Chelsea Wisniewski
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chwiz.bsky.social
Chelsea Wisniewski
@chwiz.bsky.social
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Mom, US History & Sociology Teacher, Reader, Yogi
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Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
carvehername.bsky.social
#OnThisDay, 5 Nov 1872, suffragists Susan B Anthony and 13 other women illegally vote in the US Presidential election.

Nine of the voters were initially reported as a "minor topic".

#WomenInHistory #OTD #History #WomensHistory #AmericanHistory #WotesForWomen 🗃️

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MINOR TOPICS. Miss SUSAN B. ANTHONY has had the honour of leading to the polls the advanced guard of the coming squadrons of female voters. The little band of nine ladies whose ballots were received by the election inspectors at Rochester deserve a permanent place in history, We have heard before of solitary instances of the recognition of the female franchise; but this picket guard of nine is a tangible enough force to make people reflect on the future possibilities which it involves. The fact is not stated, but we may assume with tolerable certainty that the nine ladies at Rochester showed their capacity for an intelligent exercise of the franchise by voting for GRANT and DIX.
November 5, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
civiceducation.bsky.social
Election Day is next Tuesday! 🗳️

Engage your students in exploring democracy with our voting and elections resources—featuring inquiry-based lessons on voting rights, the peaceful transition of power, and more.

👉 civiced.org/voting-and-elections

#CivicEducation #CivicEd #Civics #Vote
A ballot box in front of an American flag and the text “Election Day is Coming” and “Voting & Elections: Resources From the Center for Civic Education” and “Learn More at civiced.org/teaching-voting-elections” and the Center for Civic Education’s logo.
October 28, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
constitutionctr.bsky.social
#OnThisDay in 1859, John Brown’s raid at Harpers Ferry begins. Come see an original pike purchased by Brown for the raid in our exhibit Civil War and Reconstruction.

Credit: From the Collection of the Civil War Museum of Philadelphia on loan from Gettysburg Foundation
October 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
ambesthistory.bsky.social
GETTYSBURG BUFFS. Don't forget this weekend's World War II festivities at #Eisenhower, and check out next week Fall spectacular at the #Gettysburg battlefield. Two battlewalks & two campfires. Make your plans. www.nps.gov/gett/learn/n... @destinationgettysburg.com @civilwarpaths.bsky.social
“Fall into History” at Gettysburg National Military Park - Gettysburg National Military Park (U.S. National Park Service)
“Fall into History” at Gettysburg National Military Park
www.nps.gov
September 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
amrevmuseum.bsky.social
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union..." 📜

#OnThisDay in 1787, the United States Constitution was signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. #ConstitutionDay
September 17, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
constitutionctr.bsky.social
The #Constitution is our nation’s most enduring document, but not everything you read online about the Constitution is accurate.

Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there. #ConstitutionDay
Top myths about the Constitution on Constitution Day
The Constitution is our most enduring document, but not everything you read online about the Constitution is accurate! Here are some of the top myths about the Constitution and the Founding Fathers still out there on blogs and websites.
ow.ly
September 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
npr.org
A study from JAMA Pediatrics compares states that have permissive gun laws with others that have strict regulations. The states with tougher rules did not see a rise in gun deaths among children and teens.
Guns are the leading cause of death of kids and teens, and state laws matter
A study from JAMA Pediatrics compares states that have permissive gun laws with others that have strict regulations. The states with tougher rules did not see a rise in gun deaths among children and teens.
n.pr
June 11, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
diveintodiscovery.bsky.social
On June 4, 1989, the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing ended in a violent crackdown. What began as a student-led call for democratic reform became a defining moment for global human rights awareness. Marked by the image of “Tank Man.”

