Historian on Duty

10/14/2025

Primary sources are invaluable tools for teaching history, offering students direct access to the past through documents, images, and artifacts. However, these sources can often be difficult for high school students to understand due to complex language, outdated terminology, and lack of context. As a history teacher, making primary sources more accessible ensures that students engage with them meaningfully rather than feeling overwhelmed....

Primary sources are invaluable tools for teaching history, offering students direct access to the past through documents, images, and artifacts. However, these sources can often be difficult for hi…

10/09/2025

Explore the true story behind H. H. Holmes’s “Murder Castle” in Chicago — the architectural nightmare, sensational myths, and what historians believe really happened....

Explore the true story behind H. H. Holmes’s “Murder Castle” in Chicago — the architectural nightmare, sensational myths, and what historians believe really happened.

10/01/2025

Transform your history classroom into a dynamic learning lab! Discover strategies for teachers as researchers, using primary sources, collaborative projects, and evidence-based lessons to engage students in historical inquiry....

Transform your history classroom into a dynamic learning lab! Discover strategies for teachers as researchers, using primary sources, collaborative projects, and evidence-based lessons to engage st…

09/09/2025

What if you could step into the shoes of someone who lived through history? Primary sources—letters, photographs, diaries, speeches—give us that chance. These authentic glimpses into the past can transform history from a dry list of dates and events into a dynamic, human story. As a historian and history teacher, I’ve found that using primary sources not only brings the past to life for students but also fosters critical thinking and a deeper understanding of historical complexities....

What if you could step into the shoes of someone who lived through history? Primary sources—letters, photographs, diaries, speeches—give us that chance. These authentic glimpses into the past can t…

07/22/2025

I spend a lot of time in my classroom... like a lot. My normal work week is 40 hours but sometimes I'm there longer. So I make sure my classroom is warm, comfy, and inviting- not just for me but also for my students. I also like to make sure I'm prepared for whatever comes my way throughout the year....

I spend a lot of time in my classroom… like a lot. My normal work week is 40 hours but sometimes I’m there longer. So I make sure my classroom is warm, comfy, and inviting- not just for…

05/17/2025

Our annual Spring Tour for HOPS is off and running! Come check out the beautiful houses and gardens downtown

05/06/2025

As the school year winds down, keeping students engaged in class can be a challenge. However, the final weeks of school offer a valuable opportunity to reinforce learning, encourage creativity, and reflect on the year. Here are some effective strategies to maintain student engagement and make the most of the end of the academic year.

As the school year winds down, keeping students engaged in class can be a challenge. However, the final weeks of school offer a valuable opportunity to reinforce learning, encourage creativity, and…

05/01/2025

May 1st, or May Day, has a rich history rooted in both seasonal celebrations and labor rights. Traditionally, it marked the arrival of spring with Maypole dances and festivals. In the late 19th century, it became International Workers’ Day, honoring the fight for fair wages and better working conditions. Today, May Day is both a celebration of renewal and a symbol of solidarity.

May 1st, or May Day, has a rich history rooted in both seasonal celebrations and labor rights. Traditionally, it marked the arrival of spring with Maypole dances and festivals. In the late 19th cen…

04/23/2025

📖It's World Book Day!📖
What are you reading this week?

Pictured: Interrupted Reading by French artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

04/22/2025

This Day in History: April 22, 1970 Earth Day 🌳
This pivotal moment in the environmental movement, saw an estimated 20 million Americans participate in rallies, marches, and teach-ins to advocate for a cleaner, healthier planet 🌎
Earth Day was organized by U.S. Senator Ga***rd Nelson, who chose a date that fell between spring break and final exams, maximizing student participation.
The event aimed to raise public awareness about environmental issues, particularly air and water pollution, and to galvanize action for environmental protection.
It spurred a dramatic rise in public concern about environmental issues and led to a political climate that helped establish the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Earth Day has grown into a global event, observed by a billion people in nearly 200 countries each year, continuing to raise awareness and promote environmental stewardship.

04/21/2025

The fight for civil rights in America extends far beyond the 1960s. From Indigenous sovereignty movements to LGBTQ+ activism, diverse communities have long fought for justice and equality. Exploring these movements reveals a broader, more complex history—one that continues to shape the nation today.

The fight for civil rights in America extends far beyond the 1960s. From Indigenous sovereignty movements to LGBTQ+ activism, diverse communities have long fought for justice and equality. Explorin…

04/18/2025

Staying on top of everything—research, writing, content creation, and life—can get overwhelming fast. But this month, I’m leaning on three key things to keep me focused ➡
✨ How do you stay organized? Drop your best tip below! ⬇️