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Literature for the Freed People
Roughly three years ago, a question began to consume me: What materials were written for Black American children during the Civil War and Reconstruction? It initially began as an extension of my family history…
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The Adventure of the Old Children’s Magazine
I realize that Christian children’s periodicals from the 19th century is not the most riveting topic of all time. But I have accidentally fallen down a deep and fascinating rabbit hole. Frequent readers will…
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Death and Dying in 19th Century Children’s Literature
In the 19th century, most families had a very different relationship to death than we do today. Children encountered death on a regular basis; it was impractical to conceal it from them. Death was…
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Battle Hymn of the Republic
I recently stumbled across some old sheet music for “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” and quickly realized that it is not the familiar tune. When Julia Ward Howe wrote the lyrics for this song,…
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AskHistorians Podcast Episode 227
My episode of the AskHistorians podcast is live! I discuss American history textbooks, Black history, and Reconstruction.
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The Case of the Mystery School – Solved!
After several months of searching, I have finally identified this school as the Colored Orphan Asylum in New York City! This may seem boring to you, but I am over the moon. Let us…
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The Freedman’s Journal
I have some exciting news: every issue of The Freedman’s Journal is now available online courtesy of Harvard University Library! The Freedman’s Journal was created by abolitionists to help educate formerly enslaved adults and…
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🎶 Nobody Knows 🎶
Earlier this year, I learned that the famous Black Spiritual “Nobody Knows” was printed in The Freedman and The Child at Home in April 1866. Both were monthly children’s periodicals published by the American…
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Three exciting chapbooks
These chapbooks might be my most thrilling find ever! First Lessons is one of the first materials created specifically to educate Black Americans. It was published by the American Tract Society in New York…
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Lost History Books 