Perpetual Learning
Rowan MacLeod 
Well, I’ve done it! I’ve just finished hiking the Wonderland Trail, a journey that tested my limits and rewarded me with unparalleled views. For those of you who, like me, have a deep appreciation for both history and the call of adventure, this trek offered a unique blend of challenges and insights, much like navigating … Read more
My recent travels took me to Sri Lanka, an island nation rich in history and vibrant culture. As a historian, I always seek destinations that offer more than just picturesque landscapes; I look for places where the past breathes and whispers stories. Sri Lanka, with its ancient ruins, colonial architecture, and enduring traditions, proved to … Read more
As someone who spends a considerable amount of time navigating different routes for research, I’ve learned that how you book your flights can significantly impact your journey. Today, August 1st, 2025, let’s consider a common travel dilemma: flying from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Hong Kong (HKG) and whether it’s better to book directly with an … Read more
Hello fellow history enthusiasts! Rowan here, back from another research trip that’s left me pondering the deep roots of economic systems. Today, I want to take you to 18th-century Russia, a time when the institution of serfdom wasn’t just a social structure, but a foundational element that profoundly influenced the nation’s economic trajectory. When we … Read more
It’s fascinating to consider how much travel has changed. My work often takes me to archives and historical sites, and a recent thought experiment about packing for an 18th-century journey got me thinking about the essentials. Specifically, what did people carry for their personal care and well-being? Imagine embarking on a journey across Europe in … Read more
It might seem odd to connect the Neolithic period with the Galloroman era, but for a historian like me, especially one who spends a good deal of time digging through archives, the continuity and change found in skeletal remains across these vast periods are incredibly revealing. My recent research has taken me deep into the … Read more
Hello fellow history enthusiasts! Rowan here. While my usual focus is the 18th century, I recently stumbled upon a fascinating archaeological discovery that offered a unique window into much older times: a Gallo-Roman cremation cemetery in Pommerœul, Belgium. It got me thinking about how we, as humans, have approached death and remembrance across vast stretches … Read more
As a historian specializing in the 18th century, I often find myself drawn to the everyday challenges people faced and the ingenious solutions they devised. While we might associate the Enlightenment with grand philosophical debates and scientific discoveries, it was also a period of significant, often unheralded, technological advancement in areas that directly impacted daily … Read more
Ancient Shark Surfaces at Mammoth Cave: A Glimpse into Earth’s Deep Past Hello fellow history enthusiasts and intrepid travelers! Rowan here. Today, I’m thrilled to share a discovery that bridges my passions for history, research, and the wonders of our planet. It seems even the deepest caves can hold echoes of life from epochs long … Read more
Summer is here, and with it, the urge to explore. For many of us, that exploration includes our four-legged companions. But what if you also have a deep appreciation for history, particularly the stories held within abandoned places? My own passion for uncovering the past, often in less-traveled corners of the world, naturally led me … Read more