
Reconstruction's Legacy: The Second Founding That Could Have Been
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
11/08/25
•14m
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In this episode, I look back on the Reconstruction era — a period that represented both a second founding of the United States and one of its greatest unfinished revolutions. Over the past year, I explored the political battles, social transformations, and cultural reckonings that defined Reconstruction. Now, I reflect on what that history means and how it set the stage for the Gilded Age that followed.
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Public Memory & Myths: Matthew Davis on A Biography of a Mountain
November 4, 2025
•30m
Join me as I sit down with author Matthew Davis to discuss his new book, A Biography of a Mountain, an in-depth look at the creation, meaning, and legacy of Mount Rushmore. Davis explores how the monument came to symbolize both American pride and historical injustice, tracing its evolution from a tourist attraction to a contested landmark at the heart of U.S. public history.
Learn more about Matthew at his website: www.matthewdaviswriter.com
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•16m
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