Author: Christoph

Renewed For Season Two

| Christoph

This blog began as a look at South Jersey historic locations. I would go visit and then review them the way I would talk about an episode of reality tv show. I began this project in college as a semester long assignment for a journalism class. I assumed the site would end with the class, but dabbled with the idea of continuing it. I posted a final post ending the first season of the blog and said “see you soon” but time got lost and “soon” didn’t come very quickly. Merriam-Webster defines soon as “in a prompt manner”, but I’m gonna re-define soon with my own definition. So now were here and “soon” has come.

Going forward Historic Realty is going broad. Not to Europe, were not Emily in Paris-ing it, but I’m expanding the scope on our historic lens. When I began the blog, my professor told me to hone my blog in on a very specific topic, which I was against. Originally I was going to look at historic sites across the whole tri-state area. I wanted to get into some great Philadelphia spots, but no I had to tighten the focus so I went with South Jersey. Well be looking at history across the board.

One of the biggest game changers that occurred during the first run of this blog was my interview with Dr Sarah Hughes. We talked about her article, American Monsters: Tabloid Media and the Satanic Panic, 1970–2000 and had a great time doing it. It melded together so many things I loved from history to juicy court cases and tragic and iconic day time talk shows. The first shortened form of the interview garnered a couple hundred views, way more than I had ever had before. So of course I released the full 20+ minute interview which again saw such a great surge in views. To this day after years, that post still gets views almost daily.

It has always stuck in my head as such a great time, so from there I see the future of Historic Reality. A new reality… Okay calm down, Thanos. I now see a more clear path ahead for this blog which is basically the opposite of what my journalism professor told me years ago. He wanted us to hone in on a specific beat, but I want to have fun and let this blog be anything I want.

I ended season one with a quote from the icon herself, Gossip Girl. So its only fair to start season two the same…

“Sometimes you need to step outside, clear your head and remind yourself of who you are. And where you wanna be. And sometimes you have to venture outside your world in order to find yourself. As for me, I’m happy right where I am. I only wanna be with you. xoxo”

Season One Finale

| Christoph

It has been quite an expansive past four months. When I began this project, I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. As the weeks went on, I found that my vision had switched focus. I continued touring historic southern New Jersey sites, interviewing other bloggers, a historical society librarian and a Doctor of history, and exploring history in general.

I have learned so much from every person I have interviewed and every site I have visited. The smallest bits have an extensive history. From a cabinet to a statue, there is history in everything. New Jersey is an epicenter of American history.

If this were a season of the Real Housewives, Andy Cohen would roll a clip of the best moments. Now nothing can compare to the Countess falling in the bushes, here’s my five favorite moments from Historic Reality season 1…

Five: Jake Wynn of Wynning History

Four: The Indian King Tavern

Three: In the Library with Bonny Elwell

Two: The Battleship New Jersey

One: Dr. Sarah Hughes … (and the extended Version)

Now I’ll leave you with a quote from the one and only Gossip Girl,

“And just because I’ve seen it all, doesn’t mean I’ve seen everything. And I gotta say, no one saw this one coming. You may think my best days are behind me, but this old girl still has some new tricks. Stay tuned. XOXO.”

Jeffrey Norcross Curates His Life and the Museum of American History

| Christoph

The Museum of American History. Photo / Christoph Smith

History begins in your own backyard

Jeffrey Norcross, originally of Merchantville, N.J., curates the Museum of American History. The museum is located in Deptford, N.J. and has been at this location for just under 4 months. The museum is open Thursday – Sunday, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. with $4 admission for adults and $3 for children. While this location has only been up and running for a short time, the museum has a long history.

History Runs in the Family

Norcross has been planning for this museum for decades, and the origins date back to when he was a child, at 8 years old finding antiques on family property. Norcross received his degrees in history and religion from the University of West Florida. He has traveled far and wide to grow his collection of artifacts and says, “about 95% I have found, and about 5% is purchased.” He is still finding new artifacts, but now he has his grand-children there to help and learn. His grand-daughter even has her drawings displayed throughout the museum along side the artifacts.

The Museum gained its roots in Berlin, N.J. in 1996, 3 years after the state recognized them. Norcross and the museum moved to Glassboro in the early 2000’s, and then moved to the current location in Deptford, N.J. in 2017. The exhibits have grown as the museum has moved from location to location.

Norcross has 80 exhibits at the Deptford location including fossils, antique tools, glass and ceramic and many more. If you have ever wanted to see a Woolly Mammoth tooth or a Triceratops horn, then this museum is for you. The expansive collections of fossils are displayed beautifully in hand painted dioramas which are organized chronologically.

