Rachel C. Kirby
LightNews LightNews
banner
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Rachel C. Kirby
@kirbyrachel.bsky.social
610 followers 230 following 65 posts
American Studies PhD and folklorist. Southerner in New England. I like people, places, and things. And cheese. Probably thinking about Mr. Peanut.

www.rachelckirby.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
I'm doing a very surface level search for information about queerness in the agricultural Antebellum South, and it led me to this gem from the @amantiquarian.bsky.social via outhistory.org/exhibits/sho.... No, it's not about a farmer. But I'm intrigued.
An illustrated book page that has illustrations on the top, left side, and bottom of children walking, climbing, and in a boat. The text reads: The Tom-Boy Who was Changed Into a Real Boy. There was a little girl, The daughter of an Earl (You perceive no rank or station is from faults free, free), Who played with all the boys, Was so rude, and fond of noise, That--what happened to her presently we'll see, see, see.
July 14, 2025 at 3:07 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
UPDATE: shelter in place has been lifted
Screenshot of an email that reads “Harvard Alert. The search has concluded. The shelter in place has been lifted.”
April 20, 2025 at 7:23 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Anyone in Cambridge, MA: Harvard has issued a shelter in place order. Stay clear of the square.
Screenshot of an alert email that reads “Harvard Alert. Transit police are reporting shots fired at the Harvard Sq MBTA station. CPD, transit, state, and Harvard police are searching the Square for the suspect. Shelter in place. Please enter the nearest building and stay there until all clear is given.”
April 20, 2025 at 7:04 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Sometimes I get a kick out of past-Rachel’s marginal comments. I’m rereading Beloved and found this note, probably from my first read in 2016.

Sorry, Faulkner. I still have not finished Absalom, Absalom!
A book held open to show the left page of text. It’s page 36 of Toni Morrison’s Beloved. On the upper left margin, written in pencil, is an asterisk and the words “Finish Absalom, Absalom!” The words are faint, as if having been partially erased.
March 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
*screams in Cowboy Carter*
February 3, 2025 at 2:14 AM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Cool cool, I did have to Google it.
January 22, 2025 at 8:36 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Was that a bad idea? Yes. Would I let myself write about how the peanut scented perfume didn’t TASTE like peanuts if I didn’t actually taste it? Nope. Taste test was required. Unfortunately.

@clairebnschtn.bsky.social
January 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Last week, I received the news that Bernie Herman, my professor, MA advisor, and long-term mentor, had died. Bernie shaped so much of who I am as a thinker, scholar, writer, teacher, and person. He taught me that our most important task as folklorists is to listen and make sure people feel heard...
January 6, 2025 at 6:40 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
The imagery. The music. The guests. As usual, thank you, Beyoncé, for giving us so much to think about and appreciate.
Beyoncé wears all white - poofy dress and cowboy hat. She holds a microphone and sings in front of a veiled choir. In the stadium seats, the words “MY HOUSE” are visible in white as Beyoncé performs on the field. Beyoncé hovers in the air on a floating platform. A banner reading “BANG” hangs below her.
December 26, 2024 at 12:54 AM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
A glow up that just makes sense.

And, yes. I am aware that my personal style peaked with that navy, tan, and pink look. Please note the matching belt and baseball cap brim. Iconic.
Two photos of the same person, taken roughly 25 years apart. On the left, the young Rachel wears a navy and camel-brown baseball cap, a navy tank tucked into navy cargo shorts with a camel brown belt, navy blue socks, and hot pink slides. On the right, adult Rachel wears clear glasses and a denim over shirt with a purple mock turtle neck underneath, accented with a gold chain necklace.
November 26, 2024 at 2:15 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Just a pic of my grading buddy, lap desk, and snack preventer (because I cannot move while he is in my lap. It is the law).
A tuxedo cat sits in the lap of a human. The picture is taken by the human, looking down on the top of the cat. The human wears mauve sweatpants and a sage sweater. The cat’s tail is mid-curl, and the cat looks off in the distance, totally unbothered by the fact that it is preventing the human from eating. Even though the human is quite hungry.
November 24, 2024 at 6:48 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Realized I never introduced myself:

Hello! I’m a folklorist and American Studies PhD who focuses on the U.S. South, with particular interest in material and visual culture and sense of place. I have a cat named Morris who wears bow ties. And when not working, I craft and rewatch Gilmore Girls.
A white person with short, light brown hair smiles at the camera. They wear clear glasses and a maroon sweater. In the background is her tuxedo cat, Morris, who has big yellow eyes and is wearing a purple bow tie.
November 20, 2024 at 2:31 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
How am I supposed to break this news to my cat, Morris? He’s going to be so sad.
A black and white tuxedo cat with light green eyes sits on top of a white cabinet. He wears a green paisley bow tie, and he raises his left paw slightly. His facial expression seems a bit surprised or startled. But he isn’t surprised or startled. That’s just the way he always looks.
November 18, 2024 at 12:54 AM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
I restrained myself to one book from the #2024ASA book exhibit this year. Looking forward to reading this, courtesy of @lsupress.bsky.social!
A book with a brick red cover sits on a suitcase lining. The book cover features yellow scrolling text that reads “New Orleans Pralines: Plantation Sugar, Louisiana Pecans, and the Marketing of Southern Nostalgia” by Anthony J. Stanonis.
November 17, 2024 at 4:37 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Cheers to a successful American Studies Association conference. It was great to see so many friends and hear so many good papers. See you next time! #2024ASA
Hands hold up four beverages, toasting them together. Two of the drinks have dried fruit in them.
November 17, 2024 at 1:17 AM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
@clairebnschtn.bsky.social talking about “eating without eating” and the erotics of consumption through Jessica Simpson’s edible lotion. As a fellow White Girl Millennial, this presentation was funny and damning. So much to think about. #2024ASA
November 15, 2024 at 5:16 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Not me at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum more curious about the architecture than the baseball. Whoops?
An interior domestic scene. The room has wooden floors and light wallpaper. The furniture includes two marble top tables, a small rocking chair, a red velvet side chair, and a wall mounted sconce. The exterior door has a stained glass window above featuring the street number 216 visible in reverse (since the picture is from the inside).
November 15, 2024 at 1:54 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
When you know speech to text will be on the screen behind you but you don’t know what to say…

Loved presenting with these folks at the American Studies Association this afternoon! Cheers to more conference ahead!

@bdproctor.bsky.social
Four people sit behind a table. They wear lanyards, because they’re at a conference. The person second to the right is holding a peace sign. The projector behind them reads “This is funny ‘cause it literally is”
November 14, 2024 at 10:47 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
I’m working on my slides for my presentation in Baltimore tomorrow! I’ll be sharing some work-in-progress and some new ideas on the peanut.

Spoiler: this is perhaps the first time I won’t be making a pun about Mr. Peanut being just a little nutty. Sorry and you’re welcome.
November 13, 2024 at 4:42 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Where can I find a starter pack for people who occasionally post pictures of their cats? Not exclusive cat content accounts. But, you know, those of us who just sometimes can’t help but post our cute little guys.

Anyway, this is Morris.
A tuxedo cat with light green eyes sits on a gray couch. He wears a pink bow tie with colorful hearts on it and a round silver charm that reads “Morris.”
November 12, 2024 at 10:58 PM
kirbyrachel.bsky.social
Joined this site just in time for the annual American Studies Association meeting! Because who doesn't love some productive procrastination?

If you'll be in Baltimore, consider checking out this panel on navigating archival undergrounds. I'd love to see you there!
November 12, 2024 at 10:36 PM