history – Charles County Public Library

National Black Women in the Arts

webadmin — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:54 +0000

February is National Black Women in the Arts Month! Celebrate by learning about a few artists that left their mark on history.

September 22, 1891 – February 24, 1978

Alma Thomas lived most of her life in Washington, D.C. as an artist and educator. She created mosaics like abstract paintings that were bright and full of color.


The Eclipse, 1970	White Roses Sing and Sing, 1976

February 29, 1892 – March 26, 1962

Augusta Savage was a teacher and artist during the Harlem renaissance. She created a show-stopping piece for the New York’s World Fair of 1939 titled “The Harp.” In 1943, she became a member of the National Association of Women Painters and Sculptors, making her its first African American member.


Gamin, 1929

Laura Wheeler Waring

May 16, 1887 – February 3, 1948

Laura Wheeler Waring was both an educator and artist during the Harlem Renaissance. She was one of the most well-known female artists of her time, creating portraits of prominent African Americans.


Marian Anderson, 1944	W.E.B Du Bois, 1945

Lois Mailou Jone

November 3, 1905 – June 9, 1998

Lois Mailou Jones was both an artist and an educator. She created art that highlighted the influence of traditional African art in America.


Les Fétiches, 1938	Two African Hairstyles, 1982

Ella Fitzgerald

April 25,1917 – June 15, 1996

Ella Fitzgerald was an American jazz singer during the Harlem Renaissance. She was known as “the first lady of song.” She won many awards during her lifetime, including a Grammy.

Zora Neale Hurston

January 7, 1891 – January 28, 1960

Zora Neale Hurston had many talents, she was an author, anthropologist, and filmmaker. Her most popular book titled “Their Eyes Were Watching God” was published in 1937. Her books highlighted the racial struggles of the early 1900s.

Books for Further Learning

Ablaze with Color : A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Tells the story of painter and teacher Alma Thomas, discussing her childhood, teaching career and activism.

Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison

Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the board book adaptation of the author’s Little leaders: bold women in Black history.

We Are Artists: Women Who Wade Their Mark on the World by Kari Herbert

Featuring 18 trailblazing black women in American history, Dream Big, Little One is the board book adaptation of the author’s Little leaders: bold women in Black history.

Beautiful Shades of Brown: The Art of Laura Wheeler Waring by Nancy Churnin

Growing up in the late 19th century, Laura Wheeler Waring didn’t see any artists like her. She didn’t see any paintings of people who looked like her. So when she was offered a commission to paint portraits of accomplished African Americans. Writers, singers, political activists, and thinkers all posed for her. Now her portraits hang in Washington, D.C.’s National Portrait Gallery, where children of all races can admire the beautiful shades of brown she captured.

Brave, Black, First : 50+ African American Women Who Changed the World by Cheryl Willis Hudson

An illustrated biographical compilation of over fifty African American women from the 1700s through to the present day.

In Her Hands : The Story of Sculptor Augusta Savage by Alan Schroeder

A biography of African American sculptor Augusta Savage, who overcame many obstacles as a young woman to become a premier female sculptor of the Harlem Renaissance. Includes an afterword about Savage’s adult life and works, plus.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls : 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic by Lilly Workneh

Acknowledges, applauds, and amplifies the incredible stories of 100 inspiring Black women and girls from the past and present.

Faith Ringgold : Narrating the World in Pattern and Color by Sharna Jackson

Presents an illustrated look at the life of American painter, writer, mixed media sculptor, and performance artist, Faith Ringgold.

Wake Up Our Souls : A Celebration of Black American Artists by Tonya Bolden

Presents a history of African American visual arts and artists from the days of slavery to the present.

Women Artists A to Z by Melanie LaBarge

An empowering alphabet book celebrates famous and less-represented women artists in a variety of genres who have transformed the art world, from Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe to Jaune Quick-to-See Smith and Xenobia Bail.

Talking with Tebe: Clementine Hunter, Memory Artist by Mary E. Lyons

Details the genius of Tebe Hunter, a plantation worker who became the first self-taught African-American woman artist to receive national media attention by portraying the rich community life shared by southern laborers.

Discovering African American Art for Children by James Haywood Rolling, Jr.

Discovering African American Art for Children introduces children to twelve important works of art. The Come Look with Me series of interactive art books from Lickle Publishing offers both children and adults a whole new way of encountering works of art, one which engages the imagination as much as the eye. Well suited for both individual and classroom use, Discovering African American Art for Children pairs great works of art with thought-provoking questions.

Art From Her Heart: Folk Artist Clementine Hunter by Kathy Whitehead

Clementine Hunter’s paintings went from hanging on her clothesline to hanging in museums, yet because of the color of her skin, a friend had to sneak her in when the gallery was closed.

Discovering Women artists for Children by Jennifer Tarr Coyne

Introduces twelve women artists, including Faith Ringgold, Mary Cassatt, Frida Kahlo, and Grandma Moses, each with a short biography, a full-page color plate, a description of the image, and a set of discussion questions.

Sugar Hill: Harlem’s Historic Neighborhood by Carole Boston Weatherford

Rhyming text celebrates the Harlem neighborhood that successful African Americans first called home during the 1920s. Includes brief biographies of jazz greats Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Sonny Rollins, and Miles Davis; artists Aaron Douglas and Faith Ringgold; entertainers Lena Horne and the Nicholas Brothers; writer Zora Neale Hurston; civil rights leader W. E. B. DuBois; and lawyer Thurgood Marshall.

How We Dressed: Civil War Era

webadmin — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 11:00:36 +0000

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Have you ever seen a picture like this in a book?

Or saw re-enactors wearing all black in the sun?