Coming into the Holiday Station

The main attraction at the moment is the train exhibit. “The trains are set up to look like Christmas morning,” says Norcross. The trains date back to the 1930’s and run around the antique boards. The exhibit lasts throughout the holiday season from late November through January to ensure everyone has a chance to see the nostalgia at its finest. The hearty nature of the train display shows the longevity of toys from a century ago. Toys were built to last, the same cannot be said of toys made today.

Good for the family

The two-story museum has the feel of going to a relatives house, wallpaper and all. Once inside, the vibe is comfortable and relaxing. Right as you enter, you are greeted by a display of small toys from Norcross’ youth, and a box of toys for children to sit and play with. The museum transports you through time, through the 20th century and back to a land before dinosaurs. You experience new and interesting artifacts at every turn.

The museum and its exhibits are still growing, with plenty of artifacts in storage awaiting their debut.

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

Dr. Sarah Hughes Tackles History and American Monsters

| Christoph

Dr. Sarah Hughes in her dining room. Photo / Christoph Smith.

Dr. Sarah Hughes received her Ph.D. in History from Temple University. She taught history while in grad school. Hughes recently had her article, American Monsters: Tabloid Media and the Satanic Panic, 1970 – 2000, published in the Journal of American Studies. She truly is a queen and I could listen to her talk for hours. Listen as she talks the importance of history, how she got into history, and her article.

 

 

 

 

Wynning The Internet, with Jake Wynn

| Christoph

Wynning History run by Jake Wynn, 24, is a history blog centered on Central Pennsylvania which began in 2014. Wynn is a native of Williamstown, Pennsylvania who currently resides in Frederick, Maryland and is the Program and Education Coordinator at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.

Christoph: When did you start blogging and when did you start blogging about this topic?

Wynn: I’ve always been interested in local history from the small coal mining region in Pennsylvania where I grew up. It became a hobby and I spent many weekend days exploring the ruins of industry in Williamstown. But in 2012-2013, my interest became much more intense. I began a public history program at Hood College and started looking for ways to turn my hobby into a serious endeavor. A local history blogger, Norm Gasbarro, took my under his wing and encouraged me to write for his Gratz Civil War Blog. In early 2014 I branched out on my own and started Wynning History. I’ve made it a focus to professionalize and regularize the blog within the past year.

What is a short synopsis of your blog, how would you describe it to a friend?

Wynning History is really just an outward extension of what I’ve been reading, writing, and researching. It focuses on history and culture in areas of Central Pennsylvania with occasional explorations of other topics of regional and national importance. Ultimately, it is my attempt to relate research and history that is relevant for issues today, but also includes stories that I believe deserve to be told.

Why did you start this blog?

I found that through my time at Hood College, I had collected a ton of great stories and research that I suspected members of the public may enjoy. I began publishing occasionally on stories about my hometown and the Civil War. But once I dove in, I realized I had a more complex narrative to tell and I’ve tried to continue developing my abilities to analyze and to write.

How do you find juggling this blog with other aspects of your life?

Up until the autumn of 2016, my life and my blogging had a very combative relationship. I would get distracted or busy and the blog would go silent for months at a time. Since then, I’ve really made posting weekly a priority. It’s become therapeutic and allows me a away to channel my research and writing into something productive and something that allows me to relate history to current events.

What do you find is the most challenging thing about maintaining this blog?

I have found that posting consistently and staying relevant are my biggest challenges. I always want the content to speak to whatever may be impacting my reader’s lives.

What is your routine for blogging, how you decide on a topic, how you move forward, what is your writing process?

Wynning History has become an escape of sorts for me. It allows me to post about topics unrelated to my current work. I’m blessed really – my job includes researching, writing, and speaking about one of my favorite topics. The Civil War has always fascinated me. But sometimes, I just need to post about the politics of labor unionizing in a small town in Pennsylvania. Using the blog as an escape has definitely kept me sane.

How often do you post?

I post every Thursday. I’m currently mulling adding in a second post each week as well.

Has the blog evolved over time?

It absolutely has and it continues to evolve. I’m finding specific areas that really interest my readership. I believe it has become more professional over time as I’ve gotten writing experience, but also experience in helping to manage a museum’s website and social media presence.

What role do you think blogging should play in the future of journalism?

I love well-told stories. Journalism provides that. Good history provides that. I’ve watched great blogs take off and provide context for events that are shaping the world. Ultimately, I’d love to play a part in that. I’ve been experimenting with writing for other blogs and news organizations in addition to my work on Wynning History.

