Category: challenge

challenge pragmatic historian

What if You’re in Survival Mode and Can Only Depend on What’s in Your Home?

By Mary | by Mary

I was sitting at my computer the other day and looked up at the shelf near my desk. Along with assorted writing implements, paper, flash drives, office supplies, and CDs, the shelf contains my sewing supplies and fabric. Behind me is a blue metal locker with thread and more sewing supplies. What with Donald Trump ordering the killing of Iranian military leader Qassem Soleimani, which may potentially lead the United States into another war, and…

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challenge history pragmatic historian

Saving Handwriting for History

By Mary | by Mary

My favorite pen is the BIC Round Stic. I know a lot of people appreciate a smooth-flowing pen that glides with no friction across a page. Me, I like a little friction and the Round Stic provides. Black ink, please, not blue. Red is okay if I’m editing. My supply of black BIC Round Stics was getting low at home, so I bought a box. When I got it home, I noticed the following ……

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challenge history pragmatic historian

Maintaining Buildings for the Long-Term

By Mary | by Mary

My favorite building in Little Falls, Minnesota, is the U.S. Post Office with its giant Corinthian columns on the front facade. This blocky building covered in red brick speaks of solidity. It’s monumental, yet the smoothness of the columns gives it grace. When I visit, I have a tendency to run my hand over the surface of the columns like they are some sort of talisman. (I may be weird, but I believe buildings like…

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challenge history pragmatic historian

Making “Vintage” Halloween Costumes

By Mary | by Mary

The Saturday before Halloween this year (2019), Hubby and I were invited to a Halloween party. A costume is never really required, but people who attend this annual shindig tend to have fun with their costumes. They are usually pretty clever. (This year, one person came as “A Blessing in Disguise.”) Erik and I are not really costume people and we typically try to figure something out at the last minute. This year, we actually…

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challenge history museums pragmatic historian

Pursuing Members from a Niche History Market

By Mary | by Mary

Leading a local historical society, as I do, creating long-term financial stability for the organization is always on my mind. At this time of year, so is membership, particularly figuring out how to increase the number of members. Members, especially those who remain members over a long period of time, are not only the lifeblood of historical societies, they add immeasurably to the organization in terms of moral, financial, and other forms of support. Colleen…

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