Have you thought, “Why did they choose to wear that?”

Look no further than this blog for an exploration into why (and how) our female ancestors dressed in such fashions.

Things to remember:

The Civil War years were 1861 to 1865. It’s a small window of time, but fashion went through huge changes as people were denied goods and services they were accustomed to having.
This was a period when the normal person had two or three garments, with the nicest being reserved for Sundays, church services, and pictures (which were expensive and, on average, taken once or twice in a lifetime).
Before the war, it was most common for dresses to be made from cotton. Once the war began, northern states had cotton shortages because the South was blockaded, and excess cotton was shredded to make bandages for soldiers. This made fabric for new dresses expensive and difficult to obtain. Old dresses were repurposed with hemming, patches, and worn until the seams gave out.
- The rightmost dress in the photo below is altered. It has been lengthened as the hem is much lower than the hoop. The apron is also patched with a piece of matching fabric.

For most women, dresses were a generation behind the current fashions (1850s silhouettes still being worn in the 1860s). The newest trends were reserved for the rich who could afford more clothes, the best fabrics (like velvet and lace), and seamstresses.

The Process:

Yes, getting dressed was a process and clothing items had to be added in a specific order.

Getting dressed began with the shift and pantaloons, aka underwear, which was cut down the center for bathroom use. Like most undergarments of the time, these were white. Underclothes were not meant to be seen, they were meant to collect dirt and sweat and then be scrubbed clean in the wash. Knowing this, it seems counterintuitive for these garments to be white. However, white was the lone color that could stand the washing process, which was harsh enough to remove the color from the fabric.

Socks and shoes were added at this time since corsets limited bending.

Next came the corset. Modernists have demonized the corset as being anti-feminist and restraining women. But the corset had a real job – and it wasn’t to restrict airflow. Tightlacing scenes like those in Gone with the Wind are exaggerated for film.

The corset was an older version of the bra. It supported the back and chest, though it did not make the chest bigger, while also making sure the outer dress hung right and achieved the proper shape. Dresses were heavy. That weight was dispersed by the corset and hoop. Most corsets were white, sometimes with decorative colored stitching. Few were dyed as it was expensive and impractical. Unlike modern corsets, these were meant to be hidden, not to show off.

Another common misconception about the corset was that it injured the wearer. Some movies and television shows have shown characters with cuts on their backs due to corsets. However, getting cut would not have been possible as corsets were never worn on bare skin.

Then there was the hoop and its various covers. As with the corset, the hoop could not be washed because of its boning. It had an upper cover to prevent the bones from showing through the dress. Sometimes the cover was sewn to the hoop. These were known as flounced hoops and were usually worn for special events. Since the hoop was closer to the ground and collected dirt, it also had an undercover. More covers, or those made of heavier fabrics, were added in colder months for warmth.

Now onto the dress itself. For women, day dresses fastened in the front. Evening dresses laced in the back. Outer clothes could not be washed, only hung to air out. Dirt would have to harden to be brushed off. This was why you did not wear your best gown to do chores. Even rich women wore plain clothes if they were somewhere like a camp or base hospital, due to the high risk of encountering dirt, blood, or open flames.

Hair was finished next, if not already completed. Hair was worn up, parted down the middle, and secured off the face in a snood – sometimes made more fashionable with the addition of a ribbon. Little girls had the option of wearing their hair down if they wanted, though even children were photographed with their hair up.

Accessories were added last. Depending on where one was going, these could include earrings, bonnets, gloves, brooches, and necklaces.
- Earrings were always dangle-style. Studs were not in fashion at this time.
- Head coverings were required outside, sometimes with a veil attached to ward off dust.
- Thicker gloves were used for riding and cold weather. Softer gloves were worn in the summer months and as a symbol of class. Interesting fact: Abraham Lincoln was known for putting his gloves in his pocket when it was warm, despite his wife’s insistence that he wear them to show their status. In the pocket of his coat were where his gloves were found after his death.

In comparison to these “wild” outfits, our modern clothes seem to have come a long way since the Civil War. However, the fundamental principles of fashion remain the same. We still strive to look our best, overcome the weather, and use what resources are available for every advantageous pursuit. Our versions of corsets and gowns may look different but they are still creations connecting us to our ancestors.

Learn more about the historic dress at CCPL!

Historically Inaccurate: Anastasia

webadmin — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 11:00:01 +0000

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Anastasia – the last of the Romanovs of Imperial Russia. On the night of July 16 (or 17, according to some reports), 1918, Bolsheviks, under orders of the Supreme Soviet Council of Russia, Yakov Yurovsky, led Anastasia, her family, and some of their servants to a basement in Yekaterinburg, Russia under the pretext that they were being protected from counter-revolutionaries. They were then met by a volley of gunfire from a group of executioners who cornered them downstairs.

However, rumors began to circulate stating that while the Romanov family was killed that night, one member may have survived – Anastasia. According to the 1997 animated film, Anastasia, she found her way out of Yekaterinburg and lived her life as an orphan somewhere in communist-controlled Russia. But was it true? Did a young girl survive that night and escape from the basement?

Let’s break it down!

Part I: Breaking Down History

Were the Romanovs cursed by Grigori Rasputin, an exiled sorcerer?

Not at all. Actually, Grigori Rasputin was a Russian mystic who was able to improve the condition of Alexei (Anastasia’s brother), who suffered from hemophilia. His abilities made him a favorite in the Imperial court and made him increasingly influential in Russian politics, to the detriment of the country and its people. Due to this, he was eventually assassinated to protect the monarchy from further scandal.

Did Anastasia survive the night of her family’s execution by escaping with a servant and her grandmother, Maria?