What’s the most interesting or exciting aspect of running this blog?

The most exciting part has been watching the blog really take off on social media. The Wynning History Facebook page is rapidly growing and it has created a little community that surrounds me. I’ve been really lucky to have such amazing people who have helped me and supported me as I’ve made this blog a more integral part of my life. It’s also translated into a few speaking engagements and I am really passionate about storytelling and the storytelling process.

What advice do you have for someone just starting to maintain a beat blog?

Post consistently. Stay relevant. Don’t doubt the value of your work.

How do you think historical events of the past relate to those of today?

We are doomed to live in interesting times. The study of history is vitally important in our current political moment. As it seems facts matter less and less in public discourse, public and academic historians need to continue to push our voices into the political sphere. Whether it’s the political influences of small coal towns, the economic struggles of the Rust Belt, or the horrors of the Civil War, these topics are extraordinarily relevant and their historical context vital.

 

Check out Jake Wynn’s work at Wynning History

 

Mike McCormick Takes on the Trails of South Jersey

| Christoph

Mike McCormick, 35, has been running South Jersey Trails since March of 2013. McCormick is a native of Voorhees, N.J. who currently resides in Barrington, N.J. who spends his days teaching middle school students world and US history. “The adventures of a man and his three sons (and his wife and, occasionally his friends) to the wonders of South Jersey, including hikes, canoe trips, backpacking, and historical sites”, McCormick summarizes of South Jersey Trails.

McCormick began the blog the way many great ideas are born, he had a question and no one was out there answering it.

McCormick recounts the story of when South Jersey Trails was born. While scouring the internet trying to find new trails to hike with his young son, in the hopes his wife would get an afternoon of relaxation, he found many trails in north Jersey. Without the ease to drive hours north to hike McCormick states he “decided then and there to write a book about hiking in South Jersey.  Ten minutes later, I realized that that was entirely too much work and abandoned that plan.  Instead I started a blog to keep track of the places I found to hike.”

South Jersey Trails has an astounding 74,233 views and rising. McCormick’s writing style has not changed much since the inception of the blog, but he has learned what his audience wants to know, such as which trails are dog-friendly. While blogs and other hobbies are often draining on a person’s life and free time, McCormick doesn’t feel that with his blogging. He states, “having my kids involved with actually hiking with me means that the blog includes a major aspect of my life within it (my family), rather than taking time away from them.”

McCormick has found that changing trails can cause some confusion and trouble with his blog staying accurate. While he tries to keep his blog updated at least once a month, if there is a period of time with no posts his readers can look back at the 130 previous posts documenting trails and so much more. As hiking trails remains the focus of the blog, McCormick says he “quickly branched out from just hiking in the beginning, to canoeing, local history, backpacking, and occasional posts on the national parks.” McCormick sees the best part of the blog as the ability to go out and explore as well as inform his readers of so many new and beautiful places in southern New Jersey.

As far as the impact and future of blogging, McCormick believes blogging “has a key role to play in the future of journalism.  Blogs are able to successfully reach niche areas outside of mainstream journalism, allowing them to target under-served audiences or to take stories that print media wouldn’t necessarily be able to focus on.”

McCormick’s advice for fellow bloggers out there is to “make sure that you are writing about something that you care deeply about.  If you care about your subject, that will come through to your audience.”

Bringing it all back to the history of south Jersey, McCormick states “a deeper understanding of our past leads to a clearer understanding of our present, which gives us a better understanding of what may happen in our future.  Lessons learned from the past can sometimes help us decide what we can do with problems of today.”

Check out South Jersey Trails and get out there hiking and learning.

The trails and tribulations of history can truly be the best teachers for our future.

In the Pine Barrens at Batsto Village

Image | | Christoph

I saw Goody Proctor with the Jersey Devil!

Batsto Village is located in Hammonton, New Jersey tucked away in the Pine Barrens. The village dates back to 1766 with a long history of industrialization. Located in the Wharton State Forrest, Batsto has its history tied in the iron and glassmaking industry. Batsto even created supplies for the soldiers in the American Revolution. The land was even owned by Joseph Wharton in the end of the 1800’s. Wharton is the namesake for U Penn’s business school. In 1954 New Jersey purchased the land and it now sits as a state forrest.

So grab your headphones, put on Florence and the Machine’s iconic 2009 album, Lungs, and reflect on the beauty of the historic Pine Barrens. Florence, famous for the amazing Dog Days are Over and her appearance on Gossip Girl, has soothing and emotion packed vocals totally put you in the right mindset to take in all the beauty Batsto Village has.

 

 

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.