Walter Thompson-Hernandez explores the multi-ethnic people of Los Angeles through research at the University of Southern California and through an Instagram account that features people of Mexican and black descent.
Category Archives: Coming to America
Hernán Cortés Biography
This biography and video provide information about explorer and conqueror Hernán Cortés, who overthrew the Aztec empire in the sixteenth century.
The Philosophical Differences on Immigration Between Canada and the U.S.
This article examines the differences between the United States’ and Canada’s immigration policies and asks whether Canada’s new program to expedite skilled foreign workers would work in the U.S.
Remarks by the First Lady at City College of New York Commencement
Read this transcript of First Lady Michelle Obama’s 2016 commencement speech in which she advised students to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of the students at City College of New York and of the citizens of the United States.
The Pilgrims Should Have Been Thankful for a Spirochete
Leptospirosis, a disease spread by rats that arrived in America on explorer’s ships, may have been what killed many of the original inhabitants and opened up the land.
What It Means to Live Life Working in the U.S. on a Visa
In an online art exhibit, the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center explores the lives of individuals who have visas to work in the United States. Read the article for background and click “H-1B” in the first paragraph to access the artwork.
10 Questions for Charles C. Mann
Charles C. Mann, author of 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus, answers questions about a second edition of the book and its follow-up, 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created.
How Andy Serkis is bringing holographic magic to Shakespeare’s The Tempest
The Royal Shakespeare Company will use sophisticated technology to re-tell The Tempest in an exciting new way in a late 2016 production.
Play Ball!: Colonial Games and America’s National Pastime
Historians research the origins of baseball, which may reach further in the past than is commonly recognized.
Immigration Fears Not New in US History: Photos
This slideshow presents a timeline of Americans’ reservations about immigrants.
Joy Harjo
This biography of poet Joy Harjo includes an overview of her work.
As pope evokes nation of immigrants, a report shows it’s not reflected in Congress
A study by the Pew Research Center shows a lack of Congressional representatives who are immigrants, and some think that an increase in that number would lead to a better understanding of complex immigration issues.
Error of Century? Balboa Park With No Statue of Balboa
Historian Helen Otfield argues that a statue of Vasco Núñez de Balboa should be erected in San Diego’s Balboa Park, and she provides some history of the Spanish explorer.
Jamestown Unearthed: Historic Jamestowne Opens Hands-On Archaeology to Guests
A new exhibit on Jamestown Island allows visitors to sift through archeological artifacts themselves and to view 3D printer technology that archeologists use to replicate the artifacts.
My Day One: From the Streets of Lahore to the Heart of Texas
In honor of the second annual Immigrant Heritage Month, the White House is inviting people to share their immigrant stories on its blog. In this one, a woman gains a new outlook after learning about her parents’ history, which wasn’t often talked about in their household.
U.S. Immigration Since 1965
The Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965 eliminated the existing quota system and resulted in an increasingly diverse demographic.
The strange fates of the Shakespeare First Folio
Chair of the English department at University of Nevado, Reno, Eric Rasmussen recently authenticated a Shakespeare First Folio found in France. He discusses the searches lead over the years to find copies of this first collection of William Shakespeare’s plays, which includes The Tempest.
Plymouth Colony
Read this article to learn about the settlement of Plymouth and the small but powerful group of English Separatist Church members, including William Bradford, who influenced its founding.
Explorer says he found Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria
Underwater archaeologist, Barry Clifford, believes his team has found Christopher Columbus’ long lost ship, the Santa Maria. Read this article to find out why he now thinks the wreck he encountered over 10 years ago is Columbus’ ship.
19 Native American Authors You Need to Read
This list compiles some of the best Native American writers, including Sherman Alexie and Joy Harjo. Which author are you most interested in reading?