After setting out to find his brother injured in the Civil War, Walt Whitman discovered he could make a difference for thousands of soldiers at the hospitals he visited. #DCHistory https://t.co/OzIANuYpEI After setting out to find his brother injured in the Civil War, Walt W…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
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— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
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— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
Washington has its fair share of famous animals (who doesn’t love the pandas?); but perhaps one of the first zoo celebrities was William Johnson Hippopotamus. #DCHistory https://t.co/5cgVPnjuQT Washington has its fair share of famous animals (who doesn’t love the pandas?); b…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
‘Ghost Burglar’Bernard Welch might have gotten away with murder and continued break-ins, but Dr. Michael Halberstam’s final actions brought him to justice. #DCHistory #MDHistory #VAHistory https://t.co/WfL5WNUHvA ‘Ghost Burglar’Bernard Welch might have gotten away with murde…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
Leaving DC for Chicago to conduct a different band, John Phillip Sousa’s departure upset Washingtonians everywhere. Thankfully, he wouldn’t leave without a grand finale. #DCHistory https://t.co/EhCeQ152ul Leaving DC for Chicago to conduct a different band, John Phillip Sousa…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
Even with the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, women who wished to vote in DC still had no way to exercise their right to do so. Their fight would continue for the years to come. #DCHistory https://t.co/RVQjvNHHfa Even with the adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, wome…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
Today in History - March 26 https://t.co/YcAay8NQsu On March 26, 1874, publisher Condé Nast was born. A successful advertising executive for Collier’s, he introduced the concept of “class publications” or “lifestyle magazines.” Continue reading. Click here to search Today i…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
A vintage DC Transit streetcar, probably on a fan trip, stops next to an iconic "fishbowl" DC Transit bus alongside Union Station. Undated photo from around 1960. https://t.co/xoUO26dMyd A vintage DC Transit streetcar, probably on a fan trip, stops next to an iconic "fishbowl"…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 26, 2022
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— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 25, 2022
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— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 25, 2022
While the movie changed parts of the story overall, one thing stayed true: the T.C. Williams High School football team of 1971 was one to remember. #VAHistory https://t.co/8w8PW8Tif5 While the movie changed parts of the story overall, one thing stayed true: the T.C. Williams…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 25, 2022
Unassuming in its location and operations, Fort Hunt held deep secrets that aided in operations throughout WWII, including efforts to help POWs. #VAHistory https://t.co/xUWHc7uTrg Unassuming in its location and operations, Fort Hunt held deep secrets that aided in operations…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 25, 2022
This Dutch portolan map of the Indian Ocean is oriented with east at the top. Important port cities, bays, & capes are labeled along the coasts of eastern Africa, Madagascar, the Arabian peninsula, & modern Iran, Pakistan, & India. Explore it here: https://t.co/MpniQSrwkg …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 25, 2022
Margaret Bayard Smith was one of DC’s socialite women of her time. But what did she really think of DC’s high society, and the people within it? #DCHistory https://t.co/KU6bkcbaKX Margaret Bayard Smith was one of DC’s socialite women of her time. But what did she really thin…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 25, 2022
Here are five stories that moved us this week, and the reasons why.