Sadly, no. According to reports of what occurred the night of the execution, Anastasia was with her family in the basement of Yekaterinburg and was one of the last to die, along with one of her sisters. She had survived the initial volley of gunfire due to the jewels that the family had sewn into the lining of her clothes, essentially providing her with “armor.” However, once the smoke cleared and her captors had found that she survived, she was finished off with bayonets.

Where was Anastasia’s body, then?

For years, the location of the disposal site of the bodies remained a mystery. On August 23rd, 2007, the partial skeletal remains of two individuals were found in a bonfire near Yekaterinburg. Further DNA testing by archaeologists determined that the remains belonged to Alexei and one of the Tsar’s daughters. Since the bodies of 3 of the Romanov sisters were found in 1991, the discovery of the 4th body confirms that all 4 of the sisters were executed.

If Anastasia died, then why were there reports that she survived?

Since the death of the Tsar’s family, several women had come forward claiming they were the Grand Duchess Anastasia, who had survived the night of the executions. The most famous impostor was Anna Anderson, who the story of the movie “Anastasia” was based on. After claiming that she was saved by a Bolshevik soldier after her family was killed, she had escaped to the West. Several investigations and interviews by family members and acquaintances of the Romanovs showed, that while she resembled Anastasia and was knowledgeable of small details about the lives of the Romanovs, she could not remember major events in Anastasia’s life and was not fluent in English, French, and Russian, all of which the Grand Duchess knew well. Anastasia’s uncle, the Grand Duke of Hesse, had a private investigator look into “Anastasia.” He determined that she was actually Franziska Schanzkowska, a Polish-German woman who disappeared in 1920 with a history of mental illness. Later DNA testing confirmed that her DNA matched the mDNA of Karl Maucher, a great-nephew of Franziska, allowing scientists to prove that she was not a Romanov.

So where is Anastasia buried now?

After the discovery of the Romanov’s remains, they were interred in the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2000, Anastasia and her family were canonized as passion bearers in the Russian Orthodox church.

Sources:

Part II: Recreating History – Medovik (8-Layered Honey Cake)

Now that we broke down the historical accuracy of Anastasia, why don’t we recreate some history! Medovik is a layer cake that was popular in the Russian Empire. Created in the 19th century, this cake is made with honey and smetana, a type of sour cream. This dessert would have been very prevalent in the Russian court as one of the many things that the imperial family would have eaten at the time. Since smetana is not something found easily in local markets, you can substitute regular sour cream.

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

For the cake layers:

4 tbsp. honey
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
3 large eggs, room temperature, beaten with a fork
1 tsp. baking soda
3 cups all-purpose flour

For the sour cream frosting:

32 oz. sour cream
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the topping:

½ lb. fresh berries (optional)

Steps:

For the cake:

Add ¾ cup sugar, 4 tbsp honey, and 2 tbsp unsalted butter to a medium saucepan and melt them together over medium/low heat, whisking occasionally until sugar is melted (5-7 mins).
As soon as the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and, while hot, add in eggs slowly while whisking vigorously until all of your eggs are incorporated.
Whisk in the baking soda, then fold in your 3 cups of flour until the dough reaches a clay consistency (it should not stick).
Cut the dough into 8 equal pieces.
On a well-floured surface, roll each piece out into a thin 9″ circle (about 1/8″ thick). Place a 9″ plate or base from a springform mold over your rolled dough and trace around it with a pizza cutter to get a perfect circle. Keep the scraps for later.
Transfer the dough to a large sheet of parchment paper and bake 2 at a time at 350˚F for 4-5 minutes or until golden. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before stacking. Repeat with remaining layers.
Bake the scraps separated evenly on a sheet of parchment. Once the scraps are baked, cooled and firm, crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor until you have fine crumbs.

For the frosting:

Beat 1 cup heavy cream until fluffy and stiff peaks form.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 32 oz. sour cream with 2 cups powdered sugar. Fold the whipped cream into the sour cream.
Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the cake:

Spread about 1/3 cup frosting on each cake layer. Press the cake layers down gently as you go to keep the layers from having air gaps.
Frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
Dust the top and sides with your breadcrumbs.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
Enjoy with berries on the side!

Original Recipe:

8-Layer Honey Cake Recipe (Medovik)

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Historically Inaccurate: Hercules

webadmin — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 11:00:30 +0000

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Hercules… champion, hero, and demigod. In the 1997 animated movie “Hercules,” Disney portrays him as one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, renowned for his feats of strength and ability to fight off legions of Hades’ monsters. However, in Ancient Greece, various poets and writers speak of the hero, Heracles, who was known for completing twelve ridiculously challenging labours, fathering several children, and becoming a god upon his death. But does Disney’s retelling of the myth accurately portray the son of Zeus, or is the film about as messy as an Augean stable? Let’s break it down!

Part I: Breaking Down History

What’s his name: Hercules or Heracles?

Hercules is actually the Roman counterpart of the Greek hero.. The original Greek version of him is called Heracles or Herakles.

Who are Hercules’ parents?

While the Disney adaptation shows the gods Zeus and Hera as the parents of Hercules, Zeus was actually the only divine parent in the actual myth. His real mother was Alcmene, the wife of Amphitryon. Zeus had disguised himself as Amphitryon and tricked Alcmene into bearing his son, who would become the hero, Heracles.

Was Pegasus a companion of Hercules?

Not at all! Actually, Pegasus was the companion of the Greek hero, Bellerophon, who tamed the flying horse at the Pierian spring. They went on several adventures together, the most famous of which was when they slew the Chimera, a hybrid monster with the body of a lion, a goat head on its back, and a tail in the form of a snake.

