Living Through History: a Reading List
The 1880s, the 1930s, the 1950s—they dramatically reshaped America. The 2020s are likely to do so as well.
Recent posts
Articles & News
Featured by UCD Clinton Institute
In his recent column “American Renewal After the Pandemic,” Derek Shearer features Deb and Jim Fallows and their reporting in the Our Towns book and expansion of their work with…
Greater than the Sum of its Parts
How Gender and Racial Biases Create Ironies that Defeat Good Organizations
Referenced in Baptist News Global
In their column “Let’s reimagine how your church property might serve the community,” Brian Foreman and Justin Nelson reference “Our Towns” and the travels of Deb and Jim Fallows. They…
‘A New Citizenry Around Truth’
How can the people who invented digital mapping technology avoid worrying about writing the next chapter in the history of disinformation?
Brimming with a Sense of Possibility and Positivity with the Wind Finally at Our Backs Again
“Our Towns” Reader Response Roundup features film screening feedback, a unique effort to support libraries nationwide, and national perceptions being addressed at the local level.
Charleston, West Virginia Celebrates Charly Jupiter Hamilton
“‘The Wonder Mural’ by Charly Hamilton changed an entire community. Through inclusion, Charly made a piece for the community by literally painting the community.”
Why Maps Matter, Starting in Childhood and Even More Now
A "geo-historical narrative" captured the imagination of many children in mid-20th century America. Maps have always had power to shape perceptions of reality. A memoir about their influence--and an introduction of what's to come.
Organizational Irony in Small Town USA
What can a look at the paradoxes of power and failed leadership teach communities?
A Message to the Class of 2021
What's a Mike? And what makes a Mike Mighty?
The Rise of the Kingsbury Journal, and the Future of Local Journalism
A local paper with a longer history than its home state suddenly shut its doors, for good, during the pandemic. How an entire community willed a new publication into existence--and avoided becoming one more American "news desert."
Creating a Sense of Us
James and Deborah Fallows discuss the role of libraries in expanding community engagement, the impact of immigrants in revitalizing communities, and how some communities are rebounding from the decline in…
Exposing What was Already Present
The pandemic provides an opportunity to focus on justice and equity in Erie, Pennsylvania.
‘Our Towns’ Viewer Response Roundup
Viewers respond to 'Our Towns' HBO documentary.
Learning from a Prairie State
Small cities, potentially big lessons. What a state that is home to 800,000 people can demonstrate to the country as a whole.
Erie Celebrates World Refugee Day with New Film, Publishes Directory of Refugee-Owned Businesses
Erie Celebrates World Refugee Day with New Film, Publishes Directory of Refugee-Owned Businesses