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Mstyslav Chernov | The Associated Press | March 21st, 2022 | 2,400 words
“The Russians were hunting us down. They had a list of names, including ours, and they were closing in.” So begins video journalist Mstyslav Chernov’s account of the siege of Mariupol, Ukraine. In spare, blood-chilling prose crafted by Lori Pinnant, an AP colleague in Paris, based on conversations with Chernov, this feature recounts the extraordinary lengths journalists have gone to in reporting on Russia’s senseless bombardment of the city — and the extraordinary efforts Vladimir Putin’s forces have taken to suppress the truth. Chernov conveys the fear, shame, grief, anger, sadness, and — above all — sense of responsibility that comes with bearing witness to an unfathomable tragedy. This is war reporting at its finest, its most clear-eyed, its most humane. If you read one thing about Ukraine this weekend, make it this. —SD
Deborah Cohen | The Atlantic | March 8th, 2022 | 4,854 words
Nowadays, we are used to people sharing personal information about themselves: Social media and reality television operate as vehicles for shouting out much — and as loudly — as possible. With a few clicks, you can find out more about a perfect stranger — and their current mood — than you know about your gran. This influx can make it easy to forget how much things have changed. In the buttoned-up years pre-Second World War, over-sharing was still very much a taboo. Deborah Cohen’s fascinating essay explores how John Gunther’s book, Death Be Not Proud, led the way to public discussion of cancer and death, as well as “divorce, pain, and parental remorse.” Gunther’s book was a memoir: an account of the death of his son, Johnny, from a brain tumor. Written in 1947, it was the very first chronicle of cancer. It feels crass to portray Gunther as paving the way for today’s social media stars — but Cohen’s poignant essay did make me consider the changing social norms around emotion and the role of memoir in instigating these changes. Gunther making his grief public was brave — founding the process of making connections with others through shared experiences. This essay is not a light read, but it is powerful and meticulously researched. I will be thinking about it for a long time. —CW
Marina Benjamin | Granta | March 11th, 2022 | 5,563 words
My brother was forever small for his age and pale; he simply refused to eat foods he didn’t like. In our house in the ’70s, that meant he was made to stay at the dinner table until he ate what was on his plate. Many nights, he would eventually push his plate away, put his head down on the table and go to sleep, his food long congealed. Years later, my parents discovered dozens of calcified dinner rolls in a little-used cupboard near the stove, evidence of his attempts to clear his plate. Distant and tenuous are two words that accurately describe his relationship with our parents. He hasn’t been at a family dinner in nearly two decades. I can’t say I blame him. In this stunner of an essay at Granta, Marina Benjamin recounts similar experiences at her own family’s table, suffering pleas and threats and edicts around eating and food. Although my brother never suffered the physical violence Benjamin endured, it’s clear my parents left their marks on him. Benjamin’s essay is one of the most gorgeous pieces of writing I’ve read this year. It’s about the fog of memory, the imbalances of power and control inherent in families, the irreparable harms even mostly well-meaning parents can do by abusing their children, and the lifetime of work some have to do to overcome it: “To refuse what the world imposes on you when you possess no other means of resisting is a strength. But refusal is a delusory power, too, because it divides you against yourself. Breaks you in two. One half of you submits to the ordeal while the other half protects the self by dissociating.” —KS
Johanna Hoffman | Noēma | March 17, 2022 | 3,882 words
In the mid-20th century, Bombay Beach saw brighter days as a vibrant California resort playground on the Salton Sea. But agricultural pollution, water issues, and toxic air led to its demise, and by the ’80s, this once-thriving desert town to the southeast of Los Angeles fell into decay. In recent years, an art movement and community are breathing life back into it, with a festival, the Bombay Beach Biennale, transforming the tiny town into a post-apocalyptic wonderland. Johanna Hoffman visits and speaks with its residents, exploring how this tight-knit, compassionate community — one that’s lived and survived in such a harsh landscape — continues to reenvision itself and emerge from ruins. Can art really remake Bombay Beach? Is this just another place lost to gentrification? Or does this town at the edge of a toxic lake offer us a glimpse into our collective future? Photographs from Tao Ruspoli, who co-founded the Biennale, add a nice visual layer to Hoffman’s story. —CLR
Gabriella Paiella | GQ Magazine | March 22, 2022 | 6,673 words
