Dakota Yankee Research

GRAB THE POPCORN and WATCH THE WILDER HOMESTEAD ON TV!
"Upstate Attractions", a series produced by WPBS TV of Watertown NY, explores northernmost New York State – the "North Country" – discovering exceptional places, hidden gems, people, and pieces of Americana in the local travel and adventure series. On July 20th, they will once again air the Almanzo Wilder Homestead episode! If you live in the WPBS zone, watch it on TV at 7pm. If you're a member, find it digitally on their website or check your local PBS station. https://www.wpbstv.org/program-schedule/ =schedule&day=20260714&provider=Broadcast

The Smithsonian belongs to the public, not to any political agenda.

The AHA has long defended the Smithsonian's independence and its essential role in helping the public engage with evidence-based history. Explore our recent advocacy statements and media coverage:

• Historians Defend the Smithsonian https://www.historians.org/news/historians-defend-the-smithsonian/
• ABC News: https://abcnews.com/Politics/scathing-report-white-house-accuses-smithsonian-presenting-radical/story?id=134515705
• Inside HigherEd: https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/columns/editors-note/2026/07/02/how-will-we-look-back-moment-higher-ed
• NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/07/nx-s1-5883940/trump-administration-accuses-smithsonian-museum-of-extreme-political-activism
• NYT: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/05/arts/design/white-house-smithsonian-american-history-museum.html

Do you need some sweetness today? Of course you do.

(You're welcome!)
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This is horrible news. Tom was a fixture around OSV and a font of institutional history. Ever since I started my own living history business and began making (even more frequent) regular visits at the Village, he always made a point of regaling me with little-known stories of programs and events of the past, and details few others would know about the historic buildings around the campus. OSV and the living history community will never be the same without him.

On May 26, the Old Sturbridge Village community lost one of our own.
For more than 40 years, Tom Kelleher shared his extraordinary talent, humor, kindness, and dedication with everyone fortunate enough to know him. Since joining the Village in 1984, Tom devoted his life to helping bring history to life for generations of visitors through his scholarship, storytelling, craftsmanship, mentorship, and unforgettable performances.

Tom was a gifted historian, interpreter, curator, and educator whose impact on this Museum cannot be overstated. Whether reading the Declaration of Independence on the Fourth of July each year, bringing beloved historical stories to life, mentoring colleagues, volunteers, and others in the living history field, or keeping the Village’s historic mills running, Tom left an indelible mark on this place and all the people within it.

To many of us, Tom was far more than a coworker. He was a trusted friend, a mentor, and a deeply cherished member of the OSV family. His infectious laugh, care, and passion for history will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.
Our thoughts are with Tom’s family, loved ones, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Additional details regarding plans to honor Tom’s life and legacy will be shared at a later date.

This is wonderful news!

Federal Judge Rules to Restore National Endowment of the Humanities Funding In Historic Case - AHA Statements From American Council of Learned Societies, American Historical Association, and Modern Language Association on the Ruling FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 7, 2026 - This afternoon US District Judge Colleen McMahon ruled that the mass termination by the National Endowment for the Humanities (N...

The museum that started it all for me!

Did you hear the news? An anonymous donor recently made an extraordinary commitment to the Village by offering a $2.5 million challenge grant. To unlock the full impact of this generous gift, we must match these funds with philanthropic support from our community. Gifts of any size are deeply appreciated and will help us move closer to our goal. Donate today at https://10797.blackbaudhosting.com/10797/Annual-Fund-Spring