houses of Refuge” would be misleading to modern day readers, opting for the name U. S. Life-Saving Service—Florida’s East Coast, the facilities were indeed called houses of refuge. They were unique to Florida. The population of the east coast of Florida was so sparse there were not men available to form a crew for sea rescue. Fortunately, because of the gentle slope of the beach and the near-shore location of reefs, shipwreck survivors usually could manage to reach the beach. However, they still faced death from exposure and starvation.

When it comes to ideal gifts capable of pleasing even the toughest people on your list, you really can’t beat a book, and with good reason. Books can accomplish anything. They can spirit you away to another time and place. They can thrill you, enlighten you, frighten you, or delight you. Best of all, books allow us a golden opportunity to learn new things or see familiar things from intriguing new angles.

If the history buff in your life is like most enthusiasts, they’ve spent hours of their time devouring generalized history texts about their favorite events, topics, and areas of interest. However, books like those rarely tell the reader the whole story. That’s where the right regional history books come in.

If you’re American, your idea of a traditional Christmas dinner very likely revolves around turkey or ham with all the trimmings. You may know of other households that roast a leg of lamb, a goose, or a prime rib as well, but have you ever wondered what families around the world prepare for Christmas dinner?

Thanks to author of 'Organized Crime in Miami', Avi Bash for this post!
​When reviewing the history of pop culture in the United States, one constant - presumably among many - is the American public’s strange fascination with mobsters and organized crime. What is it about an American subculture - a secret society built on a code of silence and secrecy – that captures America’s attention and become such a ubiquitous aspect of pop culture?

Author Jeri Magg kindly submitted this blog post regarding her new book.

Writing my new book, “Remarkable Women of Sanibel and Captiva,” was a labor of love. Having lived on Sanibel for the past thirty-six years, I was fortunate to have met, or interviewed, some of these women. As a history buff, I am delighted to be part of the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village for the last seventeen years. That’s where I got the idea to write this book and my previous one, “Historic Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Tales of Paradise.”

Paula Webb, author of Mobile Under Siege: Surviving the Union Blockade has kindly shared with us the inspiration for her most recent book.

Author Roger McCormick shares with us about Patrick Air Force Base in Florida.

Erika Thomas writes for the lifestyle publications Southern California Life, Los Angeles Confidential, Chevrolet New Roads and others. A former actress and voiceover artist, Erika made the rounds at Paramount, Warner Bros. and the Culver Studios (her drive-on pass often taking her through the Ince Gate), where she was always more interested in the history of the famed structures than she was in booking the acting job itself... 

The Thanksgiving turkey pardon has a lengthy and disputed history. A humorous and yes, slightly macabre, thanksgiving tradition, each president has added their own respective touches. From the political concerns of President Truman’s turkeys to the family involvement of President Obama’s pardoning, the Thanksgiving turkey pardon has become a mainstay of the fall holiday season. Here are 5 little known facts about Thanksgiving turkeys and the presidents who pardon them.

Today is National Homemade Bread Day and we felt the best way to celebrate was to share a few savoury Southern bread recipes with you. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, you might find the perfect addition to your holiday table. These recipes come from our new book, Southern Breads: Recipes, Stories and Traditions (available early December).

The ultimate day of holiday shopping for many Americans, Black Friday usually involves huge crowds, long lines, and chaotic malls. Dedicated shoppers queue up in droves for deep discounts on the latest electronics and must-have holiday gifts. Falling just one day after America’s “other” November holiday, Thanksgiving, Black Friday involves little in the way of good food and family tradition. So why is Black Friday always the day after Thanksgiving? How did Black Friday get its name? What are the origins of this day of holiday madness? How might changing shopping habits affect the classic shopping holiday?

Joseph R. Haynes, author of our newly released title Virginia Barbecue: A History, is a native Virginian and award-winning barbecue cook. A lifetime student of barbecue, Haynes is a certified master barbecue judge and travels the state giving numerous lectures, appearing in media, consulting with organizations and attending festivals promoting Virginia's Barbecue heritage.

If you’re like a lot of people, when you think of a holiday like Thanksgiving, you picture something timeless – something that’s always been exactly the way it is now. However, you’d also be wrong. Thanksgiving has been around almost 400 years at this point. It only stands to reason that it’s undergone more than a few changes over that span of time.

