Includes bibliographical references (p. [419]-478) and index.
Summary
"They began their existence as everyday objects, but in the hands of award-winning historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich, fourteen domestic items from preindustrial America-ranging from a linen tablecloth to an unfinished sock-relinquish their stories and offer profound insights into our history.In an age when even meals are rarely made from scratch, homespun easily acquires the glow of nostalgia. The objects Ulrich investigates unravel those simplified illusions, revealing important clues to the culture and people who made them. Ulrich uses an Indian basket to explore the uneasy coexistence of native and colonial Americans. A piece of silk embroidery reveals racial and class distinctions, and two old spinning wheels illuminate the connections between colonial cloth-making and war. Pulling these divergent threads together, Ulrich demonstrates how early Americans made, used, sold, and saved textiles in order to assert their identities, shape relationships, and create history." [from the publisher]
An ironic examination of the founding years of our country. Historian Ellis guides us through the decisive issues of the nation's founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of our now iconic leaders. He explains how the idea of a strong federal government, championed by Washington, was eventually embraced by the American people, the majority of whom had to be won over. And he details the emergence of the two-party system--then a political novelty--which today stands as the founders' most enduring legacy. But Ellis is equally incisive about their failures, making clear how their inability to abolish slavery and to reach a just settlement with the Native Americans has played an equally important role in shaping our national character. Ellis strips the mythic veneer of the revolutionary generation to reveal men possessed of both brilliance and blindness.--From publisher description.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 357-361).
Summary
Examines how the spiritual beliefs and vision of America's founders shaped the country's history and culture and assesses the influence of the spiritual traditions of African slaves, Native Americans, and early mystical communities on colonial America.
"An eclectic mixture of autobiography, U.S. intellectual history, philosophical inquiry, and spiritual wonderment, this extended meditative essay examines "America as an Idea" by uncovering the latent wisdom of many of its shining lights: Benjamin Franklin, William Penn, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Walt Whitman. Needleman, a philosophy professor and author of Money and the Meaning of Life, reinterprets the lives of each of these leaders in the context of their strong spiritual beliefs and their contributions to unifying a deeply divided body politic. The author liberally quotes classical philosophers, historians, biographers, and the subjects themselves, and he often interjects his own life experiences and spiritual beliefs into his loosely structured narrative. Needleman also tackles what he considers to be America's two most grievous historical blemishes: the murder of Native American culture and slavery and suggests how America should confront these wrongs." [from the "Library Journal"]
Lineage and family in colonial America -- The rise of American genealogy -- Antebellum blood and vanity -- "Upon the love of country and pride of race" -- Pedigrees and the market -- Everybody's search for roots.
Summary
Traces the history of genealogy in the United States, from its early preoccupation with social status and lineage, to a nineteenth-century search for Anglo-Saxon roots, to a twentieth-century acceptance of diversity and the introduction of DNA technology.
Click on table of contents bar for more information.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 399-411) and index.
Contents
Photographs and portraits of Demuth--Illustrations of works include:After Sir Christopher Wren--And the home of the brave--At the golden swan--Aucassin et Nicolette--Between four and five--Buildings, Lancaster--Calla lilies (Bert Savoy)--Chimney and water tower--The circus--Design for a Broadway poster--Distinguished air--Eggplant and green pepper--End of the parade, Coatesville, Pa.--The figure 5 in gold--Four male figures--From the garden of the Chateau--In the province--Longhi on Broadway--Love, love, love (homage to Gertrude Stein)--Machinery--My egypt--Poster portrait: dove--Poster portrait: Duncan--Poster portrait: Marin--Poster portrait: O'Keefe--Rue du SInge Que Peche--Sensations of Times Square--Study for poster portrait: Marsden Hartley--Tuberoses--Views of the city--
Letter from James Buchanan to Harriet Lane in Pittsburgh noting the visit of James [ ], with whom he conducted business on her behalf; the business failure of Willoughby Webb; Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins; the character of Mr. McCandless; and an address by Frazer. With envelope. Wheatland.
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
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Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS1995.077
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 50
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 289-292) and index.
Summary
"Measuring America is the fascinating, provocative, and eye-opening story of why America has ended up with its unique system of weights and measures -the American Customary System, unlike any other in the world- and how this has profoundly shaped our country and culture. In the process, Measuring America reveals the colossal power contained inside the acres and miles, ounces and pounds, that we use every day without ever realizing their significance. " [from the publisher]
American Association for State and Local History book series
Notes
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents
Introduction: The past as context -- Creating a place -- The power of place -- Sharing the story -- Making connections -- Contemplating change -- The call of wildness -- Sustaining the future -- Touring a culture -- A wonderful place -- Under construction.
