A sailor from Pottsville, Pennsylvania describes the racism he faced in the US Navy during World War II

In 1943, Charles H. King left Pottsville to fight for democracy. Instead, he found segregation, humiliation, and hard truths about race in the U.S. Navy. His memoir captures the moment he realized who he was in a divided America, and why that awakening shaped his life. Read the full story.

Podcast | Before Emancipation: Reconstruction Starts on the South Carolina Coast with Rich Condon

In this episode of Public History with Justin, Jake, and Molly, Jake and Molly are joined by public historian Rich Condon to explore the Port Royal Experiment - an early, improvised effort to build freedom during the Civil War. Long before Reconstruction formally began, formerly enslaved people tested land ownership, education, and self-governance in coastal South Carolina. Listen to the episode.

Podcast | Removing History in Philadelphia on the eve of the 250th of American Independence

In this "emergency" episode of Public History with Justin, Jake, and Molly, Jake and Molly respond to the quiet removal of slavery interpretation at Philadelphia’s President’s House ahead of America’s 250th. Listen to the full episode.

An African American teacher’s letter in response to the end of World War I | 1918

Harry Elmer James wrote a letter to the editor of the Harrisburg Telegraph pleading for Black equality following World War I.