On Monday, May 28 from 1-4 p.m. the Friends of the Historic Columbia Cemetery will be hosting their second annual History Comes Alive event to teach attendees about notable citizens buried in this historic cemetery. Seven different “famous” former residents of Columbia will be represented by various talented actors in period dress who will explain…
Continue reading "History Comes Alive: Odon Guitar & James L. Stephens" Adults
Books are often the first exposure children have to the broader world outside of their homes. I have spent much of the past few weeks thinking about these early reading experiences, especially as it relates to Black History Month, and I focused on two questions: How important are these early book choices, whether we are…
Continue reading "It’s Always a Good Time to Celebrate Black History" Kids
Each year the National Women’s History Project chooses a theme for Women’s History Month. This year’s theme is “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business.” Over the last century, women saw much change and progress in many areas of their lives, but especially in employment. As men went off to war and women pursued higher…
Continue reading "Literary Links: Women’s History in the Work World" Adults
In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m celebrating the growing genre of “Good for Her.” Good for Her stories have a female main character that fights against an unjust power or system. She often subverts the expected rules to obtain her justice and doesn’t feel bad about it. Good for Her stories present systemically…
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The Columbia City Cemetery is the oldest and longest running business in Columbia. Burials began as early as 1821. The original entrance to the cemetery was actually on the east side where Locust Street becomes the entrance of Lucky’s Market. You will notice that most of the stones face the east. It was much later…
Continue reading "History Comes Alive: Mary Paxton Keeley" Adults
The Friends of the Historic Columbia Cemetery will be hosting their second annual History Comes Alive event on Memorial Day, May 28 from 1-4 p.m. Seven different “well-knowns” who are buried in the cemetery will come alive in monologues given by local actors. Chris Campbell, executive director of the Boone County History and Culture Center…
Continue reading "History Comes Alive: R. B. Price and Richard Henry Jesse" Adults
I love reading about history, especially histories with unique perspectives! Traditional histories omit so much, and what we know has been carefully shaped by what schools usually teach and promote. The myths these texts create often overshadow the realities. “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” is a book that dispels many of the myths surrounding indigenous people, such as the…
Continue reading "Staff Book Review: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States" Adults
As a teen, I thought history was only about presidents, generals and Henry Ford. Perhaps that had something to do with the textbooks in use back in the day. I didn’t realize the biographies I loved to read — Amelia Earhart was a favorite — also counted as history. For more than thirty years, the National…
Continue reading "Women’s History Month: Women in Labor and Business" Adults
February is Black History Month! This is the time of year to talk to our children about the great civil rights leaders, musicians, athletes and politicians who fought for equality and justice for all people. As parents, educators and caregivers, we encourage our children to grow into tolerant, open-minded individuals, so this month I have…
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Happy Women’s History Month! Every March since 1988, Americans have celebrated Women’s History Month, honoring all the amazing contributions women have made throughout time. Personally, I’ve been celebrating women’s history every day since I was born! Here are a couple of my favorite new biographies celebrating outstanding women and their achievements: “Planting Stories: The Life…
Continue reading "Picture Book Biographies for Women’s History Month" Kids