Was Philoctetes (“Phil”) Hercules’ personal trainer?

Philoctetes was not Hercules’ personal trainer, nor was he a satyr! Philoctetes was a human who had lit the funeral pyre of Heracles after his death. He would then inherit the bow and arrow of Heracles, which were used during the war with Troy. Heracles was actually trained by the centaur, Chiron, in some myths involving the hero.

Was Megara (“Meg”) Hercules’ love interest?

In the actual myth of Heracles, Megara was a Theban princess that became the hero’s first wife. Unfortunately, the goddess Hera hated Heracles and made him go into a fit of madness, causing him to kill Megara and their children. This would lead Heracles to go into the service of Eurystheus to atone for his sins and lead to his completion of the Twelve Labours. In most myths surrounding Heracles, he actually married 4 times.

Was Hades ever against Hercules? Did he unleash the Titans and send hordes of monsters against the hero?

The only time Hades ever caused a problem for Heracles was during his Twelfth Labour. Heracles was tasked with capturing Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the Underworld. However, Hades stated that he can only capture the beast without the use of weapons. Heracles subdued Cerberus with his bare hands and brought it to Eurystheus, completing his final Labour. There are no records of Hades ever attempting to free the Titans to fight the gods of Olympus. Actually, he fought the Titans during the Titanomachy and imprisoned them in Tartarus with the help of the other gods.

Did Hercules become a god of Olympus?

Heracles did become a god, but not as Disney made it out to be. After he died from the Lernaean Hydra’s poison, he was placed on a pyre in Mount Oeta. His mortal side was destroyed, but the part of him that was divine ascended to Olympus through apotheosis, making him a god. It was a little bittersweet.

Sources:

Part II: Recreating History – Ancient Greek Teganitai [Serves 4 individuals]

Now that we broke down the history of Heracles, why not recreate some history! Teganitai is a type of cake found throughout Ancient Greece. Originally called a “girdle-cake” by Athenians, it is more akin to “griddle-cakes” or pancakes to us. As a sweetener, the Greeks used honey, a very common ingredient in various cake recipes and foods in the Mediterranean that was prized for its medicinal properties. Teganitai was likely served as street food in Athens and cooked on portable braziers. Here’s the recipe they may have likely used in ancient times:

Ingredients:

120 g. White flour (if you want to be SUPER authentic, use wheat flour)
225 mL. (or approximately 1 cup) Water
5 tbsp. Honey
Olive Oil (for frying)
1 tbsp. Toasted Sesame Seeds

Directions:

Mix flour, water, and 1 tbsp. honey in a bowl until it has a batter-like consistency.
Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Pour a quarter of the batter onto the pan and cook on both sides of the teganitai until golden brown.
Cook the remaining batter in the same manner.
Plate the teganitai and pour 1 tbsp. Honey on top of each one and sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
Enjoy!

Original Recipe: Cook a classical feast: nine recipes from ancient Greece and Rome

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Historically Inaccurate: Mulan

webadmin — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 12:00:19 +0000

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From the iconic and lovable dragon, Mushu, to the memorable song “I’ll Make a Man Out of You”, Mulan has made its mark as a staple of Disney animation since its release in 1998. The Ballad of Mulan originated during the Northern Wei Dynasty (around 400 A.D.). While originally passed down as oral tradition, the story was finally written down during the era of the Tang Dynasty. However, how accurate is the Disney adaptation from the actual folk heroine in Chinese legend? Let’s break it down!

Part I: Breaking Down History

Did Mulan go into battle dressed as a man in place of her father?

Mulan did dress as a male soldier in place of her old father. However, she also did so because she had a younger brother who was too young for battle.

Did Mulan battle the Huns?

The only historical text that mentioned Mulan’s enemy is a memorial erected during the Song dynasty. According to the inscription on the memorial, Mulan fought against the Xiongnu.

Which dynasty did Mulan live in?

Most modern historians believe that Mulan’s story is set during the era of Northern Wei, most likely under the reign of Emperor Taiwu who engaged in a twelve-year war against the Rouran khan between 429 and 441 AD.

How old was Mulan?

Most retellings of Mulan indicate she was a teenager when she went to war. However, she would have been much older when she returned home (according to the Ballad, she had served for 12 years during the war).

Did Mulan have a love interest?

While Mulan had a love interest in later iterations of her story, the original Ballad had no mention of a romantic partner.

Did Mulan have a dragon sidekick?

Mulan did not have a dragon sidekick named Mushu. However, in a later iteration of her story, she had a cousin named “Mushu” who had avoided the draft by dressing up as a woman.

When was Mulan’s secret discovered?

While in the movie, Mulan’s secret was discovered when she was injured in battle. The Ballad stated that after she returned from war, she returned home and dressed in her old clothing, revealing her identity to them. They were rather shocked about it considering they had been traveling with her for 12 years.

Sources:

**Part II: Recreating History – Chinese Congee (jūk) [Serves 4 individuals]**

Now that we broke down the historical accuracy of Mulan, why don’t we recreate a bit of history! Congee, or jūk (which kinda sounds like “jook”), is a staple dish in China with its origin reaching back as far as the Zhou Dynasty (approximately 1000 B.C.). Normally served as a plain rice porridge of varying consistencies, a savory version of the dish can be made with salt, ginger, and various meats. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

1 cup White Rice
¾ lbs. Chicken (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
8 cups Water
14 g. Ginger (cut into thin strips)
1 tsp. Salt
Green Onion (cut into small pieces, to taste)
Cilantro or Chinese Parsley (to taste)

Directions:

Wash the rice (approximately 3 washes is good).
Boil the water and add the rice.
Stir until it starts to boil, but stop stirring once the water boils again to prevent the rice from burning.
Cover the pot and cook at medium heat for 25 minutes.
Whisk the rice rapidly for another 3 minutes until the rice is the consistency of porridge.
Add the chicken and stir for 2 minutes to cook it in the congee.
Add the salt and ginger and stir for 30 seconds.
Serve and add cilantro and green onions as a garnish.
Enjoy!

