Category Archives: History

As inauguration nears, check out the Smithsonian’s “First Ladies” exhibit

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Katherine Wikoff

As preparations accelerate in advance of of President Obama’s second inauguration on Monday (which is also Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), one of the biggest stories coming out of Washington is Michelle Obama’s new “bangs” hairstyle.  I bring this up not … Continue reading →

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It’s beginning to look a lot like . . . St. Patrick’s Day?

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

My favorite Starbucks establishment is just a few blocks away from my office, at Red Arrow Park at the corner of Water and State in downtown Milwaukee.  It is the only Starbucks I know of that’s located in a park … Continue reading →

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Twinkies, Dan White, and that raisin in the sun

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

By now you have probably heard the news that Hostess, makers of Twinkies, Wonder Bread, and Ho Hos, is closing.  A bankruptcy judge has ordered last-ditch mediation between company and union, but if things have gotten so bad that both union … Continue reading →

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Going for Olympic gold . . . in art!

Posted on August 3, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

It was once possible to get an Olympic medal for art, according to an article in The Atlantic this week.  From 1912 -1948, gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded in five categories of art: architecture, painting, sculpture, literature, and … Continue reading →

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Phil Collins, Alamo historian. Yes, that Phil Collins.

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

So on the plane from Dallas to San Antonio last Saturday, I met Steve, who lives about 45 minutes northwest of the city.  Among the other tourist tips he gave me, the most intriguing was his joking suggestion that I keep … Continue reading →

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The Hatfields and McCoys . . . and Hitchcock?

Posted on May 28, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

This week the History Channel is running a six-hour presentation of America’s most famous feud, the murderous, longstanding grudge match between the Hatfield and McCoy families living along border between Kentucky and West Virginia.   I am from a small town on … Continue reading →

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Queen Victoria’s journals

Posted on May 24, 2012 by Katherine Wikoff

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the role played by journals in creativity and innovation.  I’ll post more on this later when I have time to write.  This week I’m in the middle of final exams and closing out the … Continue reading →

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