Category Archives: American history

John B. Kendrick and the Teapot Dome Scandal: A Historical Perspective

100 years ago, on October 25, 1923, the U.S. Senate Committee on Public Lands published its first report on the Teapot Dome scandal. The scandal stands as one of the most notorious episodes of political corruption in American history. Centered … Continue reading

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“Oppenheimer” and the Wyoming Senator Who Defied the U.S. President

Christopher Nolan’s latest film Oppenheimer depicts the dramatic events that surrounded the development of the atomic bomb and its aftermath. One of the key episodes in the film is the confirmation hearings for Lewis Strauss, who was nominated by President … Continue reading

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Pieces of the Hindenburg: Treasure Hunting in Wyoming

While doing research in 2013 at the American Heritage Center for the National History Day competition, I came across an amazing discovery. Many History Day students strategically (and wisely) first pick a collection at the AHC and then base their … Continue reading

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James Watt: From Wyoming’s Landscapes to Political Stances, Faith as a Driving Force

James “Jim” Watt, the former Interior Secretary, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 85. While his tenure as Interior Secretary during the Reagan administration defined him, his career spanned various roles and contributions. Born and raised … Continue reading

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“What Did the President Know, and When Did He Know It?” – The Watergate Hearings of 1973

May 17, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the hearings of the Senate Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities. More commonly known as the Watergate hearings, the inquiry focused the attention of the American public on the activities … Continue reading

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The Fascinating Life of Nellie Bly

Elizabeth Cochrane was born in 1867 near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Little is known about her early life except that she grew up in a large family and was particularly independent minded. While still a teenager, she was offended by a Pittsburgh … Continue reading

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Resources in the Toppan Rare Book Library for Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated annually in February. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to Blacks living in the United States … Continue reading

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“I’m Sorry Mother, For This Lousy Letter…”: Viewpoints on the Vietnam War

January 27, 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, which signaled the end of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. It’s an especially appropriate time to remember the sentiments and experiences of those involved … Continue reading

Posted in American history, International relations, military history, Political history, Southeast Asia, Uncategorized, Vietnam War | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Infamous Day

On December 8th, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the Congress of the United States with the following declaration: “Yesterday, December 7th, 1941– a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately … Continue reading

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Celebrating 200 Years of Independence

July 4, 1976, marked the 200th anniversary of when the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. It is little known that on that original day of independence, only two people signed the document – John Hancock, president … Continue reading

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