Outreach
I'm a firm believer in the power of 'doing history in public.' I welcome most opportunities to take the conversation beyond the academy and am always willing to engage with people from grade school to city hall. Here are just a few examples of the way I've brought my research into mainstream focus over the years.
June 2026 – I was back in Hyde Park last June to present the Living New Deal's annual book award to Prof. Andrew Preston for his excellent Total Defense. You can read my brief remarks here, or better yet, get yourself a copy of Total Defense and read that instead. At some point, though, do be sure to check out the Living New Deal website!
February 2026 – It was great to spend a winter's evening with the members of the New Hampshire Historical Society discussing my recent archival work on the Civilian Conservation Corps in New England. The Q&A period could have gone on for another hour or so, and the local enthusiasm surrounding the desire to better understand the CCC's historical role and contemporary legacy was nothing short of inspiring.
April 2025 – The History Society was nice enough ask what I thought about teaching American history in Scotland. It took me forty-five minutes to answer. Earnest ramblings available for download here.
February 2025 – Getting to know the students and staff at AUC was one of the highlights of the year. It's a special institution and sharing a few hours with interested students in the middle of a busy campus visit was a winter highlight.
December 2024 – This lunchtime conversation explored the CCC’s role as an agent of national transformation and considered the links between the New Deal’s treatment of the Nutmeg State's landscape and its promotion of a new, more pluralistic national identity. We discussed some of my findings within the CMCH's special collections during my time as a 2024 NERFC fellow. Recording available here.
May 2024 – My first trip to the RAF Museum in was as enjoyable as it was rainy! I'm very grateful so many people turned up to explore the evolution of the famous Eagles Squadrons in spite of the weather. This talk was hosted in-person at the RAF Museum's London site and recorded via Crowdcast.
April 2024 – I'm always looking to sneak my work across interdisciplinary borders, and this was certainly one of those opportunities. Thanks to MoMa and the Emilio Ambasz Institute for the Joint Study of the Built and the Natural Environment for putting this together.
March 2024 – This ended up feeling much more like a conference than expected, but it's not everyday that presentations and panels are quite so public facing. Great hosts and great conversation with my fellow panelists.
Mentoring students through the Education Foundation's Take Stock in Children program has been one of the best parts about maintaining my ties to Alachua County. Feel free to reach out if you'd hear more about the role or find out how you can get involved.
I was very happy to work with young students from the Cambridge area exploring the urban landscapes of interwar Berlin and Rome. Thanks to the team of undergrads and research students who helped with this event. Please check the CHS website for future dates and topics!