Inspired by a Time magazine article, Frank and David discuss the upcoming 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

Last Drops

Frank:  Washington Post article on Montpelier

David: census fraud in 1920s Pittsburgh

The Senate recently passed the Sunshine Protection Act, a measure that would move the US to permanent Daylight Savings Time. Frank and David discuss Americans' relationship to time and the history of time zones and daylights savings.

Last Drops

Frank: Amtrak on the East Coast

David: Why the Census Invented Nine Fake People

Since the start of the Russian invasion two weeks ago, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has become the face of the Ukrainian resistance, admired in the United States and around the world for his bravery and heroism. Frank and David discuss other times when Americans have celebrated foreign leaders, including Lafayette, Bolivar, and Kossuth. 

Last Drops

Frank: upcoming Fennell Lecture with Marlene Daut

David: Heather Cox Richardson's interview with Joe Biden

The United States (along with many other nations) has imposed severe economic sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Frank and David discuss the use of sanctions in American history.

Last Drops

Frank: Getting Word Project at Monticello

David: SASA this Saturday

Frank and David discuss the history of open letters, including those from Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and Bill Gates.

Last Drops

Frank: Rutherford Falls

David: Heather Cox Richardson's Letter from an American, Nat Geo on underwater archaeology of the Atlantic slave trade. 

Frank and David discuss fads in American history, including bloomers, dance marathons, and streaking.

Last Drops

Frank: Rory Stewart article in Foreign Affairs

David: New Yorker article on Margaret Wise Brown

With the looming crisis in Ukraine, Frank and David revisit the topic of US-Russian relations, focusing on the period before the Cold War.

Last Drops

Frank: RIP Richard Dunn

David: Burns Cottage in Atlanta

Frank and David discuss forgeries in American history.

Ben Park on Mark Hofmann

Last Drops

Frank: RIP Dr. Jennifer Steenshorn

David: WaPost project on slaveholders in Congress 

Recent polls by NPR, ABC, and others suggest that many Americans think that democracy in the United States is in danger. Frank and David discuss.

Last Drops

Frank: Congratulates Fabian Hilfrich, Di Paton, and Jason Herbert

David: Drafting the Past podcast

On New Year's Day, Frank and David look back at 2021, assessing its historical significance. (Episode inspired in part by this Politico article). 

Last Drops

Frank: Lost Hills podcast (2nd series)

David: Lee statue time capsules