Category: american essence magazine

Diver’s Underwater Photography Captures ‘Two Worlds’

In the balmy waters of the South Pacific, marine conservationist, ocean photographer, and diver Renee Capozzola drifts gently through the blue. She’s waiting for something to cross her path, whether it be ambling sharks, sage sea turtles, or even a looming whale. Life in the ocean, after all, is always just around the corner—or rather,…


The Niche Business of Collecting Historical Letters and Documents

“I sold a Napoleon letter yesterday,” remarked Howard Zerwitz. This kind of thing isn’t unusual for him, since Zerwitz’s American Historical Guild (AHG) provides historic autographs, documents, letters, and other artifacts to collectors around the world—all reflecting historic events. Zerwitz has sold letters and documents from every American president, as well as letters from people…


The Productive Persistence of John Adams

Known to be blunt, impatient, and cantankerous, John Adams, second president of the United States, is not generally thought of as having a diplomat’s character. He had a quick temper and, at times, could be explosive. In spite of those flaws, he nevertheless scored major success as a diplomat in Europe at a very crucial…


The World Travels of Tisquantum, Aka Squanto

In 1614, a Patuxet lad named Tisquantum was kidnapped by English explorer Thomas Hunt. The Patuxet lived in what would later be called coastal Massachusetts, one of many bands spread out over scores of villages and towns collectively organized as the Wampanoag Confederacy. Tisquantum was never seen by his people again. Not long after the…


The Saving of Mount Vernon

“I was painfully distressed at the ruin and desolation of the home of Washington, and the thought passed through my mind: Why was it that the women of his country did not try to keep it in repair, if the men could not do it? It does seem such a blot on our country.”—Louisa Bird…


Civil War Ironclads

The battle that changed naval warfare forevermore, the Battle of Hampton Roads, is one of history’s 10 greatest ship-to-ship engagements. No longer would wooden warships rule the waves. Armored, turreted ships with heavy rifled guns would dominate the seas for the next 75 years. Despite all the battle’s acclaim, the names of the ships and…


A New Start for Our Family

All families have pain. We have no idea the battles that people are facing, but sometimes we get a glimpse and see a small part of another’s struggle. And it is in those moments that we have the opportunity to help, which is exactly what one very special teacher did for a family. It had…


Students as Decision-Makers

For 21 years, I was lucky enough to teach fifth grade. When people asked me what that was like, I always said, 10- and 11-year-olds are capable of learning anything an adult can learn, without the interference of hormones or bills to pay. They are still motivated to learn if the learning is relevant and…


Celebrating Bonds That Reunited America: The History Behind the Robinson House

To-day gladdens the hearts of all true Americans, the spectacle of a re-united country, knit together in real brotherhood of its citizens and in the bonds of an honorable, cordial and lasting pacification—and not least, the spectacle of veterans of the Army of the Potomac joining hands with veterans of [the] Army of Northern Virginia,…


For the Love of Donkeys

When Jennifer Ewald embarked upon adopting her first two donkeys 15 years ago, she did not foresee that it would put her on a path to launch a rescue and sanctuary. Ewald was so smitten that she founded a 501(c)(3) in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, called The Farmette, where donkeys find safety from kill lots and…