As I reflect on the year 2024, I’m struck by how fortunate I’ve been over these last 12 months. In December 2023, I decided to commit more time to writing here and every second has been worth it. I’m truly grateful for your continued readership and belief in my public history work – this year marked 10 years since I started writing here.
Your engagement with the history I’ve shared has kept me here this past decade and, I hope you’ve witnessed my growth as both a writer and public historian in that time. It still feels like yesterday that I was a junior at Hood College, a history and communications major, with a passion for researching and writing about Pennsylvania – an interest that turned into a website that’s been a major part of my life ever since.
In reflecting, I’d be remiss if I did not thank you for supporting these efforts with your readership, comments, thoughts, emails, and in-person conversations at presentations, tours, and events. Thank you as well to all my friends and colleagues who I’ve worked with this year (many of whom you’ll see below).
I wanted to take some time to look back on the last year. Below, you’ll find reflections on blog posts, travels, experiences, and achievements.
Favorite Moments of 2024
- History Hike at Gettysburg with Rich Condon
Nothing beats walking in the footsteps of history. Hiking the Gettysburg battlefield with my friend Rich Condon, we traced the path of the 143rd Pennsylvania during their harrowing experience on July 1, 1863. We saw monuments, Civil War veterans’ graffiti, and spent some time exploring Gettysburg from a new perspective.
- Watching Jake Daubert Enter the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame
In November, I watched Coal Region native Jake Daubert be inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Daubert, a legendary first baseman of the “Dead Ball Era,” became National League MVP in 1913 and won the 1919 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in the infamous Black Sox Series against the Chicago White Sox.
- Experiencing a Dirt Race at Williams Grove Speedway
This legendary track in Cumberland County, with its thunderous engines and die-hard fans, offered an adrenaline-fueled look into Pennsylvania’s motorsport heritage. I had the opportunity to attend with my pal Codie Eash and brought Rich Condon to his first dirt race. It made for an unforgettable, dusty, dirty, loud night of fun in August.
Top Blog Posts of 2024
Over the years, certain pieces continue to stand out, even if some were written well before 2024. Here are a few reader favorites that continue to resonate:
- Harry Welsh Wounded: Band of Brothers
A stirring look at one of Pennsylvania’s own who became known as one of the “Band of Brothers.” This story looks at the wounding of Harry Welsh during the Battle of the Bulge and its portrayal in the HBO miniseries Band of the Brothers.
- Centralia as a Historic Site
A haunting and timeless piece about a town that’s literally still burning beneath the surface and how we could consider it moving forward. - In the Depths of a Coal Mine
Our region’s mining history can be dark both literally and figuratively – and this post about a story by a famous American author keeps readers on the edge of their seats. - Finding History in San Juan
A foray into the vibrant and complex past of Puerto Rico, proving that you can find Coal Region history far from Pennsylvania’s borders.
- The Hour of Doom – Molly Maguires
A chilling flashback to a major event in Coal Region history – the day that Pennsylvania carried out the largest mass execution in the state’s history.
Launching the Podcast: Public History with Jake and Justin
A major milestone this year was kicking off a brand-new podcast with my friend (and fellow public historian) Justin Voithofer.
We set out to pull back the curtain on what it means to be a public historian – highlighting the craft of public history from museums to national parks, to the movies. Our goal is to go behind-the-scenes to explore the people, places, and popular culture that shape how society consumes history.
Most Listened to Episode
Presentations in 2024
In 2024, I had the opportunity to speak on a number of occasions:
June 2024:
Civil War Hospital Walking Tour in Frederick, Maryland – Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College
Crossroads of Conflict: Frederick County in the Civil War and Reconstruction – Frederick County Public Libraries
July 2024:
“Gone to the Seat of War” – Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Region Responds to Confederate invasion – Seminary Ridge Museum’s 161st Battle of Gettysburg Programs
September 2024:
The 96th Pennsylvania at the Battle of South Mountain – Presentation during the first annual Civil War Day at Othello Regional Park in Brunswick, MD
Stay tuned for more in 2025!
On the Road: 2024 Travel Adventures
This was a year where I got to explore some history across the globe.
In February 2024, a work trip to the United Kingdom and Ireland sent me across the Atlantic to these two regions for the first time. For the early part of the trip, I had my younger brother Luke in tow. We enjoyed a few days in London exploring sites with stories connected to the German bombing campaign, The Blitz, that ravaged the British capital during World War II.
We then hopped across the Irish Sea to Dublin, Ireland and visited locations that told the story of Irish emigrants, including a poignant monument along the River Liffey dedicated to those who fled the Great Hunger of the 1840s. We finally enjoyed a pint and dinner at a pub, The Brazen Head, that can trace its origins back to the 12th century.
After work took me back to the UK and London for a busy week of meetings, I had the chance to explore Brighton on England’s Channel coast. There, I stayed in The Grand Hotel, made famous in October 1984 when members of the Irish Republican Army detonated a bomb in a failed effort to assassinate Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
In Brighton, I also had my favorite experience of the year – more on that below.
In May, my wife and I ventured to San Juan, Puerto Rico for a brief vacation. We stayed in Old San Juan and explored forts and colonial streets.
And finally, earlier this month, in December we traveled to Paris and then to Colmar and Strasbourg in Alsace for a week of museums, incredible food, Christmas markets, and cultural exploration. Of all my travels, my experience is France has been my favorite. I was unprepared for how much I would enjoy France, its history, its food, and its culture.
Oftentimes while traveling, I’ll find historic themes that recur throughout the trip. In this case, there were two themes that became prevalent – the French Revolution and the 1871 Paris Commune. Both events shaped not only the fate of France, but also had massive, if sometimes forgotten, implications for the entire world. More on these travels coming in 2025.
A Memorable Story Worth Sharing
Of all the wonderful experiences in 2024, one moment stands out: attending a Premier League football (yes football!) match in Brighton to watch my beloved Everton play. An almost miraculous series of events (thank you to my new friend Steve!) led to me to the match at the AmEx Stadium and witnessing a thrilling 1-1 draw between the two clubs.
The electric atmosphere – fans singing, chanting, and standing for the entire match – was unlike anything I’ve experienced in American sports. It’s a day of memories I’ll cherish forever.
Conclusion
Thank you for standing beside me on this journey. Whether you’ve been here since the early days of the blog or just discovered our corner of the history-themed internet, I’m beyond grateful for your support and enthusiasm. Let’s continue shining a light on hidden stories and making history feel alive and relevant – for all of us.
– Jake Wynn, Public Historian
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I through enjoy every article you post. I am retired from active duty, where I served 24 years with The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” Fort Myer, Virginia. I moved to the Halifax, PA area in 2006. I believe I met your brother one evening when I played a concert with the Lykens Hose Company #2 Band.
Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. I enjoy your adventures as well. I’m looking forward to 2025.
I’m from VA but was born in Allentown PA and travel up 15 to go visit family. So much history along that road.