Creating and Reimagining Community through a Crisis
A look at the impact of Covid-19 on the culture sector in Erie, Pennsylvania.
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Articles & News
“Our Towns:” From the Pages to the Screen
The filmmakers and writers discuss the story of "Our Towns" at JES Global Summit.
Revitalizing Charleston, West Virginia Brick by Brick
Revitalizing Charleston, West Virginia Brick by Brick
The Editor Behind the Story of ‘Own Towns’
Few people outside the publishing world knew of Dan Frank. Many benefitted from his vision, and skill—including anyone visiting this site.
‘New Old Ideas’: A Modern CCC
American history doesn't repeat, but it rhymes. Crises keep cropping up—and so do ideas and solutions. Many innovations from the 1930s have new relevance for the post-pandemic 2020s. Here is an example, and the thinking behind it.
A Plan to Grow 90,000 Trees in Los Angeles
Using tree planting as an axis to connect job creation, climate sustainability, urban renewal, and economic equity and inclusion.
HBO’s “Our Towns” Documentary Shows Off Small-Town Beauty
Deborah and James Fallows join Tamron Hall to discuss their expansive perspective on America. Watch the interview here.
Learning from Eisenhower (and Lincoln): A Grand Bargain on Transportation
Two Republican presidents—Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower—offered bold new approaches to transportation as part of their national strategy. A proposal
‘My Friends’: Communications and a ‘National Family’
What the presidential addresses of 1933 tell us about the America of 2021.
Geo-Journalism Illustrates & Expands the Story
An interactive map of the Columbus, Ohio Library system illustrates the power of maps in reporting.
History Come Alive – and Livestreamed!
Eighth of May Emancipation Celebration in Columbus, Mississippi now available on YouTube.
‘One Flat Tire Away’: Community Colleges Deserve the Spotlight
Two members of the Biden family, one a president with an "American Families Plan" and the other a First Lady known as "Dr. B" to her community college students, make the case for these schools as engines of opportunity.
Writers discuss state of the US in documentary ‘Our Towns’
Hoda and Jenna talk with James and Deborah about 'Our Towns,' their documentary of the month.
Meet Erie: Part II – Economic Impact
Like many towns and cities, Erie, Pennsylvania long had its identity tied to its industry. The only county of the Keystone State’s 67 located on the Great Lakes watershed –…
Too many Americans are forgotten or misunderstood. ‘Our Towns’ tries to change that.
Nicholas D. Sawicki reviewed the HBO documentary for America The Jesuit Review. “Our Towns,” he says, “recalls the America that was, captures an America that is and foretells an America…
Opinion: Biden’s American Families Plan could rewrite American politics
The Washington Post’s David Ignatius referenced Our Towns highlight of the value of community colleges in his April 29, 2021 column reviewing President Joe Biden’s American Families Plan. “The value…