#StayCurious #Skystorians #DiveIntoDiscovery
“Tank Man” and the Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989 This historic image captures an anonymous man standing defiantly in front of a line of Chinese Type 59 tanks on June 5, 1989, during the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests in Beijing. Known globally as “Tank Man,” the lone figure became an enduring symbol of individual resistance against authoritarianism. The man, holding shopping bags in each hand, stepped into the path of the tanks shortly after the Chinese government launched a violent military crackdown to suppress weeks of pro-democracy protests. These protests, led by students and supported by intellectuals and workers, had occupied Tiananmen Square for nearly two months, demanding political reform, anti-corruption measures, and greater freedoms. The Chinese government declared martial law and, on June 3–4, deployed troops and armored vehicles into the city. Hundreds—possibly thousands—of unarmed civilians were killed in what became one of the most infamous suppressions of dissent in modern history. Despite the government’s efforts to erase the event from domestic memory, the image of “Tank Man,” taken by photographer Jeff Widener from a nearby hotel balcony, was smuggled out and widely published internationally. It has since become a universal emblem of courage and nonviolent protest. The man’s identity and fate remain unknown, adding to the mystique and poignancy of the moment. In the broader historical context, this image underscores the power of visual media in shaping global awareness of human rights violations and remains one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century. Mass Demonstrations in Tiananmen Square Before the Crackdown This powerful image shows the immense scale of the student-led protests in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square during the spring of 1989, prior to the military crackdown. Stretching across the vast plaza in front of the Forbidden City, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in peaceful assembly, calling for democratic reforms, greater transparency, and an end to government corruption. The focal point of the square is the towering white statue known as the “Goddess of Democracy,” erected by art students as a symbolic counterpart to the nearby portrait of Mao Zedong and a visual embodiment of the movement’s aspirations. Banners and red flags wave above the sea of people, while makeshift tents and loudspeakers signal a temporary, organized encampment. The protests, which began in April 1989 following the death of reformist leader Hu Yaobang, swelled into a massive and sustained sit-in that captured the attention of the global media. The demonstrators came from across Chinese society—students, journalists, intellectuals, and workers—united by a shared desire for political liberalization. While the movement was largely nonviolent, its demands posed a direct challenge to the Chinese Communist Party’s grip on power. For weeks, negotiations between protest leaders and government officials faltered, ultimately culminating in the decision to forcibly clear the square on the night of June 3–4. This image, therefore, preserves a fleeting moment of hope and collective willpower before the violent suppression that followed. It serves as a visual archive of a historic democratic movement and a sobering reminder of its tragic end. Protest Banner Demanding Democracy in Front of Mao’s Portrait This striking photograph captures a defining moment during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, as thousands of demonstrators stand beneath a banner reading, “Give Me Democracy or Give Me Death.” Positioned directly in front of the Tiananmen Gate and the towering portrait of Mao Zedong—the founder of the People’s Republic of China—the banner juxtaposes the protesters’ urgent call for reform with the enduring symbol of Chinese Communist authority. The crowd, densely packed and unified in purpose, is composed largely of university students, many wearing hats, armbands, or headbands indicating their affiliations with various institutions or activist groups. The sea of raised fists, open mouths mid-chant, and hand-drawn signs reflect a mix of youthful passion and political resolve. At the time, the protest movement was spurred by dissatisfaction with inflation, nepotism, and a lack of political openness following the death of reformist leader Hu Yaobang. What began as a student vigil evolved into a mass demonstration representing a cross-section of Chinese civil society. The emotional and ideological potency of the sign—echoing revolutionary slogans from both East and West—illustrates how deeply the protesters believed in the urgency of their demands. Visible in the background, Mao’s looming visage acts as both a reminder of past authoritarian rule and a symbol of the ideological monolith they sought to challenge. This image encapsulates the extraordinary courage of the protesters and their audacious efforts to claim political agency in a highly controlled system. Today, it remains one of the most iconic visual artifacts from a movement that dared to imagine a different future for China. Clashes Between Protesters and Soldiers During the Crackdown This intense image captures a chaotic and emotional scene from the night of June 3 into the early hours of June 4, 1989, during the violent crackdown on the Tiananmen Square protests. A group of civilians is seen struggling with uniformed Chinese soldiers, some trying to hold them back while others shout, restrain, or confront them face-to-face. The soldiers, wearing olive-green military uniforms and red-collared caps, carry gear and are visibly overwhelmed by the resistance they’re facing. Some are mid-action, pulling away or being shoved, their expressions tense and bewildered. One soldier is bent at the waist, his face obscured, caught in the push-and-pull of the fray. The civilians—mostly middle-aged men and younger activists—grapple with them, faces contorted in anguish, fear, or determination. This confrontation is part of the larger government operation to retake Tiananmen Square by force, as the Chinese Communist Party leadership declared martial law to quell six weeks of growing public dissent. Although tanks and armored vehicles are more often associated with this moment, these close-range skirmishes between unarmed citizens and heavily equipped troops were frequent throughout Beijing that night. The streetlights in the background barely illuminate the crowd, lending a claustrophobic and urgent energy to the image. The photograph reflects the desperation and bravery of ordinary citizens willing to resist military might to protect the spirit of peaceful protest. These nighttime confrontations left an unknown number dead and wounded, as the Chinese government has never released an official death toll. This moment serves as a stark visual reminder of the human cost of authoritarian control and the enduring power of civilian resistance.
June 4, 2025 at 11:53 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
motherjones.com
The Trump administration’s arguments against birthright citizenship for all are ahistorical, and make no sense when considered in the context of the Civil War and its aftermath.

