History
Alachua commissioner reflects on McDonald’s, family history
Jan 10, 2024
Edward Potts talks about former McDonald's CEO and great-uncle Ray Kroc.
UF scientists identify fossil as oldest in the Frankincense, Myrrh family
Dec 24, 2023
Fossils found in India during the 1970s.
Holiday History: Hanukkah
Dec 9, 2023
Hanukkah, the “Festival of Lights,” is celebrated nightly from December 7 to 15. Hanukkah is the Jewish word for “dedication” and refers to the rededication of […]
UF historians unveil local business history
Aug 20, 2023
Historians mix work and pleasure to unveil Gainesville’s first-ever comprehensive business history.
Holiday History: Independence Day and the Constitution
Jul 4, 2023
Looking back at America’s founding documents
Holiday History: The story of Memorial Day
May 29, 2023
Alachua County Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Gainesville leads through our country's history.
Olasky Books: Understanding Israel at 75
May 13, 2023
A survey of recent books on history, politics and foreign policy.
Holiday History: Christmas Eve traditions
Dec 24, 2022
People, cultures have various ways to celebrate the season.
Holiday History: Halloween traditions
Oct 30, 2022
Halloween has come a long way since it was first celebrated. Many Americans partake in trick-or-treating but may not know the roots of the tradition. Last […]
Holiday History: The Declaration of Independence
Jul 4, 2022
Today marks the 246th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. While many American leaders have made stirring remarks befitting the day, it’s never a bad idea […]
Holiday History: What is Maundy Thursday?
Apr 14, 2022
At the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet. He also shared dinner with the twelve apostles, the origin of holy communion in Christian churches. Plus, […]
Olasky Books: History from ‘The Horde’ to Hitler
Apr 9, 2022
Welcome to the first installment of Olasky Books: Not “great books” or “best books,” but a monthly list of new, well-written books (often histories) that taught […]
Alachua County to unveil 2 historical markers
Feb 22, 2022
Alachua County will dedicate two new state historical markers at Spring Hill United Methodist Church and Spring Hill Cemetery in Alachua on Sunday at 2 p.m. […]
Remembering MLK’s Letter from Birmingham Jail
Jan 17, 2022
On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, it’s an appropriate time to revisit one of Dr. King’s most iconic messages. King gave many interviews and speeches, […]
Holiday History: New Year’s Day traditions
Jan 1, 2022
New Year’s Day gives us a lot of opportunities to discover the fun side of history—and have fun doing it. Food, for example, is part of […]
Holiday History: Christmas and record keeping
Dec 25, 2021
What does record keeping have to do with the Son of God? Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God. His birth is celebrated today. […]
Donor gives $75k to move former slave’s home
Dec 21, 2021
When the Saltzgiver family first moved to their 10-acre country lot in Newberry 20 years ago, there was a double-wide trailer and a tiny wood house […]
Advent reflection: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Dec 19, 2021
Much of what we love about Christmas is related to traditions. The song “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a way we Christians have celebrated prophecy […]
Holiday History: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Dec 7, 2021
At 7:53 a.m. local time on this day 80 years ago, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked. The United States was drawn into World War II. The […]
Holiday History: Thanksgiving
Nov 25, 2021
The scene is familiar, matching the historic description of the first Thanksgiving: a group of grateful European settlers share a Thanksgiving feast with a local native […]
Florida Finds: The James Museum
Nov 13, 2021
Andy Warhol is well known for his pop art and his images of Marilyn Monroe and Campbell’s Soup. But many of us, including this writer, were […]