If you didn’t quite manage to visit all the national parks you wanted to see this year before summer came to an end, we have excellent news for you. Fall is actually one of the best times of year to see these iconic places in all their glory. Not only is the oppressive summer heat a thing of the past for now, but this is the ideal time to see the foliage of fall at its very best.

Now that fall’s finally here, we’re finally able to get excited about celebrating all that comes with it. We’re saying goodbye to the long dog days of summer and hello to cooler temperatures, crisp breezes, and beautiful fall foliage. We’re more than ready to celebrate the fantastic bounty that comes along with every new fall as well

When it comes to the holidays, nothing gets you into the spirit quite like the right holiday-themed viewing. This is just as much the case with Thanksgiving as it is Halloween or Christmas, so it’s no surprise that people look forward to watching their favorite Thanksgiving-themed TV specials all over again as a way to get ready for turkey day.

If you’re a vegetarian, then it only stands to reason that the holidays can present a bit of a challenge. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being the only vegetarian at a Thanksgiving dinner, then you know exactly what we mean. Many hosts don’t think to go out of their way to accommodate vegetarian guests. Others simply assume that the vegetarians at the table can simply nosh on the side dishes. (“You don’t mind that there’s chicken broth in the mashed potatoes, right?”)

America has been celebrating Thanksgiving for a really long time – almost 400 years, to be exact. However, we’ve hardly been celebrating it the exact same way over all that time. The Pilgrims of Plymouth celebrated by putting aside differences with the indigenous people of the regions and partaking in the bounty of their first successful harvest together. Many aspects of this first celebration have remained firmly in place – like the mouthwateringly decadent dinners that are near universal – but a lot has changed over the years as well.

When it comes to American cities that are notorious for being haunted, there are a number of options that tend to make the cut pretty consistently. However, New Orleans is widely considered to be the most haunted of them all and is often the first place people think of when looking to visit a place in search of ghosts, the supernatural, or the paranormal.

Do much traveling over the course of your lifetime, and you’ll surely notice cities have a lot in common with people. Each has its own unique personality and vibe. Each has its own set of values, quirks, and concepts it holds dear. San Francisco is the place to be if you’re into culture and the inner workings of brilliant minds. Miami is a wonder if you’re into color, flavor, and lively nightlife. New York is an eclectic mix of just about everything people like about city life.

If you’re planning a visit to the Raleigh area in the near future, then you should be congratulated on an excellent decision. Not only is the “City of Oaks” the capital of North Carolina, but it’s perfectly located when it comes to just about any activity you might want to enjoy when you’re in town. Whether you’re into food or shopping, garden walks or sports, art galleries or historical sites, Raleigh has something to offer you guaranteed.

If you’re a dyed in the wool film buff, then it’s probably safe to say you wouldn’t consider Halloween complete without a horror movie marathon or two. However, horror movie marathon beats a nostalgic one, and no decade saw the release of more truly chilling films than the 1990s. Here we’ll take a closer look at the scariest movies of the 90s – the movies that had us biting our nails and sleeping with the lights on for months. Did your favorites make the cut?

Not every museum is all about fine art, antiquities, and skeletal dinosaurs. The experience of going to a museum can potentially introduce you to a number of other fascinating things as well, up to and including some of humanity’s weirder, more macabre discoveries. The Mutter Museum of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is just such a place.

If you’re planning a vacation this Halloween and think a little amateur ghost hunting would be a great way to celebrate the season, you’re in excellent company. According to a 2013 Harris poll, roughly 42% of all Americans believe in ghosts. Many even believe they’ve seen a ghost or otherwise had a paranormal experience.

If you’re an avid paranormal enthusiast in search of your next haunted travel location, then you absolutely can’t beat New Orleans. Not only is it considered one of America’s most heavily haunted locations, but it’s home to some truly historic sites as well. The very famous St. Louis Cemetery is both, so no trip made to New Orleans in the hopes of spotting a ghost or two would be complete without a visit.

Halloween is more than just a night for fun activities like trick-or-treating, scary movie marathons, or epic parties. When you take a closer look at the costumes that are most popular each year, Halloween as a concept is also something of a time capsule. To know what people most wanted to be that year is to know which pop culture phenomena, characters, and public figures really had our attention at the time.

Germany isn’t the only country that looks forward to Oktoberfest every year. It’s just as popular here in America, and it’s not hard to see why. To begin with, many Americans are of German descent themselves. Also, what red-blooded American doesn’t love a good reason to eat fantastic food, drink delicious brews of all kinds, and celebrate life in excellent company?

