Category Archives: Scratch Pad

“My undertaking is not difficult, essentially… I should only have to be immortal to carry it out.”

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Jorge Luis Borges (August 24, 1899 – June 14, 1986) was an Argentine writer who is considered one of the foremost literary figures of the Twentieth Century. He is famous for his short stories and fictive essays, Borges was also a poet, critic, translator, and … Continue reading →

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Ebenezer Allen Living Historian at Allen Heritage Depot

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Allen Mesch

On March 25, 2023, I had the pleasure of appearing as Ebenezer Allen at the Allen Heritage Depot. I told the visitors about Allen’s life and his contributions as an entrepreneur and statesman. Check out these pictures of me from … Continue reading →

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Speaking Events and Classes

Posted on March 18, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Beginning in March, I will speak at several events in north Texas. Ebenezer Allen at Allen Depot Museum From 1:00-3:00 pm on March 25, 2023, I will be at Allen Train Depot Museum to discuss my biography of Ebenezer Allen, … Continue reading →

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Are Book Bans Un-American?

Posted on March 12, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Louis A. Bedford IV writes “Book bans are un-American” in an editorial in the March 5, 2023 edition of The Dallas Morning News. As in all things in Texas, book banning is the biggest in the Lone Star state. Texas … Continue reading →

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Americans Agree on Teaching Our Achievements and Failures

Posted on March 6, 2023 by Allen Mesch

In an editorial in The Dallas Morning News on February 26, 2023, Dan Vallone writes “there is significant common ground in how Americans feel our history should be taught.” Dan Vallone’s report by his organization, More in Common,  concludes “most … Continue reading →

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Will Your Book Be Published?

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Jonah Winter’s editorial, “My books are banned by the right and the left – State politicians aren’t the only ones silencing voices,” on page 5P of the February 19, 2023 issue of The Dallas Morning News is an alarming report … Continue reading →

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Black History Month – The 1619 Project and Critical Race Theory

Posted on February 18, 2023 by Allen Mesch

This blog is the most controversial of my posts. I discuss how The 1619 Project and Critical Race Theory are being used to attack the study of Black History. Critics of these two programs focus on historical errors and white … Continue reading →

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Black History Month – Nat Turner and Slave Literacy

Posted on February 14, 2023 by Allen Mesch

On August 21, 1831, enslaved Virginian Nat Turner led a bloody revolt, which changed the course of American history. The uprising in Southampton County led to the murder of an estimated 55 white people, the execution of about 55 Black people, and … Continue reading →

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Black History Month – Corinth Contraband Camp

Posted on February 9, 2023 by Allen Mesch

As Federal forces occupied significant portions of the South, enslaved people escaped from farms and plantations and fled to safety behind Union lines. The number of freedom seekers increased considerably in Union-occupied Corinth after President Abraham Lincoln’s Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation … Continue reading →

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School District Bans Books

Posted on February 2, 2023 by Allen Mesch

Authors beware! Your book may be banned by school districts. Will Your Book be Banned? A letter to the editor in the January 30, 2023 Dallas Morning News caught my eye this morning. According to the writer, McKinney ISD changed … Continue reading →

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