Curator’s Spotlight: Abraham Lincoln & Titanic Aniversary. Original Schindler’s List FOUND April 15, 2009

April 15 is not the favorite day of your average American, unless it is your birthday and then it must suck to have your birthday on tax day.
Who wants to go out with you for drinks because they are most likely filing their 1040 or in a bad mood because they had to write a check to Uncle Sam.
Historically April 15 has never been a good day for Americans.
On April 15, 1865, Lincoln died of his gunshot wound at 7:22 a.m. at the Petersen boarding house, across the street from Ford’s Theater.

This year marked the bicentennial of Lincoln’s birthday. On this the anniversary of his assassination, let us continue to honor his memory by never forgetting that he stood for freedom and democracy. Everyone has the right to be free. The right to public assembly. Yes, MSM EVEN CONSERVATIVES. We can protest too and the “tea parties” prove. I think Abraham Lincoln would have been proud of his country today.

Also on April 15, in 1912, the Titanic passenger steamship, headed from England to New York on its maiden voyage, struck an iceberg and sank in the Atlantic. There are many great archival resources out there about the Titanic but I believe the best are in the possession of the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Hear are some highlights from their collection of Titanic documents, ephemera and memorabilia.

Daily Memorandum from the Hydrographic Office Reporting Titanic Disaster: 04/15/1912 . Courtesy of NARA's Northeast Region (New York City), New York, NY

Baggage Claim Coupon from the Titanic: 04/10/1912 NARA's Northeast Region (New York City), New York, NY

It was also announced last week that the Original Schindler’s List has been discovered by curators looking through boxes of old papers in the vaults of the State Library of New South Wales. The list names 801 Jews saved from the Holocaust by German industrialist Oskar Schindler. This is the height of historical significance. The list was found between newspaper clippings in boxes of Australian author Thomas Keneally’s manuscript material.

Please visit your local historical society or NARA regional facility. Archives are great. Don’t just read a book. Look at the real stuff of history and write one!!!

Autographed Letter Signed,
AFROCITY

The “Black Tea Parties”

We have a New King George!!!

The big day is finally here TEA PARTY DAY!!!!! I love tea because I can’t have coffee due to the caffeine (you don’t want to see me after a can of cola, chocolate, coffee flavored ice cream. I won’t shut up). I also love tea parties and would have them as a child with my cat “Taco”. I would dress her up in doll clothes. Taco was not declawed but she was very patient with child Afrocity putting those frilly dresses on over her paws. I would serve milk in the teacup and a dollop of tuna fish on the saucer. I certainly knew how to keep my guests happy.

Herbal teas like chamomile, or white tea are my favorites but when it comes to tea parties we have seen green tea parties.



JUST KIDDING

Boston Green Tea party

But my favorite tea parties are the “Black Tea Parties”. I am so proud of the Black conservatives that have come out in support of the protests.

National Black Republican Association Chairman, Frances Rice at Tea Party

Here is a great song entitled “American Tea Party Anthem” by Lloyd Marcus

Lloyd has been an outspoken activist and I love his commitment to conservative values.

Lloyd Marcus with Joe the Plumber's Parents

I can’t make it to the tea parties today but I will be there in American spirit. if you can make it please share any pics with me and I would love to hear your reports. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Don’t forget to file your taxes. It is AMERICAN.

Autographed Letter Signed,
AFROCITY