Traditions are so much more than just rituals that have been handed down from person to person over time. They’re a big part of what makes a given event authentic and unique. Our traditions aren’t just part of who we are, but a big part of how we express our collective identities to other people as well. 

That said, it’s not surprising that college football comes attached to numerous traditions of its own. Here we’ll take a closer look at some of the most beloved and unique college football traditions from all over the nation. 

 

September 15^th will mark the beginning of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month. That said, there’s no time like the present to further develop your appreciation of Hispanic culture. You can start by raising your own awareness of the contributions of Hispanic-Americans and immigrants in your own area, and then continue by reading up on the amazing lives of notable people of Hispanic descent and educating others in regards to what you’ve learned.

  Can any of us really picture America the Beautiful without also instantly picturing such majestic places as the Yosemite, Yellowstone, or the Grand Canyon? National parks have been part of ...

  It goes without saying that summer is the time of year to really sink your teeth into your favorite activities. This is especially the case if hiking is your activity of choice. Plenty of s...

  Ask people what they look forward to the most about summer, and each person will have a different answer for you: Day trips to the beach, pool parties, and trips to the theater to see the l...

  For some of us, 1996 might seem like a lifetime ago. For others, it feels like it was just yesterday. However, some things never change. Today, Americans from coast to coast are getting rea...

  Being an avid reader comes alongside its own special set of challenges, to be sure, especially if you’re into non-fiction. When you read voraciously, it can be difficult to keep your readin...

When you think of American cities that are also must-see travel destinations, you instantly picture places like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, or Orlando. If you’re like many people, you probably don’t picture Detroit, and it’s easy to understand why. For many Americans, the name “Detroit” is synonymous with the concept of urban decay. Detroit is also the poster child when it comes to once wealthy cities that eventually fell victim to neglect and abandonment.

When I sat down to write Images of America: Central Florida’s World War II Veterans, I immediately realized I knew very little about World War II and that period of time — except that I love movies from the 1940s. I knew that with each passing day, we lose more and more of our World War II veterans, so I wanted to pay tribute to them by writing this book.

  Every 4th of July, we have a unique chance to not only celebrate the birthday of America as we know it, but to celebrate everything that makes American life worthwhile. Good food, good frie...

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of June 27, 2016.

  If you’re like most Americans, you picture certain time-honored traditions when you think of the 4th of July. Family gatherings, smiling faces, backyard barbecues, fireworks, and maybe even...

  “I think there are only three things that America will be known for 2,000 years from now when they study this civilization: the Constitution, jazz music and baseball. They're the three most...

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of June 6, 2016.

American history is nothing if not filled with influential people. However, it’s important to realize that the honor of having been labeled an influential person is by no means limited to military leaders or presidents. American history is also filled with visionaries and writers, activists and entrepreneurs. It’s one thing to deem a given historical figure influential. It’s another to define what it means to be influential. What makes a given person worthy of a spot on a Top 100 list? Is it really possible for one person on such a list to matter more than another? How much do changing societal values affect who’s considered noteworthy and who is not?

  When most of us think back to our childhood school days, we can also remember at least a handful of kids who thought history class was a drag. To them, history just seemed like a jumble of ...

When Bill McComas and I began considering whether to write a book for Arcadia Press about the Scopes Trial, we were somewhat skeptical. Why another book about the trial?

William E. “Bill” Boeing (1881-1956) dropped out of Yale after his third year in 1903 because he sensed an opportunity to make money. Wilhelm Bӧing, an enterprising German immigrant, was a wealthy timber and mining barren who died of influenza at the age of 40 in 1890 leaving vast acreage of rain-drenched Western Washington coastal virgin timber to his only son, William.

When you’re looking for gifts, consider a book. With over 13,000 titles in print, we have something that’s sure to satisfy any interest.

When most people think of Nashville, they immediately think of music, and with good reason. Nashville is aptly nicknamed the Music City, thanks to the hundreds of successful artists it’s spawned o...

  The amount of engineering, time, and funding put into the racecars we know today is incredible. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is a multi-million dollar organiz...

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of June 6, 2016.

There are few things that personify the concept of personal independence quite like a car ride. Nothing compares to the sensation of the sun on your skin and the sight of the open road stretching out ahead of you. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want, with a car at your disposal. No wonder the average American remembers the day he got his first driver’s license as the best day of his life!