It’s a bold argument it is asking the Supreme Court to accept—and we’ll soon find out where the justices stand.
To end birthright citizenship, Trump Is rewriting Civil War history
The cases hinges on an 1868 amendment that has always covered ex-slaves, confederates, and migrants.
www.motherjones.com
May 15, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
nytimes.com
Two British academics discovered that a "copy" of Magna Carta, held in Harvard Law School’s library for 80 years, is one of seven originals dating from 1300.

Read more: nyti.ms/4dkc3ma
ALT: A large, framed, yellowing document. Text reads: "Harvard Law Paid $27 for a Copy of Magna Carta. Surprise! It’s an Original." Photo credit: Lorin Granger/Harvard Law School
May 15, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
civilwarmemory.bsky.social
Real Confederates Never Knew Any Black Confederate Soldiers 🗃️ open.substack.com/pub/kevinmle...
Real Confederates Never Knew Any Black Confederate Soldiers
On June 1, 1864 the Richmond Daily Dispatch reprinted an item that originally appeared in the Houston Telegraph concerning reports in Northern newspapers that black men were serving as soldiers and of...
open.substack.com
May 7, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
where-in-the-world.bsky.social
#OTD May 7 in 1915, the ocean liner Lusitania sank after being torpedoed by a German submarine. 1,193 people died in the sinking.

Can you locate on a #map where it sank?
Click the link to guess: www.whereintheworldgame.com?id=199&type=q

#History #Geography #TodayInHistory #Quiz
Black and white image of the ocean liner Lusitania.
May 7, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
bfworld.bsky.social
Before doctors were licensed, women kept their communities healthy. 🌿

In Ep. 379, Susan Brandt explores how women—Black, white, and Indigenous—served as vital healers in early America.

🎧 benfranklinsworld.com/379

#WomensHistory #VastEarlyAmerica #History #Medicine
Episode 379: Susan H. Brandt, Women Healers in Early America
Historian Susan H. Brandt she takes us into the rich history of women healers with details from her book, Women Healers.
benfranklinsworld.com
May 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
diveintodiscovery.bsky.social
On May 5, 1862, Mexico won the Battle of Puebla, and weeks later, the first Cinco de Mayo was celebrated in California. What began as pride in resistance grew into a lasting symbol of Mexican heritage, identity, and cultural resilience.