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History in the Making

webadmin — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 12:00:34 +0000

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Are you an aspiring historian that wishes to learn about the past? Have you ever wanted to use that knowledge to create something timeless? Then look no further than the new History in the Making Program at La Plata Branch Library!

Every month, we will explore a new time period and learn a bit of history of what it was like to live in that era. This won’t be your run-of-the-mill history lesson. It will be a completely interactive experience around a campfire, with your storyteller being pulled from time to explain history from their perspective. Have you ever wondered what it was like to live as a soldier in Ancient Rome? Ask the hardened centurion about it! Are you curious about the shadowy world of espionage in Feudal Japan? Look no further than our resident ninja!

When you’re done hearing from our guest speaker, join them as they give you a taste of life in their era by participating in an activity regarding the topic you learned about. Whether you want to be an Olympic champion of Ancient Greece, or create a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance, there’s something for everyone!

The program begins in March, with the series continuing each consecutive month. Below are some of the topics we will cover until June. You can find more information about each of the programs and register on our Event Calendar!

March 15th – History in the Making: The Ninth Legion

The Roman Legion was a powerful military force during the rise of the Roman Empire, winning decisive battles and spreading the influence of Rome throughout the world. Learn more about the history and mystery surrounding the lost Ninth Legion, which disappeared from history in the early 120’s C.E. Then, join your fellow legionnaires and recreate the famous shield of the Legion under the banner of the New Legio IX Hispana as you protect yourselves as a team in the testudo (“tortoise”) formation!

April 19th – History in the Making: Shinobi of the Sengoku Jidai

While shinobi (or ninja, as they are known in much of Western culture) have risen to legend as shadow warriors capable of inhuman feats of acrobatics and combat, the real shinobi of the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States Period, in Japan were more akin to modern-day spies and mercenaries. While many legends surround their black outfits, real shinobi often blended into their environment in plain sight through the use of everyday disguises. Learn more about the history of espionage in Feudal Japan, then join your fellow shinobi recruits as you create your own disguises and gather information on your target. Remember: all is not what it seems…

May 17th – History in the Making: Champions of Greece

The origins of the modern Olympics date back several millennia to the first games in Ancient Greece. From wrestling to the pentathlon, athletes from the various kingdoms and city-states of Greece participated in various events for glory and honor. Learn more about the history of the games and the birth of the Olympic flame, then join your fellow athletes as you participate in one of the greatest games of the Olympics: the discus throw. Which of you will take home the ultimate prize and bring glory and honor to your home?

June 21st – History in the Making: Reviving the Renaissance

From the 15th to the 16th centuries, the Renaissance flourished in Italy and revived interest in the study of Classical antiquity. It became a period of scientific, artistic, technological, and philosophical growth in the region, with its influence spreading throughout the known world. Learn more about the history of the Renaissance as we explore various works and people who sparked the “rebirth” of a new age of exploration and discovery. Then join your fellow artists and engineers as you recreate paintings and engineering marvels straight from the journal of one of the most famous and influential individuals of the time: Leonardo da Vinci. Will you have what it takes to create a masterpiece to stand the test of time?

Look out for a second blog post later in 2022, which will outline topics for the second half of the year! Hope to see you all there, fellow time travelers!

What happened in November?

webadmin — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 12:00:29 +0000

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Do you ever wonder what is special about November besides Thanksgiving and Black Friday? It is a month that feels like a stepping stone from Halloween to Christmas and always seems to fly by. Well, there in fact have been many interesting and important things that have happened during November!

We have a day for that?!?

World Toilet Day

Nov. 19th is World Toilet day and was created in 2001 to celebrate toilets and raise awareness of the 4.2 billion people who do not have access to sanitation. To learn more, click here.

National Homemade Bread Day

Nov. 17th is National Homemade Bread Day and was created to encourage the traditional making of homemade bread, because it can be more nutritious than some store-bought breads. To learn more, click here and if you plan to celebrate this day check out this book!

Bread Baking For Beginners : The Essential Guide To Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, And Enriched Breads by Bonnie Ohara

Flour, yeast, water, and salt even with the simplest of ingredients, making homemade bread can be a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. From total scratch to your first batch, Bread Baking for Beginners offers simple, user-friendly tutorials and recipes to mix, knead, and enjoy freshly baked loaves at home.

Events in entertainment and sports!

The Inventor of Basketball Was Born

James Naismith was born Nov. 6th in 1861 and would later go on to invent the game of basketball in 1891. The invention of the game was due to a class assignment Naismith had and the first baskets were actually peach baskets!

To learn more about the invention of basketball, click here.

The Parker Brothers Introduced Monopoly to the World

The Parker Brothers began advertising the game Monopoly on Nov. 5th 1935, which would go on to destroy many relationships. However, the game was originally invented in 1903 by Lizzie Magie, who self published the game and titled it “The Landlord’s Game”.

To read more about the history and invention of Monopoly, click here or, borrow this book from the library and learn about the history of a variety of objects.

Brief Histories of Everyday Objects by Andy Warner

Readers learn how Velcro was created after a Swiss engineer took his dog for a walk; how a naval engineer invented the Slinky; a German housewife, the coffee filter; and a radical feminist and anti-capitalist, the game Monopoly. This is both a book of histories and a book about histories. It explores how lies become legends, trade routes spring up, and empires rise and fall–all from the perspective of your toothbrush or toilet “.