If you’re a parent, then you probably don’t need to be told why it’s important to be involved when it comes to your child’s education. Children with parents that consider involvement important grow up to be better adjusted and more self-aware. They tend to have better relationships with not only their parents, but other people as well.

Here in the 21^st century, we as humans certainly have access to some truly amazing ways to get ourselves from Point A to Point B. We can fly through the air like birds, thanks to airplanes. We can delight in the incomparable independence and freedom an automobile gives us. However, travel by rail remains a much loved way to travel, and with good reason.

A given person may or may not be into sports. You’ll have people who love to read lengthy novels and people who would rather stick to movies instead. However, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone from any culture who doesn’t like some form of music, and it’s not hard to see why. Music is the closest thing we have to a universal language. It can speak to anyone or be made to say just about anything. Music is one of the only activities that engages almost every part of the human brain.

America is filled with beautiful locations that definitely warrant a second look sooner or later. The beautiful Phoenix, Arizona is one of them. Located at the northernmost point of the Sonoran Desert, Phoenix is about a whole lot more than pottery, cacti, and tumbleweeds. It’s also one of the nation’s most swiftly growing urban locations. To date, it’s home to 22 different communities, as well as to multiple opportunities for people from all walks of life.

When a ghost sighting is on your bucket list, frequenting places with heightened paranormal activity is the best way to fulfill your dream. Not all places promoting hauntings are legitimate, but there are many locations with well-documented narratives and eyewitness reports chronicling bonafide otherworldly manifestations.

The Charleston & Hamburg was the first train to provide regular service to passengers when it opened its doors in Charleston, South Carolina, on Christmas Day 1830. It would ultimately carry people and goods from the Lowcountry to what is now north Augusta. Read an excerpt from The Charleston & Hamburg: A South Carolina Railroad & an American Legacy. 

If you really can’t picture your summer without at least one trip to Las Vegas, you’re in excellent company. Las Vegas is truly the type of city that has a little something to offer everyone. Whether you’re into winning big at the blackjack table, indulging in five-star restaurant experiences, or taking in some of the best entertainment available anywhere, Vegas has exactly what you’re in the mood for.

No study of American history can be considered complete without a thorough exploration of African-American studies. Exploring the contributions of African-Americans throughout the ages is the best way to really get acquainted with the magnitude of their contributions as a social group. America’s black citizens have been teachers, writers, builders, activists, and leaders, among many other things.

There are so many obvious treasures in the Columbia River Gorge region of Oregon and Washington: the wonderful Columbia River and the many adjoining creeks and waterfalls; hiking trails along moss-covered rocky cliffs; the fresh snow that clings wetly to the distant trees; coyotes yodeling wildly in the evening. Yet there is something else unique to the Columbia River Gorge, and a lot of people miss it: the links to the history all around. 

If you’re an avid history and culture reader, then you’re already very familiar with the way books on your favorite topics can open your world right up. They allow you to hear and appreciate the voices of people who have lived all sorts of lives all over the world. They help you forge a connection between the world you know personally and the world as other people know it.

The numerical designation for the famous Chicago-to-Los Angeles highway was given on April 30th 1926, making it 90 years old! We think it’s only fitting to celebrate the start of the iconic route’s name with the history of the beginning of the route itself, Chicago! Read all about it in this excerpt from Route 66 Encyclopedia.

Ghost Towns of Route 66 talks all about the abandoned communities along the famed highway. Did you know that Route 66 once took a different route? Here’s the history of the realignment.

Whether you’re a long-time California native or simply someone that dreams of having a chance to travel to the Golden State on vacation one day, one thing’s for certain. California is incredibly easy to love. Beautiful beaches, perfect weather, fantastic wine, and cuisine that strikes the perfect balance between healthy and delicious. Definitely a winning combination if there ever was one!

We love independent bookstores! In support of National Independent Bookstore Day on April 30, we turned to two  of the History Press’s very own editors – Christen Thompson and Julia Turner – who recently became booksellers. They are the founders of Itinerant Literate Books, a pop-up bookshop and custom book event designer with plans to expand into a bookmobile here in Charleston, South Carolina. 

We love farm to table. You know what we’re talking about - the excitement that starts bubbling up in February in anticipation of spring’s arrival and the freshest local fruits and vegetables. And not to mention the creative dishes that come from local, in-season produce.

Summertime means county fairs with the requisite rides, games of chance, fried foods, celebrity performances, and family and friends get-togethers. When it comes to country fairs, the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is consistently among the top in the nation. Like everything in America’s Finest City, it’s just a cut above the rest. The creative team behind each year’s extravaganza makes sure that it’s more than a traditional fair; it’s a one-of-a-kind magical experience.

Once you’ve tried a home-grown carrot, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought.Jacqueline Soule, author of Southwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, gives you a sort of call-to-arms for the garden.

If you’re wavering on whether or not to install a chicken coop and some clucking critters in your backyard, check out the list below. You might be able to convince yourself (and your loved ones) with these reasons, compiled by author Christine Heinrichs from her book, How to Raise Chickens.

Want to save a little grocery  money and have a great activity to share with your kids (or anyone else) this summer? Katie Elzer-Peters, author of Midwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening, says that you should consider planting peas.

Missouri has the Gateway Arch, which is the largest arch in the world; the Ozark Mountains; and the Missouri River, the longest river in North America. It is the second largest cave state in the United States. With more than 6,000 recorded caves, it borders more than eight states, and is known as the Show Me State. Writers Mark Twain, Maya Angelou, and Langston Hughes; actor Brad Pitt; and rapper Nelly, among other notable celebrities, all hail from this great state. Missouri has both mid-western charm and southern neighbors, and, to top it all off, it’s one of the most haunted states in the country.

  Santa Fe, New Mexico is surrounded by the Sangre De Cristo and Jemez mountain ranges. For generations the area has been considered a sacred place for healing, reflection, and transformation...

If you’re absolutely in love with the experience of reading and learning, then it only stands to reason that you’ve read your share of non-fiction books over the years. It’s not hard to see why, either. Non-fiction literature on topics like history, culture, and people are so much more than just collections of information. They’re also part of our collective story as human beings.

This summer, book one of Amtrak’s four most scenic train rides in America. Ride through the Columbia River Gorge in the Cascade Mountains and enjoy an epic summer experience you won’t soon forget.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of April 11, 2016.

As a tourist attraction, Olvera Street has its roots in the late 1920s, when Christine Sterling began a fundraising quest to save Avila Adobe. The oldest standing residence in Los Angeles had been slated for demolition. Her dream expanded to include all of Olvera Street, hoping to restore it to its original Mexican and Spanish heritage. Many of the original buildings were saved in the process, and craftspeople and artists opened businesses along the street, creating a place for visitors to learn about the early history of Los Angeles.

Jayme Lynn Blaschke's book Inside the Texas Chicken Ranch: The Definitive Account of the Best Little Whorehouse will be published by The History Press on August 1. As we count down the days until publication, Jayme has been writing about his journey as an author on his blog Chicken Ranch Giberish. Below is his latest post.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of April 4, 2016.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of March 28, 2016.

Harvey Girls: Much More Than a Pretty Face by Rosa Walston Latimer, author of Harvey Houses of Texas; Harvey Houses of New Mexico and Harvey Houses of Kansas.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of March 21, 2016.

Muffled Voices Heard from Forgotten Closets by Steven Branting, author of Wicked Lewiston: A Sinful Century

Women’s History Month is a reminder of the potential in every girl, young woman, and lady to overcome adversity

During this Women’s History Month we devote this blog post to the patriotism of 180,000 women in the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps during World War II.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of March 14, 2016.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of March 7, 2016.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of February 29, 2016.

Published this month by The History Press, Clemson Tough: Guts and Glory Under Dabo Swinney takes readers deep inside the team's burgeoning renaissance. Enjoy these exclusive excerpts from the book!

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of February 22, 2016.

Abandoned Asylums of Massachusetts by Tammy Rebello and L.F. Blanchard

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of February 15, 2016.  

It’s February again and love is in the air. What better way to celebrate the season than with a good romantic comedy and a handful of books? To help you decide what to watch and what to read, we’ve gone ahead and paired together some of our favorite movies with some of our Arcadia and The History Press titles.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of February 8, 2016.  

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of February 1, 2016.  

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Iowa by Darcy Maulsby, author of Images of America: Calhoun County

Plains, GA: The Presidential Hometown by Robert Buccellato

After thousands of Coast Guard rescues, why does one particular mission still matter after sixty-four years?

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of January 25, 2016.  

