Blog

Eric Robinson

Eric studied history at Haverford College and Oxford University before providing reference service at the New-York Historical Society's library for more than a decade.

Thank Lange Eylandt for Santa Claus

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Eric

Santa Claus is a native New Yorker, the product of a culture war from two centuries ago with even earlier roots in the 17th c. defeat of the Dutch. Continue reading →

Not Happy Thanksgiving, but Happy Evacuation Day

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Eric

Not long ago, we have would been commemorating… colonists who preferred to be subjects? Washington’s refusal to free slaves? No wonder this holiday is neglected! Continue reading →

Pretends to be Free

Posted on November 14, 2012 by Eric

Runaway slave ads in 18th c. newspapers are an illuminating resource for African American genealogists. Continue reading →