On October 8, 1871, Peshtigo, Wisconsin vanished in a wall of fire, leaving more than 1,200 dead. It remains the nation's deadliest wildfire. This podcast episode traces the disaster’s origins and its eerie legacy that lingers today. Listen to the latest episode of the Public History podcast.
As America 250 approaches, the Public History podcast team digs into what this anniversary should really mean. From Frederick’s Repudiation Day coffin for the Stamp Act to the Revolution as a civil war between neighbors, we talk memory, myth, Ken Burns, and who gets written into the story of 1776 and beyond. Listen to the episode and let us know what you think!
The Wynning History website just crossed a big milestone: 11 years online and more than 1 million views. What began as a small personal blog has grown into a community curious about Pennsylvania’s past and its place in the American story. Here’s what’s next for the project—and for me. Watch the update.
Netflix’s Death by Lightning tackles Garfield’s brief presidency, his assassination, and Charles Guiteau’s madness. In this episode of the Public History podcast, we offer our review and take a look at the history behind this series about the 20th President of the United States and the man who killed him. Listen to the episode.
"A House of Dynamite" feels like "The Day After" for our time - twenty minutes to impact, systems failing, human flaws laid bare. I trace its terror, from COG bunkers at Raven Rock to nuclear war scenarios, and why this film should jolt us toward reform like "The Day After" did in the 1980s. Read the full story.
On Saturday June 14, I was asked to give remarks about the history and context of the American flag over the last 250 years of history. These are the words I shared in historic Mullinix Park in Frederick, Maryland.
George Clooney’s "Good Night, and Good Luck" revisits Edward R. Murrow’s brave challenge to McCarthy’s Red Scare—and feels eerily relevant as today’s press faces political attacks and lawsuits. In this week's Monday Dispatches, I reflect on why Murrow’s steadfast defense of truth reminds us why an independent media matters. Read the full story.
Dive into a compelling podcast episode where writer Derek Thompson interviews historian Richard J. Evans about his book "Hitler’s People." Hear fresh research on Nazi support, Weimar politics, and antisemitism as Evans debunks myths and reveals how ordinary Germans enabled Hitler’s rise to absolute power. Read my full reflection and listen to the podcast.
Discover how one photograph from 1940, featuring my great-grandfather in the independent mines of Williams Valley, reflects my own lifelong interest in Pennsylvania’s anthracite heritage. Learn how his passion for mining lore became part of my own. Read the full story.
Discover how Rick Steves’ new memoir On the Hippie Trail reignited my passion and need for travel - tracing his 1978 trek from Istanbul to Kathmandu and exploring how adventure breaks down fear and builds bridges. My latest Monday Dispatch reflection on wanderlust and cultural connection, with some love for the late Anthony Bourdain. Read the full story.