Exploring The Backroads: Public History with Jessica Hanson

For the English 1010 courses I'm teaching this semester, I've asked my students to write a (4-6) page research and exemplification paper. It is about detailing the importance of remembering events, people, historical places, etc...  I am a nerd and as my boyfriend, family, friends, students, and some co-workers can even tell you, if I see some historical landmark or a plaque/ sign even hinting at a nearby location, I will definitely make it a point to go on a trek or even an "adventure" to find it. This probably came about because my mom MADE me stop and read every single sign at museums! She didn't want me to do anything without getting something out of it, learning (if you will). Many people do things "nowadays" <<<I'm sounding old...because they have to (for work or a school assignment) or for entertainment. Rarely do people do EXTRA things in their already jam-packed schedules to learn. I want to encourage my students to always do t...

Here's looking back at some great memories! On this day, December 8, 2012, I am a bit nostalgic! It is my Aunt Beverly's birthday. I can remember every time I would hear she was coming to visit when I was little. I would await her arrival so expectantly. She has always been lively, fun, and hilarious. She always brought me gifts and made me feel special. She and my Uncle Frank were the first to ever take me to the beach; she got me my boaters' license to drive the wave-runner. I first watched two of the most thought-provoking movies ever with her, A Color Purple and A Beautiful Mind ! She is an impeccable dresser, her hair always looks fabulous, she is funny, and a flirt ;)  She never could have children of her own, so she treats me as hers. She encourages me no matter what issues I have: personal, familial, or educational. We share many secrets and know they will stay that way, with each other. <3 Even now, when I'm about to be 26, next month, we still talk o...

Originally, I wanted to pursue a degree in International Business and auditing. My mother was terrified. She fears accidents travelling. When I got older and began travelling she and my grandmother were always fearful the plane would crash. Neither of them have ever flown. My boyfriend's mother has not either. There are so many planes in the airways and so few actually crash. However, I can see their fears. I just would rather experience travelling and self-fulfillment than worry. Obviously, this is 3 years old but telling nonetheless. Driving to Wal-Mart is riskier than flying :) They do have a point about one thing though...the world is dangerous and unpredictable. As I age, as each person posted about 9/11 last week... and daily as horrible things pop up in my news-feed this becomes more and more apparent. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57599877-504083/delbert-belton-murder-update-arrest-made-in-beating-death-of-wash-wwii-veteran-report-says/ Every time I see o...

To preface this long blog...my trip was not all morbid ;)  A couple of weeks ago I went back to my hometown in Alabama to a friend's baby shower and to visit family. When I worked at the movie theater in 2011, we allowed a group of producers to publicize and show a documentary about a "fiery speechwriter." His name was Asa Carter . He is the man that actually wrote the racist and now infamous speech credited to Alabama's former governor George Wallace that Wallace spoke to at his inaugural address, “segregation now, segregation forever" among many others.  Others usually best remember that Wallace attempted to keep President Kennedy from promoting desegregation at the University of Alabama. Just a few days ago was the 50th anniversary!!  On June 11, 1963 three perfectly qualified African Americans (Vivian Jones, Dave McGlathery, and James Hood) defied segregated Alabama, the University of Alabama, and Alabama's Governor, Wallace by attempting to ...

Savannah, Georgia is as close to perfect as I can imagine. Although, I may have been a bit biased for this trip in March 2009. It was Spring Break, St. Patrick's Day weekend, and my first trip with Chris! <3      However, I didn't imagine the gorgeous river-walk, or walking beside it on the neat cobblestone paths as giant barges float past carrying mysterious, colorful, boxed cargo. Forsyth Park is beautiful with its wispy Spanish moss covered trees blowing wistfully over the amazing fountain. It was even prettier when I saw it with the green dye flowing through the cool water in honor of St. Patty's day! Plus, each of Savannah's "21" squares (at the time) hold rich history-- like Tomo Chi-Chi's grave-site, beautiful foliage, and interesting people with their dogs enjoying the scenery. A shaggy,white horse pulled a romantic tour buggy. At night, we felt the fresh breeze by the river, while enj...