As someone who’s been on the journalist side of plenty of celebrity profiles, believe me when I tell you that it’s not easy to break people out of autopilot press mode. Just because you sat in Jennifer Lopez’s house or walked around with Shia LeBeouf or enjoyed a cordial but stilted breakfast with Eric Bana (all real examples) doesn’t mean you’re going to leave having gotten a single milligram of candor from them. But not every celebrity is Nicolas Cage. And not every writer is Gabriella Paiella. Paiella, whose GQ profiles of Diplo and Lil Dicky have already cemented her as the magazine’s preeminent anthropologist of White Dudes, captures Cage at the perfect moment: coming off a tear of 46 movies to pull himself out of bankruptcy, and looking to the future. Yes, as a subject he delivers everything you hope he might — the guy opens the door in a goddamn kung fu suit — but it’s Paiella’s assiduous secondary reporting and lovely arm’s-length affection that makes the piece a gem. “Nothing about him feels like an affectation,” she writes. “Not the kung fu suit, not the talking crow. He is a true eccentric holdout in the increasingly banal landscape of American celebrity. You never see him posting on social media, flashing his veneers above a faux self-deprecating or inspirational caption, or giving pithy sound bites on a red carpet. The man is physically incapable of pith.” You already knew Cage was in National Treasure; now you’ll know he’s one himself. —PR
Made in 1978, this map shows the location of coal industry facilities, types of coal by area, and major electrical power transmission lines in the United States. Zoom in closer on the details here: https://t.co/ije1skEe2M https://t.co/hfFC4KDgnI Made in 1978, this map shows t…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 24, 2022
The stand-up comedy boom of the late 80s and 90s brought handfuls of well-known comedians to DC, and their spot of choice? The DC Improv. #DCHistory https://t.co/C5KeuoBGXA The stand-up comedy boom of the late 80s and 90s brought handfuls of well-known comedians to DC, and t…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 24, 2022
Crandal Mackey was determined to rid Alexandria of gambling, specifically targeting St. Asaph’s racetrack. The years-long feud showed just how much control the track’s owner had on the town. #VAHistory https://t.co/MGzFt8S6Er Crandal Mackey was determined to rid Alexandria o…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 24, 2022
The 1993 shotgun killings in Columbia Heights were at first thought to be unrelated. Everything changed once a woman was shot in Mount Pleasant in the same manner. #DCHistory https://t.co/83MciOh0io The 1993 shotgun killings in Columbia Heights were at first thought to be un…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 24, 2022
Imagine seeing a synagogue (or at least its top two floors) being rolled down the street. That’s exactly what happened in 1969 when the Adas Israel Synagogue had to be moved to preserve it. #DCHistory https://t.co/EtVYcqdrLW Imagine seeing a synagogue (or at least its top tw…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 24, 2022
The National Training School for Girls had a dangerous and shocking reputation. Carrie Weaver Smith’s journey to change the school went much further than the classroom. #DCHistory https://t.co/B7lVxAyI5T The National Training School for Girls had a dangerous and shocking rep…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 24, 2022
The football field at George Washington High School might look like most other high school fields, it’s actually the first place Joe Namath played professional football. #VAHistory https://t.co/owRCRA9CNx The football field at George Washington High School might look like mo…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
Patrick McGurk, known as DC’s first murderer, kept tormenting the community even after his death, but not in a ghostly way. #DCHistory https://t.co/9hKU3mKGcJ Patrick McGurk, known as DC’s first murderer, kept tormenting the community even after his death, but not in a ghost…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
Eastern Market in Capitol Hill has survived through war, fire, threats, and more for over two centuries, and still operates today with numerous vendors. #DCHistory https://t.co/WaKogn3UVC Eastern Market in Capitol Hill has survived through war, fire, threats, and more for ov…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
With a serious rat problem plaguing Northeast and Southeast DC and the government refusing to help, Julius Hobson decided to take the rat problem to them. Literally. #DCHistory https://t.co/2eQLNBvcFi With a serious rat problem plaguing Northeast and Southeast DC and the gov…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
Contraband Corned Beef and the Gemini III Mission via NASA https://t.co/jLI34ZwRle https://t.co/M9GrajaaxP
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
This intricate map of Kyoto, Japan from the World Digital Library is more than 4 by 5 feet in size! The direction of the text varies so it can be read from all sides. See for yourself: https://t.co/Q6UpFH51kb https://t.co/P9XEPzmI0h This intricate map of Kyoto, Japan from the…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
Elvis Presley’s first of only four performances in the DC area was not exactly smooth-sailing, but nevertheless, the King still made people swoon. #DCHistory #MDHistory https://t.co/WP6IJMj7eW Elvis Presley’s first of only four performances in the DC area was not exactly smo…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 23, 2022
Made by a mystery cartographer, this hand-drawn map of the United States was created around 1871. While most of the states are only outlines, New England, Pennsylvania, and New York also have numbered counties! Take a closer look here: https://t.co/gnuo3lQseK …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Want to take part in the DC History Conference? Join us as a volunteer! We highly encourage history students and enthusiasts to sign up to volunteer for great hands-on experience. The deadline for applications ends Friday, March 25; click here to sign up: …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Muhammad Ali came to Maryland twice for matches, and also made a few other stops while in town. He wasn’t always in town to fight, though. #MDHistory #DCHistory https://t.co/6IP3WOcN2v Muhammad Ali came to Maryland twice for matches, and also made a few other stops while in …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