Disney’s Mickey Mouse Was Born

Disney premiered the show “Steamboat Willie” on Nov. 18th, 1928 and it was Mickey Mouse’s debut appearance.

To learn more about the history of Mickey Mouse, click here. You can also check out this book to learn more about Disney’s Golden Age in the 1930’s.

They Drew As They Pleased: The Hidden Art Of Disney’s Golden Age, The 1930s by Didier Ghez

Introducing new biographical material about the artists and including largely unpublished artwork from the depths of the Walt Disney Archives and the Disney Animation Research Library, this volume offers a window into the most inspiring work created by the best Disney artists during the studio’s early golden age.

Premiere of Sesame Street

The popular children’s television show made its debut on Nov. 10, 1969. The show was created to help educate children and has gone on to be the most widely viewed children’s program in the world.

To learn more, click here, or visit our Pop Culture Collection database.

Archaeological Discoveries

3.2 Million Year Old Skeleton Found In Ethiopia

This famous skeleton was nicknamed Lucy and was found during a research expedition in Ethiopia on November 24, 1974. Lucy is so famous because at the time of her discovery, she was the oldest, most complete hominin (primate ancestor of humans) skeleton ever recovered.

To learn more about the discovery and importance of Lucy, click here. To read more about Lucy and the discoveries since she was unearthed, check out this book!

Lucy’s Legacy : The Quest For Human Origins by Donald C. Johanson, Kate Wong

In this sequel to the “New York Times” bestseller “Lucy: The Beginnings of Mankind,” celebrated paleoanthropologist Johanson, along with Wong, explore the extraordinary discoveries since Lucy was unearthed more than three decades ago.

King Tut’s Tomb Is Entered By Archaeologists

In 1922 on Nov. 26th archaeologist Howard Carter and amateur egyptologist Lord Carnarvon entered the antechamber of King Tut’s tomb. The tomb consisted of four rooms, and contained many artifacts. The greatest find was the sarcophagus containing King Tut’s mummified body.

To read more about the excavation of the tomb click here. To read more about archaeology and ancient Egypt, check out this book!

The Secrets Of Ancient Egypt : Egyptian Pyramids And The Secrets Of The Pharaohs by Federico Pugidevall and Albert Cañagueral

Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1923 sparked worldwide fascination about ancient Egypt, and the mysteries of the Egyptians still loom large. The Pyramids, the Sphinx, mummies, surviving artwork, and more all hold priceless clues about what life was like in ancient Egypt.

To learn more about archaeology and archaeological discoveries visit our General Science Collection database.

Big Steps

The Printing Of One Of The First Books In The English Language

In 1477, William Caxton printed the book “Dictes and Sayings of the Philosophers” (“The Sayings of the Philosophers”) originally written by the medieval Arab scholar al-Mubashshir ibn Fatik’. The book was printed on Nov. 18th, 1477. While this book is not the first book printed in the English language it is remarkable because it contains the date it was printed, the name of the printer, and the place of publication. To view the very first printed book in English click here.

The First Medical School For Women Began Its First Term Of Classes

New England Female Medical College began its first term of classes on November 1st, 1848 with 12 students. The classes focused on medical subjects, nursing practices, midwifery, and the training of female physicians.

To read more about the history click here. To learn about the first African American women to earn a medical degree, Rebecca Lee Crumpler, visit our African American History Online database.

Dog Launched Into Orbit As The First Animal In Space

On November 3rd, 1957, the Soviets launched Sputnik II into space with its sole passenger being Laika, a stray husky-spitz mix from Moscow. Prior to the launch, stray dogs had been rounded up and put through a series of tests and trials to determine which would be best suited to the task. Sadly Laika died soon after launch due to the loss of the sun shield.

To read more about Laika’s story and other space dogs check out this book!

Space Dogs : The Story Of The Celebrated Canine Cosmonauts by Martin Parr

The first canine cosmonaut was Laika, meaning ‘barker’. The little stray could never have anticipated that she would one day float 200 miles above the Moscow streets. She would be canonized as a proletarian hero, appearing on stamps, postcards and souvenirs. Her successors were Belka and Strelka, the first dogs to successfully return safely to Earth, and with them, the cult of the space dog was born.

Patent Granted For The First Backless Bra

The United States issued a patent for the first backless bra on November 3rd, 1914. This patent was created by Mary Phelps Jacobs to replace corsets. The patent was then sold to The Warner Brothers Corset Company.

Click here to view a newspaper advertisement for the backless brassiere in the Washington Post from 1917 in our Newspaper Archive. Check out this book to learn more about the history of women’s undergarments!

Underneath It All : A History Of Women’s Underwear by Amber J. Keyser

For most of human history, the garments women wore under their clothes were hidden. The earliest underwear provided warmth and protection. But eventually, women’s undergarments became complex structures designed to shape their bodies to fit the fashion ideals of the time.

Mystery

Ghost Ship Sets Sail

On November 7th, 1872, the ship Mary Celeste sailed out of New York and into lore. The ship set sail from New York City bound for Italy, only to be discovered 8 days after its departure, ship and cargo intact but completely abandoned.

To learn more about this mysterious ship, check out this book.

Ghost Ship : The Mysterious True Story Of The Mary Celeste And Her Missing Crew by Brian Hicks

On December 4th, 1872, a 100-foot brigantine was discovered drifting through the North Atlantic without a soul on board. Not a sign of struggle, not a shred of damage, no ransacked cargo—and not a trace of the captain, his wife and daughter, or the crew. What happened on board the ghost ship Mary Celeste has baffled and tantalized the world for 130 years.