Hudson: The Car That Started in a U of M Frat House by Alan Naldrett, author of Lost Car Companies of Detroit

The Man Who Killed Four Car Companies by Alan Naldrett, author of Lost Car Companies of Detroit

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of January 18, 2016. 

On Saturday, January 16, 2016, a historical marker memorializing the Slocum Massacre and honoring the acknowledged victims was unveiled in Anderson County, Texas.

Today we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born on January 15, 1929, King would be 87 today. We mark this day to remember his fight in the Civil Rights Movement for equality through nonviolence.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing in early January 2016. 

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, commonly called NORAD, has the round-the-clock mission of defending North America from an air attack. But, there is one mission that NORAD loves more than anything else to perform every year; tracking Santa Claus on Christmas Eve.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing in December 2015.  

This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values that guide their daily lives. And it all started in Philadelphia more than seven decades ago with a local radio series that became an international sensation.

Looking for a last minute gift? These recommendations from the staff of Arcadia Publishing and the History Press are sure to make an impression under your Christmas tree.

Congratulations to the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers, IN for winning our Dads Love Local contest! 

Toasty Hot Chocolate Recommendations

Thanksgiving Photo Gallery

With the holidays fast approaching, did you know you have a prime opportunity to preserve your family history, 10 minutes at a time? Darcy Dougherty Maulsby, author of Images of America: Calhoun County, gives us 5 tips on keeping our family history alive. 

Curious about the place that became District 12 from The Hunger Games? In honor of today's film release of Mockingjay part 2, learn about Henry River Mill Village in Burke County, NC.

 

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of November 23, 2015.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of November 16, 2015.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of November 9, 2015.

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of November 2, 2015.

Learn the proper way to shuck an oyster in this video with Kate Livie, author of Chesapeake Oysters.

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Chesapeake Oysters

Five Ways to Savor Oysters Like a Pro

Announcing the winner of our Halloween Story Contest - Nick Adigu-Burke!

An Interview with Kerriann Flanagan Brosky, judge for the Halloween story contest and author of Historic Haunts of Long Island: Ghosts and Legends from the Gold Coast to Montauk Point. 

An Interview with Janice Oberding, judge for the Halloween story contest and author of Haunted Lake Tahoe

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of October 26, 2015.

Crassostrea virginica, the eastern oyster. With careful research and interviews with experts, author Kate Livie presents a dynamic story of the eastern oyster and a glimpse of what the future may hold in Chesapeake Oysters: The Bay's Foundation and Future. 
 

Great Scott! After today, Back to the Future will be in the past. Put on your power-lace Nike shoes and travel back in time with a few of our favorite reads today. 

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of October 19, 2015.

Clair DeLune, author of South Carolina Blues, shares her list of a dozen (plus!) things you might not know about South Carolina blues. 

Check out new books from Arcadia Publishing and The History Press publishing the week of October 12, 2015.

 

Arcadia Publishing temporarily becomes the crunch capital of the world.

The author of Lost Miami explores the Top 5 Abandoned Places in Florida.

Author Andrew Bittner reflects on his fascination with Washington National Cathedral, which he turned decades later into his new book, Building Washington National Cathedral.

"DIXIE HIGHWAY TOUR OCTOBER 9," announced a Washington Herald article on September 28, 1915. This year will mark the one hundredth anniversary of the North-South roadway. Several Dixie Highway Association executives began the first official tour of the new highway on Chicago Day, a day of remembrance for the 1871 fire. They left from the Windy City and traveled south throughout October, with an arrival in Miami as the finale. 

In Philadelphia, an idea was born more than 60 years ago – to ask citizens from all walks of life to write about and share the values that guide their daily lives. The idea grew from one radio station in Philadelphia into the international phenomenon This I Believe radio series.

Pie has been a delectable centerpiece of Yankee tables since Europeans first landed on New England’s shores in the 17th century. With a satisfying variety of savory and sweet, author Robert Cox takes a bite out of the history of pie and pie-making in the region with New England Pie.
 

Welcome to our new home! We’re so excited to share with you the new home of Arcadia Publishing and The History Press!  

We here at Arcadia Publishing and The History Press love a good ghost story. From Revolutionary ghosts and Civil War specters to haunted towns and eerie cemeteries, we eagerly await the season of spooks and spirits each year! Writers young and not-so-young are invited to submit a spooky story based on legend or lore from your hometown. Winners get their choice of 10 books from the Haunted America series by The History Press.