Month: September 2009

Chautauqua Presentation: Maryland in the Era of Woody Guthrie

The Maryland Humanities Council examined some memorable social reformers during the July Chautauqua.  Offered each summer throughout the state, the series utilizes scholars to interpret important characters from our past.  This year there were performances about Woody Guthrie, Jackie Robinson, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

For each living history interpretation an additional scholar opens with an associated program. I opened for Woody Guthrie with a talk about the Chesapeake region in the folk musician and social critics era. I had a great time putting that photo-illustrated program together, as we examined the Great Depression, World War II and the arrival of the Cold War in Maryland.

chautaqua
This flyer is for the Chautauqua which was making its way through Maryland in 1913. The Humanities Council brought these programs back about ten years ago, and lots of people look forward to this annual summer entertainment.

Maryland Life: How DC Snagged Some Prime Prince George’s Real Estate

I was pleased to have an article published in the Sept/Oct. issue of Maryland Life.  Tmap district of columbia 415itled “Land Grab:  How DC snagged some prime Prince George’s real estate,” it examined the period when the nation was  concerned with establishing a permanent home for the federal government on the Potomac River.  It was a fun piece to put together and I had the pleasure of using the excellent research facilities of the Prince George’s County Historical Society.  They have  an able, helpful staff there and it was a pleasure to work with the volunteers and their collections.

New Delaware Humanities Program: Becoming A History Detective

Adventures in Research or Becoming a History Detective is the title of a new program I offer through the Delaware Humanities Forum. Designed for either the classroom or a public lecture, the program examines how someone solves mysteries from long ago.  It blends actual tales of intriguing historical discovery with basic insights on conducting investigations. For anyone with a curiosity about the past, the program will be worthwhile as audiences learn about the nature of understanding our past, while accompanying me through a series of inquiries.

Depending on the groups interest, a stronger emphasis may be placed on a cluster of fascinating investigations, which helps develop an awareness and appreciation of the discipline that puts us in touch with the past. Or it may place more weight on the how-to-approach by focusing on practical suggestions for researching your own mystery in your backyard, community or family.

Examining the Past of the County’s EMS With A Group of New Paramedic Candidates

I had the pleasure of talking to the current paramedic candidates’ class for Cecil County this afternoon. Soon these six young men and women will staff the county’s advanced life support units, providing emergency care for critical cases whenever the need arises. They’ve been busy studying advanced medical procedures such as how to administer IVs, use defibrillators, push drugs and intubate patients. It’s a crammed schedule full of essential life-saving knowledge and skills and as I departed this afternoon they were getting ready to study medical protocols.
The Countys first ambulance was operated by the American Legion
The county's first ambulance was operated by the Elkton American Legion.

I was there was to talk to these young providers about the history of Cecil County Emergency Services and explore the legacy of the progressive system they’ve joined. The county’s paramedic system celebrated its 20th anniversary last fall and the first group of volunteer Advanced Life Supporter Providers, capable of administering drugs and providing other treatments, started traveling the county in 1978. Through a lot of hard work and determination Cecil County has maintained a progressive role in Maryland EMS and I was pleased to explore the past of of the system with this fine group of recruits.