Launching the Liberator

This week marks the inaugural release of The Liberator, a hugely influential abolitionist newspaper published by William Lloyd Garrison.

Aaron KillianJanuary 2, 2015William Lloyd Garrison, The Liberator, The Civil War, Newspaper, Slavery, AbolitionComment

Historic America Presents: Vince Guaraldi & A Charlie Brown Christmas

Today we learn the story behind the beloved TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and its iconic score composed and performed by Vince Guaraldi (plus there's a music video at the end). Enjoy!

Video Shoot in DC

I recently became a member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, DC. The organization is just what the title implies - a membership organization comprised of professional DC tour guides which promotes DC tourism and best practices for guides & interpreters. Eager to earn my stripes and do good by the Guild, I volunteered to shoot some videos with other Guild Guides which showcase the stories surrounding some well known DC destinations.

Aaron KillianDecember 30, 2014Aaron Killian, Historic America Comment

Kicking British Butt Aboard Old Ironsides

During the War of 1812, when it came to administering a waterborne whoopin' to the Brits, the USS Constitution was unmatched. Launched in 1797 as one of the U.S. Navy's six original frigates, the heavily armed and sturdily built Constitution would defeat five British warships over the course of her career.

Aaron KillianDecember 29, 2014USS Constitution, HMS Java, Bainbridge, War of 1812, Great Britain, United States NavyComment

George Washington Becomes the Greatest Man in the World

At multiple times during his career, George Washington had the opportunity to permanently seize the reins of power and install himself as an American dictator. Never was this danger greater then in 1783.

Aaron KillianDecember 23, 2014George Washington, King George III, Congress, Revolution, Resignation, Maryland Statehouse, AnnapolisComment

Celia Cruz: Cuba's Greatest Export Since the Cohiba

You remember Celia Cruz don't you? She's the woman on Sesame Street who taught you how to count to 10 in Spanish.

Aaron KillianDecember 19, 2014Celia Cruz, Cuba, Castro, America, United States, Johnny Pacheco, Tito Puente, Communist Revolution, AzucarComment

Top 7 American Political Dynasties

On Tuesday, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R) announced that he is actively exploring a 2016 bid for the White House. The Bush family has established a near unparalleled record of prominent public service for itself, but where do the they rank among the other great, multigenerational political dynasties in American history?

Aaron KillianDecember 18, 2014The Bush Family, The Taft Family, The Harrison Family, The Kennedy Family, The Adams FamilyComment

Deadly Shipwreck Found: SS City of Rio de Janeiro

The deadliest shipwreck in the history of the San Francisco Bay area has been found.

Aaron KillianDecember 16, 2014SS City of Rio de Janeiro, San Francisco, Golden Gate, Rounsevelle Wildman, Shipwreck, Sinking, Tragedy, Hong Kong, Brazil, CaliforniaComment

The Death of Sitting Bull

Today we mark the death of Sitting Bill, the famed Sioux Indian chief and holy man best known for his victory over George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Who's your favorite British Invasion Band?

2014 marked the 50th anniversary of the Rolling Stones' first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show - an event which also reminds us of the enormous impact British bands have had on the history and development of Rock n' Roll music in the United States. We're curious to know which one of these invading British bands is YOUR favorite...

Aaron KillianDecember 12, 2014 Comment

I'm Recording an Audiobook

I'm always trying to think of new and interesting ways to generate revenue for Historic America. A few weeks ago, I was struck by the idea that audiobook narration might be a worthy pursuit.

Aaron KillianDecember 11, 2014Aaron Killian, Steve Killian, ACX, Ground Pounder, Gregory Short, Audiobooks, Narration, VoiceoverComment

Historic America Presents: The Old Print Gallery

I recently placed a visit to The Old Print Gallery in Washington, DC's Georgetown neighborhood to learn about the history of printmaking and see the amazing collection of classic American prints the space has to offer. For lovers of historic American art, The Old Print Gallery is like Candy Land and I was really excited that they allowed us to film inside.

Top 5 Surprise Attacks in American History

As many of you know, this Sunday marked the 73rd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although Japan may have caught us with our pants down that fateful morning, over the course of our nation's military history, we've managed to launch several successful surprise attacks of our own. Submitted for your approval is the following list of Top 5 instances when 'twas Americans that kicked some unexpected butt...

Poll Question: Who's your Favorite American Immigrant Genius?

On this day in 1932, world famous physicist Albert Einstein received his U.S. Visa and would eventually go on to become an American citizen in 1940. This event is in keeping with a proud American tradition of welcoming great scientific minds to our shores and conferring upon them the rights and privileges of citizenship. Apart from Albert Einstein, which one of these brilliant American immigrants is your favorite? Your choices are...

Thomas Jefferson: Defining America, Chapter II

The work continues on my recently announced biography of Thomas Jefferson. Today I'd like to share with you a portion of Thomas Jefferson: Defining America, Chapter II...

Raising the First American Flag

On this day, 239 years ago, our nation's first flag was raised...

Aaron KillianDecember 3, 2014John Paul Jones, USS Alfred, Stars and Stripes, Union Jack, Philadelphia, Revolutionary War, Historic AmericaComment

The Great American Songbook, Holiday Edition: The Christmas Song

Arguably the most iconic Christmas song of all time was written on a scorching hot afternoon in southern California. The year was 1945...

Aaron KillianDecember 2, 2014The Christmas Song, Mel Torme, Bob Wells, Nat King Cole, ChristmasComment

Benjamin Franklin and the Turkey

Here's something to consider as you make leftover turkey sandwiches for lunch today...

Benjamin Franklin's preference for using the Turkey over the Bald Eagle on our Great Seal is a well known piece of American folklore - but is there any truth to the tale? Kinda sorta.