Happy Anniversary to the National Museum of African American History & Culture, which opened on this date in 2016. The museum explores the contributions and legacy of African Americans. Best of all? It’s free! Have you had a chance to visit?

Join me in welcoming author and illustrator Emma Duval this week to talk about her debut book, Unwed & Unbothered. Duval’s research dives into the lives of women throughout history who have gone against the grain to remain single. 1/2

Today in history, 1862: President Lincoln issues the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. The document set a future date for the emancipation of over 3 million enslaved men, women, and children. Lincoln held off on his announcement until after a Union victory. 1/2

Time to cozy up and enjoy some public scholarship. 💗

What did freedom really look like for Black women after the Civil War? Join me as I explore how women built lives, claimed rights, and held communities together in the Reconstruction South. A story of care, labor, and quiet revolution.

You all seem to enjoy when I share some books in my collection. This week I thought I’d share books examining state sponsored violence. While each of these are brutal in their own way, one of the toughest out of the bunch for me was Legacy of Violence… 1/2

Another episode is headed your way. What do you think I am covering? Find out for sure Saturday!

Now available for Patreon members: my review of Caring for America by Eileen Boris & Jennifer Klein. Not a member? Sign up today! Link in bio.

Enjoy this timeline cleanse…

Robert McNamara is viewed as one of the key villains of Vietnam. Was McNamara a brilliant strategist or a conflicted leader—or both? Join me as I sit down with William Taubman to explore the man behind the policies in Dr. Taubman’s new book McNamara at War. 1/2

Folks if you would like to listen in, I did a podcast on the new book with the wonderful @mkn.bsky.social for the Massachusetts Historical Society. #theriseandfallofthesecondamericanrepublic audio book is selling at a promotional discount, link in the comments! www.masshist.org/podcast/hath...

Today in history, 1963: four little girls die as a result of the white supremacist bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Carol Denise McNair all lost their lives in the bombing, which injured a dozen others.

Another great end to the weekend: public scholarship. 🥰

Right after the Civil War, Black Americans launched a movement, not just for freedom, but for learning. From hand-built schoolhouses to the founding of the first HBCUs, learn how education became one of the most important battlegrounds of Reconstruction.

Today in history, 1953: John Kennedy married Jacqueline Bouvier in Rhode Island. Nearly 800 people were in attendance as the couple exchanged vows. Fun fact: Jacqueline’s wedding dress was designed by a Black designer named Ann Lowe.

Another episode is underway. What do you think I am covering?

Now available on the Patreon: tune in as I dive into the life and legacy of Harvey Milk - the San Francisco Board of Supervisors member who was tragically killed while in office. Link to join in bio!

Now on YouTube: Think you know the story of John Henry? Join me as I dip into the origins of the folklore hero and why he resonates with so many. Watch and subscribe today: youtu.be/V0_yDHiG8xI?...

Please spread the word—The Scholars’ Workshop in Early African American Print at AAS Jan. 12-15, 2026. A writing workshop and intro to archives for junior scholars working on the dissertation or first book. Fully funded. Apply by Oct. 15 2025. PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD

Today in history, 1974: President Gerald Ford pardons his predecessor Richard Nixon for any crimes the former president may have committed while in office. Intended to help the nation heal, Ford’s decision only further angered the American people.

Happy Sunday peeps. Here is a little behind the scenes look at some of the research materials going into a future episode. What’s on your reading desk this week?

Another Sunday means another wonderful list of public scholarship. 💗

What replaced slavery after the Civil War? In this episode, I explore sharecropping, the cotton lien system, and the broken promise of “40 acres and a mule.” Learn how Reconstruction not only failed to reshape the South, but only further reinforced its most oppressive systems.

The latest episode hits your feed on Saturday. What do you think I am covering?

***The Immigration and Ethnic History Society is looking for a new editor for the Journal of American Ethnic History***

On this month’s substack: Mr. Rogers & the history of public media. Join me as I explore the history of public television and why Mr. Rogers was critical to its early development. civicsandcoffee.substack.com/p/a-wonderfu...

Who was Amalia Kussner and why was she the go-to portrait artist for the elite during the Gilded Age? This week, I’m joined by author and historian Kathleen Langone to talk about her new book on Kussner’s pursuit of fame and fortune. 1/2

It is Labor Day here in the United States - a holiday in honor of the men and women who fought for labor protections including safer working conditions, 8 hour work days and paid time off. Have a wonderful day everyone.

For those asking, my American Revolution lecture course is free online here: oyc.yale.edu/history/hist...

My favorite part of the weekend: a lost of fantastic public scholarship thanks to @americanstudier.bsky.social 💗 (where I am featured twice! 😍)

When considering Reconstruction, most think about the political and social impacts the era had on the millions of Black Americans. Yet this doesn’t tell the whole story. Reconstruction was national and its impacts felt broadly - including for Mexican Americans. 1/2

What am I doing on this long weekend? I think you already know… What are you reading?

Coming to you this weekend? Another brand new episode! What do you think I am covering?

Recent polling suggests people are reading less. As a historian I couldn’t do what I do without the scholarship of others but I understand people have so many demands on their time that carving out time to read can be daunting. 1/2

Ever heard of the Southern Redemption Movement? Tune in to the YouTube channel today to learn what it is - and how it ties into Reconstruction.

On this day in 2001, singer and actress Aaliyah is killed in a plane crush in the Bahamas. The entertainer had just wrapped filming scenes for a music video when her plane crash immediately after take off. Authorities later determined the plane was overloaded. She was 22 years old.

Ben is back with more great public scholarship. Check it out now!

Titan or Tyrant? That is the question I ask about this week’s episode topic: Jay Gould. If you’ve been enjoying the HBO series The Gilded Age, be sure to listen to learn all about the man behind the legend. Thanks to Darren for the request!

Happy Friday friends! Here is a peek at just some of the books in my collection covering the nuanced & complex history of American slavery. Included are analyses of slavery’s impact on the environment, economic growth, the legal system, & the media. As you can see, slavery’s reach was far and wide.

Another episode is headed your way. What do you think I am covering? Find out Saturday!

Battles over redistricting have dominated the headlines with many referencing gerrymandering. But you be wondering: what exactly IS gerrymandering? And how did it get its name? 1/2

Now available on the Patreon: my review of Ron Chernow’s Grant. Now a member of the Patreon? Subscribe today! Link in bio.

What can a 19th-century senator teach us about justice in America today? I sat down with Zaakir Tameez, author of Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation, to explore the legacy of one of America’s boldest abolitionists — and why his fight still matters. @ztameez.bsky.social 1/2

And we have a winner!!! Congratulations, Josh!! You’ve won the Civics & Coffee 5th Anniversary giveaway!

Most people have heard of the Chinese Exclusion Act, but few know about the law that came first. In 1875, the Page Act targeted Chinese women with strict screening and made legal entry nearly impossible. 1/2

We are in the final hours of the Civics & Coffee giveaway!! Be sure to enter before 11:59pm PST!

Another episode is I the queue getting ready for you. What do you think I diving into Saturday?

Now available on the Patreon: we talked about Oklahoma City last month so we felt it was only appropriate to discuss Waco this morning. Grab a drink - you’re going to need it!

Did you listen to the latest episode of the show and think to yourself “I need to learn more about that hatchet lady?” You’re in luck! In the FIRST video for the YouTube channel I dive into Carrie Nation. Learn more about her & her motivations and subscribe to the channel for more bonus content!