family history, History

Honoring my Civil War Ancestor

I dove back into my family history the other day. It had been a while since I’d gone on a late-night binge through Ancestry or FamilySearch. It felt good to be back at it. One of my kids recently started learning about the Civil War in school. I think I may have been more excited… Continue reading Honoring my Civil War Ancestor

Allis-Chalmers, Documents, History

Introducing the “AC Scope” Archive

I’m excited to share that I’ve just launched a new page under the “ALLIS-CHALMERS” menu. It’s a work-in-progress digital home for “AC Scope.” This was an employee magazine published by Allis-Chalmers for its workforce. Over the years, “AC Scope” served as a snapshot of the company's inner life. It was part history and part community… Continue reading Introducing the “AC Scope” Archive

Allis-Chalmers, Documents

a-c scope: Magazine of Allis-Chalmers People

Allis-Chalmers, like other companies, had its own employee newsletter. These shared everything from company products and expansions to employee benefits and leisure. Thumbing through these is a blast from the past. It offers a glimpse into what it was like to work at this once-great company. Click the photo below to take a look. Comment… Continue reading a-c scope: Magazine of Allis-Chalmers People

family history, History, Projects, Uncategorized

Revive Old Headstones with Wet & Forget

Move the slider to see the before and after. Okay, I've told so many people how I've made one-hundred-year-old headstones look like new again. They look at the photos and ask, "What did you use to get that result?" They also remark, "You must have worked hours on cleaning that!" The product I used was… Continue reading Revive Old Headstones with Wet & Forget

family history, Projects

Creating my Family History Book: A Step-by-Step Journey

Last year, I finally finished a project I started several years ago. This book is one of several that I plan to publish as a multi-volume history of my Frederick ancestors. I started with my great-great-grandparents. My plan is to have a book for each Frederick generation down to me.I started this project using Shutterfly.… Continue reading Creating my Family History Book: A Step-by-Step Journey

From the Historian’s Desk

The Weekend Historian Returns, Huzzah!

Wow, it’s been a minute, hasn’t it?! I owe a sincere apology to all my loyal readers for the long intermission. Life gets busy — kids, work, and projects tend to take center stage — and sometimes our hobbies unintentionally take a backseat. But I’m back! I’ve been cleaning up the blog, re-imagining the front… Continue reading The Weekend Historian Returns, Huzzah!

Book Review, Uncategorized

Book Review- “Demons of Unrest”

I enjoyed this book. Larson’s narrative style is captivating, introducing characters and events in a way that builds tension and excitement. The alternating perspectives keep the reader engaged, making for a thrilling read while also offering historical education. The topic here is not just about the famous Battle at Fort Sumter. Larson shows us how… Continue reading Book Review- “Demons of Unrest”

Book Review, Uncategorized

Book Review- “Nuclear War A Scenario”

Wow, just an incredible read! I couldn’t put this one down because the horror just pulls you in for more. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking about what my family and I would be doing if this actual scenario were playing out. Nuclear war has no winners. Those “walking the razor’s edge,”… Continue reading Book Review- “Nuclear War A Scenario”