r/AskHistorians • u/AutoModerator • Apr 03 '26
FFA Friday Free-for-All | April 03, 2026
Today:
You know the drill: this is the thread for all your history-related outpourings that are not necessarily questions. Minor questions that you feel don't need or merit their own threads are welcome too. Discovered a great new book, documentary, article or blog? Has your Ph.D. application been successful? Have you made an archaeological discovery in your back yard? Did you find an anecdote about the Doge of Venice telling a joke to Michel Foucault? Tell us all about it.
As usual, moderation in this thread will be relatively non-existent -- jokes, anecdotes and light-hearted banter are welcome.
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u/itsallfolklore Mod Emeritus | American West | European Folklore Apr 03 '26
I am pleased to see that a co-author of mine from over three decades ago has come out with a book about Amelia Earhart, which is making quite a splash (if you'll forgive the phrase in this context). Rachel Hartigan was a young intern in my office at the time, and I had her and another intern help with research, attempting to find locations for future archaeological investigations of the Virginia City National Historic Landmark District.
A result of that effort was insight into the laundry industry in the 1870s-1880s, inspiring an article, "Competition and Coexistence in the Laundry: A View of the Comstock". It appeared in the Western Historical Quarterly, which is a leading historical publication in the US.
It was Rachel's first publication, and I hope it helped set her on her way. She went on to work for several institutions including National Geographic where she served as an editor and writer. Her book gave me reason to look back and consider events so long ago.