Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

It's All About the House:  The Rev. Dobbin's House was a home and a school.  Now, it is a museum and a tavern.  If the text were being written today, it would undoubtedly focus on a recent discovery:  the structure was a station on the underground railroad.  [2007]

St. Albans, West Virginia

It's All About the House:   It's a cabin, it's a kitchen, it's a house, it's a museum.  It's important only because it's connected to the Civil War.  What fraction of historical markers in the eastern U.S. would not be there were it not for the conflict that began 150 years ago this spring?  [2010]

Windsor, Vermont

It's All About the House:  It's now called the Constitution House, but it was built as a tavern.  The text says little about the structure, but it does connect the Vermont constitution to the cultural landscape, and that is one of the most important functions of historical markers.  [2009]

Red Cloud, Nebraska

It's All About the House:  The title is 'Cather Childhood Home' and the text is really about the house, not Willa Cather herself.  Does history just unfold in particular places, or do places play an active role in shaping the dramas of life?  Did the house you grew up in have any lasting influence on your life?  [2009]

Dawn, Virginia

Placards Plus:  What defines your home county or city?  Is it a horse?  Caroline County was named after one of the British royals, and now, on its welcome sign, it honors an American royal.  How many other places are defined by quadupedal creatures?  Do you think this is a historical marker?  [2011]

Dawn, Virginia

Placards Plus: How do we keep the memories alive?  By naming roads after the rich and famous.  Secretariat has become a working part of local geography.  Would you agree that this street sign is a historical marker?  [2011]

Dawn, Virginia

Placards Plus:  Secretariat made us all race fans.  He was larger than life and so was his story.  That's why you can't do 'his-story' (or 'hippus-story') justice with a placard alone.  Watch the linguistic landscape of Virginia for evidence that "Secretariat was here."  [2011]

Berlin, Pennsylvania

History as Chronology:  What an impressive resume!  But, what was Mr. Philson's lasting contribution to the town, the state, or the country?  And, under whose authority was this marker erected?  The only thing that interests me is the Whiskey Rebellion.  I'll bet there's an untold story there.  [2010]

Meriden, Connecticut

History as Chronology:  Here's a run-down of Meriden's history: its very own curriculum vita.   Would you hire this town?  I guess there is nothing more objective than chronology stripped of interpretation. Can you identify any maintenance issues in evidence here?  [2009]

Clemson, South Carolina

History as Chronology:  It may have been the home of John C. Calhoun, but the marker isn't about the home at all.  It's about the man, and all it offers is chronology.  It looks like a resume to me.  In fact, you might think he is still looking for a job.  [2005]

Plymouth, Massachusetts

History as Chronology:  Sometimes a single date puts it all in perspective, but that assumes you bring some sense of signficance to the reading experience.  Rarely does chronology alone capture importance.  Remember: history is more than chronology. Don't let the time line take over.  [2008]

Westerly, Rhode Island

Be Thankful for Graphic Elements:  Sometimes, the graphic element rises above the marker itself.  This one is called a silhouette en bas-relief.   As an embellished placard that marks time and place, this one is historical in its own right.  In fact, the cartouche is more interesting than its contents. [2005]

Prescott, Arizona

Be Grateful for Graphic Elements:   Here the graphic element is a sepia-toned photograph taking you back to the early 20th century.  And still there is room for 108 words (plenty!).  Can we please liberate more photos from the archives where nobody sees them?  Now, find the other graphic element. [2009]

Nashville, Tennessee

Be Grateful for Graphic Elements:  The graphic element on this marker is a front elevation.  It helps us envision Jefferson Street past so much better than words ever could.   "Razed":  a simple and emotionally evocative concept.  Now, look at what a magnificent structure replaced the Heiman House!  [2009]

Cuba, Alabama

Be Grateful for Graphic Elements:  Graphics are rare on historical markers.  Among graphic elements, maps are even rarer (likewise, textual references to imaginary lines).  This marker is also a good example of 'history as chronology.'  [1985]