#StayCurious #Skystorians #DiveIntoDiscovery
The Battle of Puebla – Mexican Forces Stand United Against French Invasion This historical painting vividly depicts the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, where Mexican forces, under General Ignacio Zaragoza, achieved a surprising victory over the better-equipped and numerically superior French army. The artwork captures the moment of fierce engagement—Mexican soldiers form disciplined lines under the green, white, and red flag, while French cavalry charges in the background. Cannons fire from entrenched positions as commanders issue orders on horseback, and the scene is heavy with gun smoke and urgency. Though France had one of the most powerful militaries of the 19th century, the Mexican resistance was unyielding. The symbolic weight of this battle lies not in its strategic value, but in what it represented: the will of a nation under siege that refused to surrender its sovereignty. This victory provided a morale boost to the Mexican people and resonated with Mexicans living abroad, especially in the United States. Within weeks, Mexican communities in California began commemorating the triumph with public celebrations. These gatherings were not just patriotic—they were political. At a time when the U.S. itself was embroiled in civil war, many Mexican Americans saw the Battle of Puebla as a stand against imperialism and a fight for democratic ideals. Over time, Cinco de Mayo celebrations grew in cultural significance, particularly among Chicano activists in the 20th century who embraced the holiday as a symbol of resistance and pride. Today, though often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, Cinco de Mayo remains an enduring emblem of resilience, celebrated widely across the U.S. as a tribute to Mexican heritage and collective strength. The battle scene in this image captures the birth of that enduring legacy. Clash at the Fort – The French Assault on Puebla’s Defenses This dramatic painting captures the intensity of the French assault on the fortified city of Puebla during the pivotal battle on May 5, 1862. French troops, dressed in bright red trousers & dark jackets, storm across the battlefield toward entrenched Mexican defenders. In the background stands the Church of Guadalupe, a landmark near Puebla that watched over the battlefield like a silent witness to the chaos. Smoke & dust rise from the earth as cannon fire erupts & soldiers clash in close combat. The battlefield is strewn with bodies, fallen flags, & the confusion of war, emphasizing the desperate but determined effort of Mexican fighters holding their ground against one of Europe’s most formidable imperial powers. France’s invasion of Mexico was part of Emperor Napoleon III’s broader plan to establish a monarchy in the Americas & assert influence while the U.S. was occupied by civil war. The victory at Puebla, despite being temporary & not preventing eventual French occupation, became a powerful psychological & cultural victory for Mexico. General Zaragoza’s vastly outnumbered & under-equipped troops defied the odds—an achievement that galvanized not only national pride but international attention. In the United States, particularly in California, this moment ignited a wave of solidarity & celebration among Mexican Americans. The first Cinco de Mayo commemorations took place just weeks later, organized by Latinos who viewed the victory as a shared triumph of resistance against colonial and imperial domination. Over time, these celebrations evolved, becoming intertwined with the identity of Chicano movements in the 20th century. For them, Puebla wasn’t just a battlefield—it was a metaphor for cultural survival. The visual energy & symbolic contrasts in this painting reflect the larger message of Cinco de Mayo: defiance in the face of overwhelming force, pride in a heritage of struggle & resilience. A Symbolic Tribute – Early Commemoration of Cinco de Mayo, 1862 This vintage poster titled “El Cinco de Mayo de 1862 y el Sitio de Puebla” offers a richly symbolic and patriotic homage to Mexico’s historic victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. Produced by the Maucci Hermanos publishing house, the artwork fuses national pride with allegorical imagery. At the center is a dignified portrait of Mexican President Benito Juárez, framed by the national tricolor flag and flanked by cannons and military drums—tools of resistance. Above, an angelic figure draped in white and green soars over a rising sun, holding a laurel wreath, a universal emblem of triumph. In the background, scenes of battle and Mexican soldiers under duress contrast with heavenly symbols, emphasizing the spiritual and moral righteousness of Mexico’s cause. Although the battle itself occurred in Mexico, the cultural significance of this image resonates particularly with Mexican Americans. Just weeks after the Battle of Puebla, Latinos in California held the first known Cinco de Mayo celebration. They saw in Juárez a leader of Indigenous heritage who defied colonial oppression and in the Mexican army, a symbol of anti-imperialist resistance. Over time, Cinco de Mayo grew from these community-led events into a broader expression of cultural pride—especially within Chicano and Latino civil rights movements in the U.S. during the 20th century. This image encapsulates the deep-rooted connections between national history and diasporic identity. The divine and earthly elements merged in this illustration convey not just a moment of victory, but the beginning of a legacy. Cinco de Mayo would come to stand for more than a military win—it represented resistance, unity, and cultural affirmation. In this tribute, we see the early stages of that transformation, a visual declaration that the story of Puebla would not be confined to the battlefield but would echo through generations in both Mexico and beyond. The Siege of Puebla – Urban Defiance in the Face of Imperialism This painting captures the intensity of urban warfare during the 1863 Siege of Puebla, a key moment in the broader French intervention in Mexico. Set against the imposing towers of Puebla’s colonial cathedral, the scene is a blur of smoke, cannon fire, and chaos. Mexican soldiers, civilians, and French troops clash violently in the narrow streets, surrounded by debris and the wounded. The painter has immortalized a desperate and heroic defense—soldiers fire from rooftops and behind barricades while citizens, visibly unarmed, hurl stones and rally their compatriots. The bell towers rise stoically above the pandemonium, symbols of the city’s resilience and faith amidst a foreign assault. Though this scene depicts the events of 1863, it provides crucial visual and emotional context for the victory that had occurred a year prior on May 5, 1862. That earlier triumph—where General Ignacio Zaragoza’s vastly outnumbered Mexican forces repelled the French army—had temporarily halted France’s attempt to establish a European empire in the Americas under Napoleon III. While the French would later return and occupy Mexico City, the Battle of Puebla remained a deeply symbolic victory, especially for marginalized Mexican communities and supporters of anti-colonial struggles. This image underscores the unbreakable spirit of the people of Puebla and the fierce determination to resist foreign domination, even in the heart of their cities. It also highlights how the story of Cinco de Mayo extended beyond a single battle—it was a rallying cry that reverberated long after the smoke cleared. For Mexican Americans celebrating Cinco de Mayo across the border, this painting would echo their own fights for recognition, equity, and cultural survival. The urban warfare depicted here serves not just as historical record but as a metaphor for community resistance under siege—whether by armies, systems, or historical erasure.
May 6, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
us.theconversation.com
The 1920s saw a rise in discriminatory policies targeting minorities – and the racist pseudoscience of eugenics – amid concerns over U.S. decline. A historian draws parallels to today's political climate: buff.ly/O5SDJ79
By Alex Green @ buff.ly/3gbG2Ub 🗃️ #polisky
The dark parallels between 1920s America and today’s political climate
The early 1920s in the US offers historical lessons on how current pessimism about the state of the country can manifest in dangerous, discriminatory ways.
buff.ly
March 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
markstoneman.com
British "Votes for Women" postcard (stamped 1912) that centers on solidarity across social class and age. The purple, green, and white was the color scheme of the Women’s Social and Political Union. #WHM 🗃️

