Interview About 18th Century With Documentary Producer

ELKTON, Nov. 22, 2024 — This past Friday, I spent the day with a talented team at 1895 Films, a Los Angeles production company known for its Emmy and Peabody Award-winning video productions. They are working on a documentary about an early settler in Cecil County, MD, and I was excited to lend my expertise in social history to the project.

Our discussion examined the region’s economic, cultural, political, and family dynamics during the early decades of the 18th century. The four-person production crew was inquisitive, eager to uncover centuries-old narratives that define the social and cultural fabric of the Upper Chesapeake.

We drew on the rich collection of original records from the Historical Society of Cecil County, which document life for this pioneer settler and the pivotal era. The Society’s holdings are vast, and these records help genealogists, researchers, and curious types put together the pieces of the puzzle every week.

This collaboration not only highlights the significance of local history but also underscores the importance of preserving and sharing these stories for future generations. I look forward to seeing how 1895 Films weaves these narratives into a compelling documentary that honors the legacy of this early settler.

mike dixon documentary interview
Mike Dixon discussing early 18th century life for a documentary film.

Collision on Route 40: New Delaware Humanities Talk

I am pleased to announce that Delaware Humanities has selected my new talk, “Collision on Route 40: Cold War Tensions & Civil Rights,” for inclusion in the 2024-25 Speakers Bureau and Visiting Scholars program. This presentation delves into the unexpected role that Route 40, stretching across Delaware and Maryland, played as a battleground for Cold War tensions and the civil rights movement.

This vital corridor, linking Baltimore to the Delaware Memorial Bridge, witnessed the intersection of significant historical forces. Here, international diplomacy, African decolonization, Jim Crow laws, Soviet propaganda, and the courageous actions of Freedom Riders converged, creating a unique challenge for the Kennedy administration.  This talk will explore how these global tensions and domestic policies collided on Route 40, shaping the social and political landscape of the era

This complex history impacted international relations and local communities, establishing Route 40 as a focal point in the broader narratives of the Cold War and civil rights movement.   

The Delaware Humanities Speakers Program connects scholars with community groups, organizations, libraries, and K-12 classrooms throughout the state. These programs allow those with expertise in various humanities-centered fields to give enriching and informative presentations to local audiences.

Presentations are offered in two formats:

  1. Speakers Bureau Presentations – designed for public audiences.
  2. Visiting Scholars Presentations – tailored specifically for elementary and secondary school students.

If you want to book the Route 40 civil rights talk through the Humanities, click this link for more information.

Route 40 civil rights
A busy Route 40 in 1961. (Source: Life Magazine, 1961)

Mason-Dixon Line Talk is Available Through Delaware Humanities

Mason-Dixon Line southwest corner of Delaware
A Mason-Dixon marker at the southwest corner of Delaware (Source: Delaware Public Archives)

I am pleased to announce that Delaware Humanities has selected my new talk, “The Mason-Dixon Line: An Enduring Boundary in American History,” for inclusion in the 2024-25 Speakers Bureau and Visiting Scholars program. This lecture delves into the fascinating and complex history of the Mason-Dixon Line—an enduring boundary that is deeply etched into the American landscape and our nation’s collective memory.

In this talk, I explore the original story of the Mason-Dixon Line, which began as a survey aimed at resolving a contentious territorial dispute over royal land grants. From there, we examine how the line’s significance has evolved over time and its lasting influence on popular culture.

The Delaware Humanities Speakers Program provides scholars who engage with community groups, organizations, libraries, and K-12 classrooms throughout the state. These program presents an opportunity for those with expertise in various humanities-centered fields to bring enriching and informative presentations to local audiences.

Presentations are offered in two formats:

  1. Speakers Bureau Presentations – designed for public audiences.
  2. Visiting Scholars Presentations – tailored specifically for elementary and secondary school students.

If you want to book this engaging talk through the Humanities, click this link for more information.

The Clerk of the Court’s Office: Unlocking History’s Treasures

Over the years, I have come to appreciate the immense value of the Clerk of the Court’s office as a repository of historical information. This sentiment was greatly reinforced during my recent visit to the Atlantic County Courthouse in May’s Landing, where I had the pleasure of meeting County Clerk Joseph J. Giralo.

When I stepped into the Clerk’s office, I was struck by his passion for local history and commitment to preserving the rich tapestry of the past in the Jersey shore county. Rather than simply handing me a stack of dusty files and sending me on my way, Clerk Giralo took the time to personally guide me through the meticulously organized records housed within his office.

Atlantic County Clerk of the court Joseh J. Giralo
Atlantic County Clerk of the Court Joseph J. Giralo discusses an official volume.

As I pored over the aging bound volumes, I found his expertise and deep knowledge of Atlantic County’s public records invaluable. He pointed out hidden gems that would have otherwise eluded my search and offered insightful explanations about the significance of these often-overlooked documents.

Clerk Giralo’s enthusiasm and commitment to his role as the custodian of public records transformed what would have been a routine research experience into an enlightening and energizing journey. His guidance helped me uncover connections and insights I would have likely missed had I not had the privilege of his expertise.

By the way, a few years ago, I discovered that the clerk had digitized Atlantic County newspapers and provided free access to them online.

 When tackling challenging research questions, remember that the Clerk of the Court’s office can be a source of elusive traces. Within these constitutional offices, the public records custodians maintain official documents, naturalization papers, land records, court proceedings, and other historical records. Of course, practices vary from state to state and county to county, so having a public official orient you to the practices of the jurisdiction is helpful.