Brenna Holland
@brennaholland.bsky.social
Mom. Historian. Studies Philadelphia, especially early American women, gender, families, and history of capitalism. Assistant Director of Library & Museum Programs at the American Philosophical Society. Views my own.
Southern California friends—I’ll be in San Diego for this talk next week. It’s free!
East coast friends—you can livestream in 😉
East coast friends—you can livestream in 😉
🌎 What can 18th-century experiments on air teach us about today’s climate challenges?
Join Scripps Oceanography atmospheric chemist @kprather.bsky.social and @amphilsociety.bsky.social for a conversation on how science, climate & society are connected.
📅 Nov 11
🔗 bit.ly/4nFCmGW
Join Scripps Oceanography atmospheric chemist @kprather.bsky.social and @amphilsociety.bsky.social for a conversation on how science, climate & society are connected.
📅 Nov 11
🔗 bit.ly/4nFCmGW
On Experimentation, Air, and Human Health: Considering Priestley’s Scientific Legacies | American Philosophical Society
Join the American Philosophical Society and Scripps Research Institute for a public conversation with atmospheric chemist Dr. Kimberly A. Prather (APS 2022) on how early observations about the “air” c...
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Southern California friends—I’ll be in San Diego for this talk next week. It’s free!
East coast friends—you can livestream in 😉
East coast friends—you can livestream in 😉
Reposted by Brenna Holland
"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army." Edward Everett (APS 1831)
Since 1743, APS's mission has been "the cultivation of useful knowledge" Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Since 1743, APS's mission has been "the cultivation of useful knowledge" Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
October 22, 2025 at 1:10 PM
"Education is a better safeguard of liberty than a standing army." Edward Everett (APS 1831)
Since 1743, APS's mission has been "the cultivation of useful knowledge" Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Since 1743, APS's mission has been "the cultivation of useful knowledge" Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Reposted by Brenna Holland
The use of sound waves to detect a “whole ocean” temperature required finding a remote location. Heard Island, located 2,500 miles off the west coast of Australia, was suitably secluded.
"Episode Two: Creating an Experiment" is now available: https://www.amphilsoc.org/heard-island-experiment
"Episode Two: Creating an Experiment" is now available: https://www.amphilsoc.org/heard-island-experiment
October 21, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The use of sound waves to detect a “whole ocean” temperature required finding a remote location. Heard Island, located 2,500 miles off the west coast of Australia, was suitably secluded.
"Episode Two: Creating an Experiment" is now available: https://www.amphilsoc.org/heard-island-experiment
"Episode Two: Creating an Experiment" is now available: https://www.amphilsoc.org/heard-island-experiment
Reposted by Brenna Holland
"We especially need imagination in science..." Maria Mitchell (APS 1869)
Since 1743, APS Members have supported the cultivation of useful knowledge through intellectual inquiry and critical thought. Check back weekly for their words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Since 1743, APS Members have supported the cultivation of useful knowledge through intellectual inquiry and critical thought. Check back weekly for their words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
October 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM
"We especially need imagination in science..." Maria Mitchell (APS 1869)
Since 1743, APS Members have supported the cultivation of useful knowledge through intellectual inquiry and critical thought. Check back weekly for their words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Since 1743, APS Members have supported the cultivation of useful knowledge through intellectual inquiry and critical thought. Check back weekly for their words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Reposted by Brenna Holland
"All the institutions of every name for the promotion of useful knowledge should be... supported from the public purse." Alexander Dallas Bache (APS 1829)
Since 1743, APS Members have supported useful knowledge! Check back weekly for their words of wisdom. #wordsofwisdom
Since 1743, APS Members have supported useful knowledge! Check back weekly for their words of wisdom. #wordsofwisdom
October 3, 2025 at 1:14 PM
"All the institutions of every name for the promotion of useful knowledge should be... supported from the public purse." Alexander Dallas Bache (APS 1829)
Since 1743, APS Members have supported useful knowledge! Check back weekly for their words of wisdom. #wordsofwisdom
Since 1743, APS Members have supported useful knowledge! Check back weekly for their words of wisdom. #wordsofwisdom
Reposted by Brenna Holland
Since 1743, APS's mission has been "the cultivation of useful knowledge"—intellectual inquiry and critical thought are inherently in the best interest of the public.
Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
October 1, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Since 1743, APS's mission has been "the cultivation of useful knowledge"—intellectual inquiry and critical thought are inherently in the best interest of the public.
Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Check back weekly for APS Members' words of wisdom.
#usefulknowledge #wordsofwisdom
Largely the brilliant work of my amazing colleague @adriannalink.bsky.social—learning fascinating stuff about history of science @amphilsociety.bsky.social.
The APS’ Mendel newsletter is back and better than ever. Check out the inaugural issue of Mendel+ on the CHS website! www.amphilsoc.org/center-histo...
