One of the concepts I find fascinating is the concept of memory. How do we remember events and how does it impact our decisions today. Social psychology, differences in understanding of a war from one generation to another is amazingly complex. How does it all fit into the bigger picture? See 9/11 talks below.
Why are we so fascinated by the Civil War? There are reenactors all over the country trying to share the history and keep the memory alive. What does it mean? Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Jackson implemented Martial Law during their presidencies. What other actions or beliefs did they have in common? See talk topics on the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, & more below.
How has history shaped today's political structure and legal system? Where will we be without a critical understanding of our political and legal system and how does understanding one's history play a role in today's current affairs? What role can the average person play to protect his/her rights? See talk topics on Political & Constitional History below.
9/11 is a fascination of mine for many reasons. First, I lived through the horrors - watching the attack unfurl before us and seeing the changes in our daily activities following the attack - I also got to see how it impacted the next generation and see how it influenced them, as well as the generation after. It brings interesting questions to mind that can also be tied to the past. My most recent talk on 9/11 went national. See my 9/11 page for more information.
I can talk about a wide spectrum of topics related to the Civil War, how it relates to Connecticut and on a national scale including the discussion of monuments, how it relates to today and much more. Some examples of topics are listed below. You can access a comprehensive list of talks on at the bottom of this section in a downloadable format.
Among Connecticut’s Civil War Veterans and The Legal Challenges of Accessing Mental Health Records
Being a political historian I am fascinated by historical figures and events that carved out who we are today. My first interest was Andrew Jackson and his unprecendented declaration of martial law - how did this impact future presidential decisions and was the declaration for martial law constitutional? The Battle of New Orleans marked the turning point in American history but it was fraught with legal implications. Similarly, other wars had just as large of an impact.
The first suspension of habeas corpus
Political Cartoons and the Beginning of th Democratic Donkey
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Political Cartoons and World Wars
Five Contested American Presidential Elections
Historic American Political Elections
A talk on any of the following: 1800, 1824, 1828, 1840, 1860