Historical Research Associates, Inc. (hrassoc.com)

The first night of Hanukkah falls on Christmas this year. Why do some major events move while others stay in place?

Big news in the world of climate litigation! Yesterday, the Montana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the 16 youth plaintiffs who sued the State for failing to act on their constitutionally protected right to a "clean and healthful environment," which has been enshrined in Article IX of Montana's constitution since 1972. In his majority opinion, Chief Justice Mike McGrath held that, “Plaintiffs showed at trial — without dispute — that climate change is harming Montana’s environmental life support system now and with increasing severity for the foreseeable future." In response to the State's argument that the framers of the Montana Constitution did not intend to include climate-based considerations as a part of Article IX and that Montana's contributions to an inherently global issue are minimal, McGrath wrote, "We reject the argument that the delegates — intending the strongest, all-encompassing environmental protections in the nation, both anticipatory and preventative, for present and future generations — would grant the State a free pass to pollute the Montana environment just because the rest of the world insisted on doing so." I'll post a link to the full opinion in the comments below.

A rural minister out of Ripley, Ohio, Reverend John Rankin's life is a sterling example of how one person's resistance can help spark a whole movement.

...the Public Archives Resiliency Act (H.R. 10383), which would authorize grants to promote preservation, climate resilience, adaption, and continuity of vital government records and protect other records of historical or cultural significance. The legislation would provide funding for public archives, libraries, museums, institutions of higher education, or non-profits that protect these valuable records.

Across the country, hotel developers and hospitality firms are transforming historic buildings that housed some of America’s earliest banks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries into luxury boutique hotels. Many contain classical columns, soaring ceilings, and grand marble hallways converted into sumptuous lobbies and restaurants that appeal to the design-driven traveler. Bank vaults have been converted into guest rooms, dining spaces, or event venues. Hotel developers and designers have preserved period details, believing that they will attract visitors. In some cases, the building’s metamorphosis has played a critical role in a city’s urban renaissance. Learn about six bank buildings that have been reinvented as destination-worthy hotels: https://ow.ly/n84v50Upaq3

Perkins, appointed by Roosevelt in 1933, served 12 years in the role... she played a pivotal role in developing and implementing Roosevelt’s sweeping New Deal programs, most notable Social Security.

"I have noticed that preservationists tend to appreciate place. They understand what a historic site adds to the workings of the modern world." Root Shock, a term coined by Dr. Mindy Fullilove twenty years ago, is a powerful framework for understanding the deep and lasting trauma caused by community displacement. Preserving historic places transcends architectural conservation—it’s about maintaining the social fabric, cultural identity, and shared memory of a place. Revisiting these ideas today underscores their relevance in addressing contemporary challenges like pandemic recovery, climate displacement, and equitable urban development. We've compiled Fullilove's keynote from PastForward 2019 and her PastForward 2007 speech to reflect on Root Shock’s legacy: https://ow.ly/wnWv50Uszz3 Pictured: Mindy Fullilove on Root Shock and The 400 Years of Inequality Project at PastForward 2019

Archaeological investigations were mandated under French law due to the scale of the cathedral reconstruction project and the potential presence of ancient artifacts or remains on the site. Finding items of interest was likely, given the cathedral’s 800-year-long history. 

"Once I discovered this information about Ruffin and Selanie, it was like something in the universe shifted. I could feel it deep down in my bones that part of my life’s purpose was to keep my Black ancestors’ names and stories alive. I was determined to pick up the pen and write my ancestors into a world that was repeatedly trying to erase their existence."

Archaeologists have uncovered some 1,035 fragments of historic artworks beneath Notre Dame Cathedral, which was engulfed in flames and nearly destroyed in spring of 2019.