Center for the History of Science | American Philosophical Society
The American Philosophical Society’s Center for the History of Science encourages greater engagement with the Library & Museum's deep and extensive holdings through a robust program of long- and short...
www.amphilsoc.org
May 27, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Largely the brilliant work of my amazing colleague @adriannalink.bsky.social—learning fascinating stuff about history of science @amphilsociety.bsky.social.
CFP alert! Historian friends—let me know if you have questions about @amphilsociety.bsky.social’s June 2026 conference!
#AmericanRevolution #EarlyAmerica #American-History
#AmericanRevolution #EarlyAmerica #American-History
July 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. A month earlier in June 2026, we will hold a conference “America’s 1776”. Submit a proposal!
www.amphilsoc.org/americas-177...
www.amphilsoc.org/americas-177...
"America's 1776: Independence and its Enduring Legacies," June 4-6, 2026 | American Philosophical Society
www.amphilsoc.org
May 20, 2025 at 9:43 PM
CFP alert! Historian friends—let me know if you have questions about @amphilsociety.bsky.social’s June 2026 conference!
#AmericanRevolution #EarlyAmerica #American-History
#AmericanRevolution #EarlyAmerica #American-History
Useful resource by my colleague Yumi and APS’s Center for Digital Scholarship! We’re hoping to make more like this available as part of the Revolutionary City Project. Direct link to “‘Indian War’ and Indigenous Diplomacy, 1776”: therevolutionarycity.org/jasper-yeates
May 5, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Useful resource by my colleague Yumi and APS’s Center for Digital Scholarship! We’re hoping to make more like this available as part of the Revolutionary City Project. Direct link to “‘Indian War’ and Indigenous Diplomacy, 1776”: therevolutionarycity.org/jasper-yeates
Reposted by Brenna Holland
Turns out dismantling confederate monuments makes history rather than erasing it
@booker.senate.gov dismantles a Confederate monument.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Cory Booker breaks the record for longest Senate speech, previously held by segregationist Strom Thurmond.
April 1, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Turns out dismantling confederate monuments makes history rather than erasing it
Reposted by Brenna Holland
As we all think about how we’ll respond to this—in op-eds, advocacy, statements—please remember there’s some really good research about how we can communicate to most effectively build support for thoughtful, inclusive history. Some links ⬇️
Lots of predictably terrible stuff in here, but this order is prime example why historians and history institutions defending their interpretation as “The Truth” is a dead end. There are better ways to do argue for exploring the past in all its depth and complexity www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/...
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores Truth and Sanity to American History
RESTORING TRUTH IN AMERICAN HISTORY: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order restoring truth and sanity to American history by
www.whitehouse.gov
March 28, 2025 at 12:08 AM
As we all think about how we’ll respond to this—in op-eds, advocacy, statements—please remember there’s some really good research about how we can communicate to most effectively build support for thoughtful, inclusive history. Some links ⬇️
Reposted by Brenna Holland
House Democrats held the line in a close vote on the GOP blank check bill. We’re ready to vote again if the Senate passes something better!
@schumer.senate.gov, you may ultimately fall short but people expect us to TRY, at least. What is the filibuster for, if not this?
@schumer.senate.gov, you may ultimately fall short but people expect us to TRY, at least. What is the filibuster for, if not this?
I’m simply going to post these two facts regarding Sen Schumer’s post:
1. Trump sent JD Vance to lobby Republicans to vote for the partisan GOP CR bill that makes devastating cuts across the board and legitimizes DOGE.
2. Trump publicly castigated GOP Rep Massie for voting NO.
1. Trump sent JD Vance to lobby Republicans to vote for the partisan GOP CR bill that makes devastating cuts across the board and legitimizes DOGE.
2. Trump publicly castigated GOP Rep Massie for voting NO.
March 14, 2025 at 2:23 PM
House Democrats held the line in a close vote on the GOP blank check bill. We’re ready to vote again if the Senate passes something better!
@schumer.senate.gov, you may ultimately fall short but people expect us to TRY, at least. What is the filibuster for, if not this?
@schumer.senate.gov, you may ultimately fall short but people expect us to TRY, at least. What is the filibuster for, if not this?
Reposted by Brenna Holland
Thinking today of Benjamin Franklin, who wore an old suit (and no wig) before the king and court of France, to represent his nation—while it was fighting for its existence
February 28, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Thinking today of Benjamin Franklin, who wore an old suit (and no wig) before the king and court of France, to represent his nation—while it was fighting for its existence
A few days left to apply for short-term research fellowships at @amphilsociety.bsky.social !!!
The deadline for applications to short-term research fellowships at the APS's Library & Museum is quickly approaching! These one to three-month fellowships support scholars who need access to the Society's collections for their research projects. Apply by March 3: www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fello...
Research Fellowships at the Library & Museum of the American Philosophical Society | American Philosophical Society
The APS's Library & Museum invites applications for fellowships supporting research in the collections. Fellowships are offered for short-term and long-term opportunities, for subject-specific researc...
www.amphilsoc.org
February 28, 2025 at 1:11 PM
A few days left to apply for short-term research fellowships at @amphilsociety.bsky.social !!!
Reposted by Brenna Holland
Our March 12 David Center Seminar will feature Benjamin Remillard as he examines Black and Indigenous men who risked their lives alongside their white neighbors and allies in the battles of the Revolutionary War. Register to join on Zoom: www.amphilsoc.org/events/men-w...
"Men at War and the Ties that Bind: Northeastern Revolutionary War Patriots of Color and their Concerns Along the Home Front," with Benjamin Remillard | American Philosophical Society
The fifth 2024-2025 David Center for the American Revolution Seminar will take place March 12, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. ET on Zoom.
www.amphilsoc.org
February 26, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Our March 12 David Center Seminar will feature Benjamin Remillard as he examines Black and Indigenous men who risked their lives alongside their white neighbors and allies in the battles of the Revolutionary War. Register to join on Zoom: www.amphilsoc.org/events/men-w...
Reposted by Brenna Holland
Never trust a book by its cover—unless it’s designed by the insanely brilliant Na Kim
#FranklinStove
#FranklinStove
January 27, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Never trust a book by its cover—unless it’s designed by the insanely brilliant Na Kim
#FranklinStove
#FranklinStove
Working on a project related to history of science in the age of revolutions? I have an @amphilsociety.bsky.social conference for you!
www.amphilsoc.org/science-and-...
www.amphilsoc.org/science-and-...
"Science and Society in the Age of Revolutions," September 25-26, 2025 | American Philosophical Society
www.amphilsoc.org
January 27, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Working on a project related to history of science in the age of revolutions? I have an @amphilsociety.bsky.social conference for you!
www.amphilsoc.org/science-and-...
www.amphilsoc.org/science-and-...
Two weeks left to apply for a long-term fellowship at the @amphilsociety.bsky.social Library & Museum!!! Predoc and Postdoc opportunities in early American history, history of science, and Native American and Indigenous Studies. Please share!
www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fello...
www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fello...
Research Fellowships at the Library & Museum of the American Philosophical Society | American Philosophical Society
The APS's Library & Museum invites applications for fellowships supporting research in the collections. Fellowships are offered for short-term and long-term opportunities, for subject-specific researc...
www.amphilsoc.org
January 3, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Two weeks left to apply for a long-term fellowship at the @amphilsociety.bsky.social Library & Museum!!! Predoc and Postdoc opportunities in early American history, history of science, and Native American and Indigenous Studies. Please share!
www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fello...
www.amphilsoc.org/grants/fello...
Happening now: “Following Knowledge Forward: A Gathering to Mark a Decade of Indigenous Knowledge at CNAIR” @amphilsociety.bsky.social www.amphilsoc.org/following-kn...
Following Knowledge Forward: A Gathering to Mark a Decade of Indigenous Knowledge and Collaboration at CNAIR | American Philosophical Society
Conference registration is now open!Coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Research (CNAIR) at the APS’s Library & Museum, this hybrid co...
www.amphilsoc.org
October 10, 2024 at 4:42 PM
Happening now: “Following Knowledge Forward: A Gathering to Mark a Decade of Indigenous Knowledge at CNAIR” @amphilsociety.bsky.social www.amphilsoc.org/following-kn...
We’re hiring at APS!
The American Philosophical Society is seeking a Director of Meetings to lead the Society's twice-annual Members' Meetings. Apply by January 15: apply.interfolio.com/137250
December 6, 2023 at 12:39 AM
We’re hiring at APS!
I’ve witnessed some brilliant colleagues develop this project—The Franklins’ Shop Books—over the last few years. It’s very cool. Check it out! diglib.amphilsoc.org/franklindata...
If you missed yesterday's launch presentation from the Center for Digital Scholarship, take some time to explore a rich new resource, THE FRANKLINS' SHOP BOOKS, 1730-1748. This interactive project documents transactions at Benjamin and Deborah Franklins' shop. diglib.amphilsoc.org/franklindata...
The Franklins' Shop Books
The American Philosophical Society has transcribed and digitized all of Benjamin Franklin's account books from 1730 to 1748. Learn here about what these financial records from colonial Philadelphia co...
diglib.amphilsoc.org
October 19, 2023 at 6:33 PM
I’ve witnessed some brilliant colleagues develop this project—The Franklins’ Shop Books—over the last few years. It’s very cool. Check it out! diglib.amphilsoc.org/franklindata...