Via The Newberry Library, https://collections.newberry.org/asset-management/2KXJ8ZSUT5Y4Z
Postcard featuring a drawing of four women of different ages and social classes dressed in different styles appropriate to their station, but all with purple, green, and white. The accompanying text reads, 'Votes for women.' and 'Unity is strength!' The postcard is filed under a sports postcards collection in the Newberry Library, presumably because the woman on the left is holding a tennis racket.
March 6, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
carvehername.bsky.social
#OnTheDay, 6 Mar 1906, Nora Stanton Blatch was admitted to the American Association of Civil Engineers. The first woman, she was allowed junior status but still denied full membership.

#WomenInSTEM #WomenInHistory #WomensHistoryMonth #History #AmericanHistory 🗃️
Nora Stanton Blatch in fur-edged robes and hat. She is a white woman with dark hair.
March 6, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
sabeet.bsky.social
W.E.B Du Bois, socialist, sociologist, historian, Pan Africanist civil rights activist, the first African American to earn a Doctorate from Harvard University.

Born February 23, 1968 in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

In 1909 he was one of the co-founders of the NAACP.

#BlackHistoryMonth
February 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
iwpj.bsky.social
The basics of sociology. The fact that so many people thing that marginalization and oppression is debatable, when it can be scientifically quantified, is absolutely insane.

Sociology explains that nothing is coincidental and everything is, indeed, political.
February 24, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
bhgross144.bsky.social
"Deinodon was the largest of the Carnivorous or Flesh-eating Dinosaurs, but is as yet incompletely known."

Description of Deinodon (later renamed T. Rex) by William Diller Matthew. The American paleontologist is LHL's #ScientistOfTheDay.

www.lindahall.org/about/news/s...

#histSTM #FossilFriday 🗃️📜
Original drawing of “Deinodon” (Tyrannosaurus rex), by William D. Matthew, 1905, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, AMNH neg. no. 17532 (digitalcollections.amnh.org)
February 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
npr.org
The department tracks student achievement, manages college financial aid and sends K-12 schools money to support students with disabilities and lower-income communities, among other things.
A guide to what the U.S. Education Department does (and doesn't) do
The department tracks student achievement, manages college financial aid and sends K-12 schools money to support students with disabilities and lower-income communities, among other things.
www.npr.org
February 4, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
lmansley.bsky.social
An unfortunately relevant new #AHAPerspectives article: @moubanerjee28.bsky.social writes about the Nonviolence Project at UW-Madison. 🗃️
Learning Nonviolence in Action and Thought – AHA
At the Nonviolence Project, student interns design their own research projects and gain professional skills.
www.historians.org
February 4, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
historians.org
Read a summary of the AHA's report from the most comprehensive study of secondary US history education undertaken in the 21st century. The report provides empirical evidence and rigorous analysis to inform current debates over how history is taught in our schools. 🗃️
What Are American Students Learning about US History? - AHA
Since 2020, a contentious debate over history education has generated outrage, wild claims, and a growing sense of alarm in homes and communities across the country. State legislators, school board me...
www.historians.org
January 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
civicspod.bsky.social
Today in history, 1910: Angel Island opens as a U.S. immigration site. Considered the Ellis Island of the west, Angel Island would process thousands of Japanese and Chinese immigrants through its center until its operations were moved to San Francisco in 1940.
January 21, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Reposted by Chelsea Wisniewski
historyclippings.bsky.social
Union Pacific Railroad map, 1892.

This is a gorgeous illustrated county level map of the United States showing how railroads shaped the physical and political geography of the US.

Get lost in the hi-res version!

#c19th 🗃️ #maps #railroads

LOC
www.loc.gov/item/986...
union pacific railroad map, county level. map detail of Colorado area.
January 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM