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David McCullough: Americans in Paris

Library of Congress・41 minutes read

David McCullough's work focusing on Americans in 19th century Paris was highlighted at an event at the Library of Congress, emphasizing his advocacy for American history and libraries. The text discusses historical figures like Elihu Washburne and James Fenimore Cooper, showcasing their significant contributions to American history and the importance of preserving knowledge through storytelling and the arts.

Insights

  • David McCullough's latest work delves into significant political events of the 19th century, emphasizing the importance of utilizing historical documents like those stored at the Library of Congress to humanize past figures and events.
  • The text underscores the collaborative nature of historical research and storytelling, showcasing the crucial role of individuals like Mike Hill in unearthing and bringing to light unknown American characters and treasures, highlighting the value of shared efforts in preserving history.

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Recent questions

  • Who is David McCullough?

    An acclaimed author known for historical biographies.

  • What is the significance of the Rouen Cathedral?

    A European masterpiece that left a profound impact.

  • What was Elihu Washburne's role during the Franco-Prussian War?

    A congressman and diplomat who displayed immense courage.

  • How did Samuel FB Morse contribute to art and communication?

    Revolutionized communication with the Telegraph and painting.

  • What is the importance of collaboration in historical research?

    Collaboration enhances research and storytelling processes.

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Summary

00:00

McCullough Honored at Library of Congress

  • The event took place at the Library of Congress in Washington DC, welcoming members and former members of Congress, along with those currently voting.
  • David and Rosalie McCullough were specially welcomed to the Library of Congress, with gratitude extended to America's Trust and Doddy Mavar Amanda's for sponsoring the program.
  • Special contributions were acknowledged from America's Trans Tan, Canfield and Associates, the Bipartisan Center, and the Communication Workers of America.
  • The Marshall Coins Foundation supported the event, with a connection to the late Marshall Coin through his grandson, Benediction.
  • David McCullough, known for his biographies of John Adams and Harry Truman, was praised for humanizing these presidents and putting story back into history.
  • McCullough's latest work focuses on Americans drawn to Paris in the 19th century, utilizing papers stored at the Library of Congress, particularly those of Elihu Washburne, the US ambassador to France.
  • The book delves into significant political events in the 19th century, including the Prussian defeat of France and the rise and fall of the Paris Commune in 1877.
  • Items from various collections used in McCullough's book will be displayed outside the Coolidge Auditorium, with curators available to discuss them.
  • McCullough's advocacy for American history, libraries, and reading was highlighted, emphasizing his contributions to the National Book Festival and his support for the Library of Congress.
  • McCullough expressed his gratitude for the Library of Congress, emphasizing its role in his work and the importance of history beyond military and political aspects, encompassing art, music, medicine, and more.

20:17

American Visitors Awed by European Masterpieces

  • European masterpiece, the Rouen Cathedral, left a profound impact on American visitors, highlighting the youth of their country compared to the ancient building.
  • Americans, including Emma Willard and Charles Sumner, were awestruck by the Cathedral's age and grandeur, despite being Protestants affected by a Roman Catholic shrine.
  • Notable figures like Oliver Wendell Holmes, a renowned poet and scientist, were part of the group that visited Europe, experiencing the prestige of age in the old world.
  • James Fenimore Cooper, a famous American author, met Samuel FB Morse in Paris, where Morse painted a masterpiece in the Louvre amidst a cholera epidemic.
  • Morse's dedication to painting in the Louvre, despite the epidemic, showcased a powerful friendship with Cooper, emphasizing the bond formed in challenging times.
  • Mary Cassatt's friendship with Mrs. Havemeyer led to the latter amassing a significant collection of Impressionist paintings, now part of the Metropolitan Museum's art treasure.
  • The friendship between sculptors Gustus Saint-Gaudens, John Singer Sargent, and Whistler influenced their work significantly, with Saint-Gaudens creating powerful Civil War sculptures.
  • Morse's return from Paris brought back the idea of the Telegraph, revolutionizing communication, alongside his renowned painting and the introduction of photography to the United States.
  • Elihu Washburne, a congressman and diplomat, displayed immense courage and dedication during the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune, saving lives and documenting his experiences in a detailed diary.
  • Washburne's diary, meticulously kept during the war's horrors, was a crucial historical document that highlighted his bravery and compassion in the face of immense suffering and danger.

39:42

"Uncovering American Treasure: The Unknown Diary"

  • The text discusses the discovery of letterpress copies in bound volumes that turned out to be a diary, with one volume being a significant American treasure about an unknown American character.
  • The original diary was found in Livermore, Maine, along with other materials related to the Washburn family, highlighting the collaborative effort with Mike Hill to bring this character to light.
  • Acknowledges the importance of collaboration in historical research and book writing, emphasizing the essential role of individuals like Mike Hill in the process.
  • Utilizes visual aids like photographs, paintings, and maps from the Library of Congress collection to enhance the research and storytelling process.
  • Shares personal connections to historical artifacts, such as a postcard from Paris in 1970 and the significance of staying at historic locations like the Hotel de Louvre.
  • Emphasizes the value of reading letters from historical figures, showcasing their command of language and the expectations of writing during that era.
  • Unravels the Morse code within a painting, identifying key figures like Morse, Cooper, and Healy, shedding light on their relationships and roles.
  • Explores the challenges faced by American medicine in the 1830s, including social factors and the scarcity of cadavers for medical training.
  • Highlights notable figures like Oliver Wendell Holmes, Charles Sumner, George Catlin, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Thomas Edison, showcasing their impact and experiences in Paris.
  • Concludes with a call to preserve history through storytelling, emphasizing the importance of passing on knowledge through books, experiences at historic sites, and the integration of arts in history education.
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