Category: History

Chicago Maps Exhibit Closing Soon

Town plan of NippurA diverse collection of some of the world’s most famous and interesting maps is now on display at the Field Museum of Chicago. For those in Chicago hoping to see it should hurry, as the exhibit closes January 27th. Fortunately for the rest of us, the exhibit features an elaborate online exhibit showcasing some of the cartographic treasures.

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Upcoming Conferences

I am planning to attend the following upcoming conferences: Society for City and Regional Planning History Conference October 25-28 – Portland, Maine ($150 for students) Washington, D.C. Historical Studies Conference Nov. 1-3 – Carnegie Library, Washington, D.C. (free) American Historical Association Annual Meeting Jan. 3-6, 2008 – Woodley Park, Washington, D.C. ($75 for students)

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Do You Know UNESCO?

Quick, can you name the 20 sites in the United States designated by the United Nations as World Heritage Sites? If you are like me, the answer is probably no. On my trip to South Africa, I was struck by how proud that country is of its 8 sites, which includes Robben Island and the […]

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Calling in the Feds

Under Article IV, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution, the federal government is ordered to protect the states from invasion, and upon request from state governors or legislature, protect them from “domestic violence.” Article 1, Section 8 requires Congress to call forth troops to “execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions.” […]

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Understanding the 1960s ‘Civil Disorders’

In the summer of 1967, violence broke out in African American neighborhoods in 164 American cities, including major events in Buffalo, Cincinnati, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Newark, Plainfield (N.J.), and Tampa. In April 1968, after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., violence was recorded in over 100 cities, including major events in Washington, D.C., […]

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