The dust swirls over the silent ridges where on July 1-3, 1863, more than 50,000 soldiers gave their lives in what we know today as the bloodiest battle in American history. 

September 11, 2001 is one of the most recognizable dates in modern history. Many people in the United States will be able to tell you what happened on that day: two planes flew into the World Trade Center in New York City, one more hit the Pentagon, and a fourth plane was en route to Washington D.C. before crashing into an empty field in Pennsylvania.

Crandall Pharmacy was known to be a pillar of the small community in Mexico, New York. The pharmacy was started in 1941 by Douglass Crandall, a young graduate of Albany School of Pharmacy. With the help of his father, Ward Crandall, he acquired his first store: a tiny storefront on a busy road. 

Albany is most famous for being the State Capital of New York. Founded by the Dutch in 1614 as Fort Nassau and later Fort Orange, Albany became the State Capital in 1797. Due to its location along both the Hudson River and Erie Canal, Albany was a key hub for trade and transportation.

Jonathan Corwin was a highly respected judge who presided over the Salem witch trials in 1692. His former home, now called the Witch House, remains a popular tourist attraction in Salem, Massachusetts. 

Public Domain:310 Essex Street. Photographer Frank Cousins. Phillips Library at the Peabody Essex Museum, adapted by snsvs

I've got such an interesting, important biography to share with you today. Women's Crusader: Catharine Beecher's Untold Story, by R. Lee Wilson, is an insightful look into the life of a woman I didn't even know existed.

Once I started reading, though, I was so very grateful that Wilson has brought Beecher to life for us. Her story is fascinating; Wilson's deep dive into primary source materials is extraordinary. This is a book about women's rights, women's education, and a very personal life and love story.

A holiday meant to mourn and honor fallen soldiers has turned into a way to ring in summer each year. This holiday, of course, is Memorial Day.

The holiday of Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor the 750,000 lives lost to the war.

It has turned into a day to remember all those who have served and lost their lives since that conflict ended over 150 years ago. 

Old Fort Niagara is a significant military stronghold that has centuries-old history.

Located at the mouth of the Niagara River, the fort is one of the oldest structures in the Great Lakes region. The fort has well-preserved 18th century buildings, which include the French Castle, soldier barracks, powder magazines (gunpowder storage), and a lighthouse overlooking Lake Ontario.