The premiere of “West Side Story” in D.C. was a huge hit that attracted famous audience members. For Leonard Bernstein, the work it took to get there was all worth it. #DCHistory https://t.co/j44SiNhLyG The premiere of “West Side Story” in D.C. was a huge hit that attracted …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Throughout his life, Julius Hobson’s activism ranged from rats to massive protests, and no one knew when he was bluffing or telling the truth. Not the best informant candidate, but the FBI actually worked with him for years. #DCHistory https://t.co/ptd5qFbRPT Throughout his …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
5,000 Exoplanets and Counting via NASA https://t.co/6s9diNa6lx https://t.co/ymIEcWa7rw
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Quite the notable figure in history, did you know that Eleanor Roosevelt is also quite the quotable figure too? #DCHistory https://t.co/4yIzuL7a38 Quite the notable figure in history, did you know that Eleanor Roosevelt is also quite the quotable figure too? #DCHistory …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Today in History - March 22 https://t.co/KWcrufOuhw On March 22, 1961, industrial designer Raymond Loewy made several sketches of a futuristic sports car at the request of Sherwood Egbert, the recently appointed president of the ailing Studebaker Corporation. Continue readin…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Quote of the Day: "In fair weather prepare for foul." - Thomas Fuller
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 22, 2022
Sam Smith called DC “the indentured servant of the nation.” That sentiment, along with leaders fighting for statehood, created the long fight for DC to have home-rule, become a state, and more. #DCHistory https://t.co/iUUNIgWsyG Sam Smith called DC “the indentured servant of…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
Before the Library of Congress, there was Carroll Row. Home to numerous politicians and others living in the Capitol, one of its most famous residents included Abraham Lincoln. #DCHistoryhttps://boundarystones.weta.org/2021/11/24/dinner-and-debates-boardinghouses-district Bef…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
Walt Whitman’s journey to and life in Washington, DC served as formative years for his voice as a writer, including his time with Civil War soldiers. #DCHistory https://t.co/0t0MjrU2LA Walt Whitman’s journey to and life in Washington, DC served as formative years for his voi…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
For a while, Bethesda had quite the unimpressive name of “Darcy’s Store, Maryland.” Luckily for the town, one man decided he’d had enough of the name. #MDHistory https://t.co/6bJ5AlrBHb For a while, Bethesda had quite the unimpressive name of “Darcy’s Store, Maryland.” Lucki…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
A View to a Nebula via NASA https://t.co/zvWypsfWgB https://t.co/a6US0Dq2kf
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
Charles Sidney Kotzin (1913-2006) was a native Washingtonian, born to Russian immigrant Morris Kotzin. He ran a women's wear shop at 1213 G St NW in the 1940s, moving to a more modern place a few doors down in 1948. https://t.co/avqOZsiCYK Charles Sidney Kotzin (1913-2006) was…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
Hugh Bennett needed to convince the government that his agency, the Soil Erosion Service, should continue to receive funding. His strongest evidence? A major dust storm headed straight to D.C. during his testimony. #DCHistory #OTD https://t.co/UaM8IcBD4W Hugh Bennett needed …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
This detailed map of Asia was produced during World War II. Various symbols indicate industry, natural resources, transportation infrastructure, and naval bases. Zoom in here: https://t.co/qo8a358lfn https://t.co/BNCVVgrbYl This detailed map of Asia was produced during World …
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
Today in History - March 21 https://t.co/BbacAtVqFu Legendary showman Florenz Ziegfeld Jr., impresario behind what became known as the Ziegfeld Follies, was born on March 21, 1869 (possibly 1867), in Chicago, Illinois. Continue reading. Click here to search Today in History…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 21, 2022
Spring has sprung, and cherry blossom season is almost upon us! Where are your favorite spots to enjoy the cherry blossoms in DC? 📷: Cherry blossom buds near the Tidal Basin (General photograph collection, CHS 14237). https://t.co/XwZsosMQ28 Spring has sprung, and cherry b…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 20, 2022
Today in History - March 20 https://t.co/jkZQH2dKMD On Wednesday, March 20, 1985, at 9:00 a.m., Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the dog-pulling sled race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. Continue reading. Click here to search Tod…
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 20, 2022
I'm using TextNow to text and call USA & Canada for Free! Signup at https://t.co/79P3AyS4AR
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 20, 2022
Quote of the Day: "To hold a pen is to be at war." - Voltaire
— Kenneth Samson (@PangurBanC) Mar 20, 2022