Piscataway Peoples in Maryland

webadmin — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 12:00:49 +0000

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The area we call home today was first populated by Indigenous peoples from the Algonquin, Iroquois, and Siouan Nations. Among these groups, the Piscataways (also known as Conoy) were prevalent in the Chesapeake region at the time of European contact. Today, Piscataway Peoples still reside in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel and Wicomico counties. Two tribes of Piscataway heritage are officially recognized: the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe and the Piscataway Indian Nation.

To learn more about the Piscataway Peoples, check out some of these books and online resources available from CCPL:

Piscataway Indians of Southern Maryland (and other book titles too)!

Web sites:

Database Articles:

Here is an article that you can access through Gale OneFile: US History entitled “Fort Found.”

Gale OneFile provides what 21st-century researchers expect: instant access to complete, up-to-date content. Putting the world’s leading journals and reference sources at your fingertips, with easy-to-use features and unique search tools enabling discovery.

CCPL Staff Picks: Maryland History

webadmin — Tue, 18 May 2021 11:00:39 +0000

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Interested in Maryland History? Check out CCPL’s recommendations for some great books on Maryland’s History from Hoopla. These publications were chosen for their quality of content and accessibility in digital format – so you do not have to leave home to enjoy these great reads!

*CCPL Staff picks are chosen by CCPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We’d love to hear your ideas too, so write to us and tell us what you’d recommend!*

Maryland Steeplechasing by Christianna McCausland

Each spring, thousands of spectators clamber onto hillsides with picnics and binoculars to watch steeplechase racing, a fast-paced equine sport born out of the fundamentals of fox hunting. Since 1894, when the first Maryland Hunt Cup was run, the month of April has been synonymous with steeplechase racing. Starting with the Elkridge-Harford Hunt races and continuing with the National Steeplechase Association- sanctioned “Big Three” races–the My Lady’s Manor, Grand National, and Maryland Hunt Cup–the countryside buzzes with horses and fans every Saturday throughout the month. Images of America: Maryland Steeplechasing traces the history of Maryland’s other triple crown of racing, bringing together images of Maryland’s three most-coveted races for the first time in one volume.

Maryland’s Skipjacks by David Berry

Part of the Images of America series

Chesapeake is an Algonquian word meaning “great shellfish bay,” and for decades, the oyster was the undisputed king of Chesapeake Bay shellfish. Early settlers reported them to be as large as dinner plates, and the reefs or rocks in which they lived were large enough to be hazards to navigation. In 1884, fifteen million bushels of oysters were harvested and shipped around the world. The skipjack was the perfect vessel for sailing into the Chesapeake Bay’s shallow waters and dredging for oysters, and each winter, hundreds of these wooden craft set out across the bay’s cold waters. The oyster population of the 21st century is a fraction of what it once was, and the skipjacks have disappeared along with them. No longer economically viable, the boats have been left to rot in the marshes along the bay. Only 25 boats are still operational, and fewer than five still dredge.

Baltimore’s Deaf Heritage by Kathleen Brockway

Part of the Images of America: Maryland series

The booming job market and beautifully designed city of Baltimore attracted many families and individuals to the area in the 19th century. Several of these transplants would become prominent figures in the Deaf community. George W. Veditz, an early American Sign Language filmmaker and former president of the National Association of the Deaf; Rev. Daniel E. Moylan, founder of the oldest operational Methodist church for the deaf; and George Michael “Dummy” Leitner, a professional baseball player, all influenced Baltimore’s growing deaf population. Through vintage photographs of successful organizations and sports teams, including the Silent Oriole Club, Christ Church of the Deaf, the Jewish Deaf Society of Baltimore, the Silent Clover Society, and the National Fraternal Society for the Deaf, Baltimore’s Deaf Heritage illustrates the evolution of Baltimore’s Deaf community and its prominent leaders.

Maryland In The Civil War by Mark A. Swank, Dreama J. Swank

As a border state between the North and South during the Civil War, Maryland’s loyalties were strong for both sides. The first casualties of the war occurred during the Baltimore Riot of April 19, 1861, when members of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment were attacked by Confederate supporters while traversing through the city on their way to protect Washington, DC, from attack. Ten days later, Maryland chose not to secede from the Union by a vote of 53-13. On September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, one of the largest and bloodiest battles of the Civil War took place at “Bloody Antietam.” At the end of the day, nearly one in four men would be a casualty of the battle, making it the bloodiest day in American military history. There were over 75 skirmishes, raids, and major battles that took place in Maryland during the Civil War. Through vintage photographs, Maryland in the Civil War shares the state’s rich military heritage.

The Maryland State Fair by Paige Horine

According to Gov. Robert L. Ehrich Jr., “{The Maryland State Fair} is an annual opportunity as Marylanders to come together to celebrate the history, tradition, and charm of our State during the best days of summer.” The Maryland State Fair has continued the tradition of delighting Marylanders near and far since the late 1800s. Hosting governors to 4-H’ers, farm animals to farm hands, home arts to computer arts, the fair has always promised something for everyone. Fair favorites such as the sweet, intoxicating scent of warm cotton candy and the heartthundering excitement and majesty of Thoroughbred racing were as much a part of the Maryland State Fair 125 years ago as they are today. Readers can find it all in The Maryland State Fair: Celebrating 125 Years.

The Western Maryland Railway by Anthony Puzzilla

The Western Maryland Railway was never a large Class 1 rail carrier, but, during its 131 colorful years of existence, it provided extremely fast, efficient, and reliable freight; coal-hauling; and passenger service in the states it served. This book contains images from the history of this remarkable railroad. It also provides the reader the opportunity to see how the legacy of the Western Maryland Railway is being maintained and remembered even today at some of its well-known train stations, such as in Cumberland and Union Bridge, Maryland, now home to the Western Maryland Railway Historical Society (WMRHS). The Western Maryland is now gone, but, through the wonderful images captured and preserved by the WMRHS and private archival photograph collections, the dream of the railway will live on.

Maryland In World War I by William M. Armstrong

The First World War was an unprecedented event, and some of its effects on the state of Maryland can be seen to this day. Maryland’s civilian contributions included agricultural and industrial production, providing goods ranging from canned oysters to light artillery pieces. Wartime industrial requirements led to the creation of entire communities, including Dundalk. Maryland hosted a variety of military facilities, many of which are still active. The largest was Camp Meade, a virtual city, one of 16 new National Army training cantonments that sprang up in a matter of weeks in the summer of 1917. Other major facilities included the US Naval Academy, Fort McHenry, Naval Proving Ground Indian Head, and the new Aberdeen Proving

Ground. The state’s military contributions also included regional units of the National Guard and new National Army, which fought during the most deadly battle in American history, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.

Southern Maryland’s Historic Landmarks by Christopher R. Eck

Southern Maryland is made up of a collection of peninsulas covered in low rolling hills, fields, forests, swamps, and waterways leading to the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. As such, this area enjoyed relative isolation and small population for over three centuries despite its proximity to cities such as Alexandria, Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington. Those who did settle here developed a close connection to its farms, waterways, and natural remoteness. Southern Maryland, known for the state’s earliest Colonial settlements, is composed of three of the state’s oldest counties: St. Mary’s, Charles, and Calvert. Although largely agricultural and maritime in outlook, this region was also the birthplace of the nation’s ideal of religious freedom and many of its greatest citizens, including leaders of the Revolution, the early national government, and the state. Many of their homes and churches survive as historic landmarks, or their existence has been documented and preserved for posterity.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad In Maryland by David Shackelford

Incorporated in 1827, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad (B&O) was one of America’s first railroads, and Maryland was its heart and soul. The B&O’s creation was a tangible symbol of the Industrial Revolution, representing commerce and progress to towns along its route. Its headquarters and operations, centered in Baltimore, provided years of economic growth for the port city. This book contains images of well-known stations in Maryland, including Ellicott City Station, Gaithersburg Station, Camden Station, and the Mount Clare Shops-a self-contained industrial city, now home to the B&O Railroad Museum. Some stations still exist and are home to small museums or restaurants; others no longer stand, but images of them will remind even the casual historian of a time when railroads were a part of everyday life in America. Take a step back in time and revisit the sites, stations, and trains of the B&O that were once part of everyday life in Maryland and remember the glory of a bygone era.

Wild Women Of Maryland: Grit & Gumption In The Free State by Lauren R. Silberman

The daring women of Maryland made their mark on history as spies, would-be queens and fiery suffragettes. Sarah Wilson escaped indentured servitude in Frederick by impersonating the queen’s sister. In Cumberland, Sallie Pollock smuggled letters for top Confederate officials. Baltimore journalist Marguerite Harrison snuck into Russia to report conditions there after World War I. From famous figures like Harriet Tubman to unsung heroines like “Lady Law” Violet Hill Whyte, author Lauren R. Silberman introduces Maryland’s most tenacious and adventurous women.

Who Runs the World? Girls!

webadmin — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 12:00:16 +0000

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Celebrate Women’s History Month by testing your knowledge about famous women throughout history.

INTERACTIVE QUIZ

1.) Liquid paper, also known as white out, was invented by this American inventor:
(a) Bette Nesmith Graham
(b) Mary Anderson
(c) Maria Beasley
(d) Ruth Graves Wakefield

2.) Which environmentalist is best known for her work with chimpanzees?
(a) Rachel Carson
(b) Erin Brockovich
(c) Sy Montgomery
(d) Jane Goodall

3.) The “Gong and Signal Chair,” a chair with a button on it that, when pressed, illuminates a a light on the back of the chair, was patented by this 19th century inventor:
(a) Margaret Knight
(b) Miriam Benjamin
(c) Ellen F. Eglin
(d) Elizabeth Magie

4.) This Southern chef and entrepreneur is known as the first African-American culinary icon:
(a) Sunny Anderson
(b) Carla Hall
(c) Lena Richard
(d) Kardea Brown

5.) This woman was the first African-American female astronaut:
(a) Amelia Earhart
(b) Mae C. Jemison
(c) Stephanie Wilson
(d) Sally Ride

6.) In 1926, this athlete from New York became the first woman to swim the English Channel:
(a) Gertrude Caroline Ederle
(b) May Sutton
(c) Helen Meany
(d) Helen Wills

7.) This American physician is known for her groundbreaking treatment and care of premature infants:
(a) Elizabeth Blackwell
(b) Florence Aby Blanchfield
(c) Ethel Collins Dunham
(d) Gladys Rowena Henry Dick

8.) In 1978, she became the first woman mayor of San Francisco:
(a) Muriel Bowser
(b) Rhine McLin
(c) Janet Gray Hayes
(d) Dianne Feinstein

Answer Key

1) A; 2) D; 3) B; 4) C; 5) B; 6) A; 7) C; 8) D

For more information on these and other noteworthy women throughout history, check out these great reads:

Extraordinary Women: Women Who Changed History, edited by Catherine M. Edmonson
A Woman’s Place: The Inventors, Rumrunners, Lawbreakers, Scientists, & Single Moms Who Changed the World with Food, by Deepi Ahluwalia & Stef Ferrari
Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World, by Ann Shen
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, & Trailblazers Who Changed History, by Sam Maggs