Blogs

Place names are not merely labels on a map; they are vessels of historical memory, cultural identity, and power dynamics. They reflect the values, beliefs, and aspirations of those who bestowed them while also shaping the perceptions and interpretations of those who encounter them. The city of Chicago, with its rich and complex history, offers…

Oral history, the systematic collection and preservation of personal memories and spoken accounts is crucial in enriching and expanding our understanding of the past. While written records have long been considered the primary source of historical information, oral history offers a unique and invaluable perspective that can challenge, complement, and even correct existing narratives. Oral…

A cornerstone of the narrative asserting Jean Baptiste Point de Sable’s Haitian origins is a baptismal certificate dated April 11, 1745, purportedly from St. Marc, Haiti. This document is widely cited as proof of Point de Sable’s birth in Haiti. However, a rigorous paleographic analysis of the document reveals significant inconsistencies and raises serious doubts…

The narrative surrounding African Americans in the fur trade has often been one of marginalization and erasure. Traditional historical accounts have frequently portrayed them as runaway slaves seeking refuge in the wilderness or as passive laborers in the service of European traders. However, a closer examination of historical evidence reveals a more complex and nuanced…

Jean Baptiste Point de Sable, widely recognized as the founder of Chicago, has long been a figure shrouded in mystery and misconception. A prevailing narrative, often perpetuated without rigorous historical scrutiny, has positioned him as a Haitian immigrant. However, emerging evidence challenges this narrative, prompting a re-evaluation of Point de Sable’s legacy and contributions to…

The field of public history has emerged as a potent instrument for establishing a connection between academic research and community engagement. Public historians can cultivate a shared comprehension of the past and a sense of ownership by actively engaging diverse communities in the research, interpretation, and presentation of historical narratives. This methodology not only enhances…

History, as a discipline, strives for accuracy and truth. Yet, historical myths and misinformation often take root, distorting our understanding of the past and perpetuating harmful stereotypes or biases. The case of Jean Baptiste Point de Sable, the founder of Chicago, is a prime example of how historical inaccuracies can become entrenched and widely accepted,…

The emergence of Chicago as a pivotal trading hub in the 18th and 19th centuries was not solely the result of European exploration and settlement. Rather, a complex interplay of Indigenous knowledge, established trade routes, and European ambitions converged in this strategic location. The region’s Indigenous peoples, particularly the Potawatomi, played an instrumental role in…

The gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets of modern Chicago often overshadow its rich and complex pre-colonial history. Long before European explorers and settlers arrived, the Chicago region was home to diverse Indigenous communities who thrived in this landscape for centuries. Unearthing these Indigenous roots and exploring the early settlement period reveals a fascinating tapestry of…

A Eurocentric narrative has long dominated the history of early American settlements, often overlooking or minimizing the contributions of diverse groups who played crucial roles in shaping these communities. This narrative has traditionally centered on the experiences and perspectives of European explorers, colonists, and settlers while marginalizing the histories of Indigenous peoples, African Americans, and…