Sunday 3 March 2013

Remembering Lincoln...well, his Chiropodist

This is a very bizarre story, but one that demonstrates the immense power of the media industry on public history. Spielberg's Lincoln has inspired Highgate Cemetery to remember Lincoln's chiropodist, Dr Isachar Zacherie. Hundreds would have walked past his grave, with no clue of who he was, but now the cemetery are putting him on the map. Literally. The graveyard guide is now being updated to include Dr Zacherie, who worked on Lincoln's feet in 1862 and treated Union soldiers.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/footnote-to-history-lincolns-chiropodist-gets-star-treatment-at-londons-highgate-cemetery/2013/02/28/5019e4d8-81af-11e2-a671-0307392de8de_story.html

Frederick Douglass statue

In the Capitol building in Washington D.C., every state is represented by a statue of a famous individual. In most cases, the individual was born in that state, or sometimes, they made that state their home. The District of Columbia will be recognised this month, and the statue will be of Frederick Douglass! Another public recognition of this great man. Douglass made D.C. his home, and was appointed Marshal of the District. He bought a house in Anacostia, and on a clear day, you can see for miles as the city stretches out beneath you.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/house-divided/post/frederick-douglass-statue-moves-to-capitol-today/2013/02/04/56382610-6ee3-11e2-ac36-3d8d9dcaa2e2_blog.html