Writing His First Biography
No one prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster of drafting a book on someone when you're the first in history to do so
Rooted in Place
Founded by historian Madeline Feierstein, Rooted in Place LLC provides genealogy research, history workshops, community programs, K-12 learning support, collabs & lectures for institutions, and guided tours for everyone in the D.C. area
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Latest posts
Ronald Reagan & the Collapse of the Insane Asylum
The Mental Health Systems Act (1980) was torpedoed before it could launch proper deinstitutionalization, but the state hospital was doomed to fail long before Ronald Reagan became president.
How America Stole from Mexico, and Why We Don't Discuss It
The Mexican-American War doesn't weigh heavily on the average American's conscience. Here is a quick, social history take on why this consequential conflict doesn't get the attention it deserves.
1924
150 years after American independence, a new war waged against who could land on our shores. To understand anti-immigration laws today, we must learn about their origins.
Why We Have Forgotten the War of 1812
America went to war with Great Britain for a second time from 1812-1815. We emerged victorious, so why don't more Americans know about it?
America250 for the Immigrant
In 2026, the United States commemorates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. For those who cannot claim an ancestral hand in the Revolution, what does this year mean for the rest of us?
Why America Doesn't Talk About World War I
The Great War (1914-1918) is largely forgotten. While poppy-strewn memorial ceremonies draw thousands in Europe, American interest in WWI fails to measure up to our allied counterparts in-arms.
Teaching Politics with Eminem
Marshall Mathers' music entertains, informs, and educates. Although scathing, they're laced with social justice and political commentary. Here is how to analyze Slim Shady's lyrics in the classroom.
Thomas Jefferson's Deadly Tomatoes, and How to Research Exaggeration
As historians, it's easy to believe something quite radical. In fact, we crave it: viewing it as nonsensical and a breath of fresh air. But how can we utilize exaggerated information for our research?
Barking Up the Family Tree, and How I Found a Criminal Ancestor
Some of my best research stemmed from genealogical gems and familial finds. What is hidden in your family tree?