World Footprints

Discoverying the Hidden History of a Free Black Brotherhood

Economy Hall was the meeting place for the Société d'Economie et d'Assistance Mutuelle (Mutual Aid), a benevolent society that was formed in the early 1800s by Louisiana Creoles and free people of color in response to oppressive whites’ efforts to diminish their rights and prosperity. The strength of Economy Hall’s community endured through the era of slavery, the Civil War, Reconstruction, and Jim Crow terrorism.
In a story that is both personal and historical, author Fatima Shaik takes us on a journey that begins with the rescue of the library of ledgers, journals and papers by her father in the 1950s to the discovery that he had come to possess the documents that told the story of one of the most important institutions both for jazz and mutual aid for blacks in New Orleans—Economy Hall.
Join us as author Fatima Shaik uncovers the rich hidden history of a free Black brotherhood that was almost lost forever.

Experiencing the fight for freedom along the U.S. Civil Rights Trail

Deborah Douglas, author of the Moon’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide, talks with World Footprints about the places, people and events that were integral to the civil rights movement. Deborah traces the stories about the movement she grew up hearing about and she brings those stories to life in her book.
With profiles of national leaders and local heroes, helpful timelines, a suggested playlist and personal insights, Deborah’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide enhances the experience of a journey along the Trail.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, “The history of the past is but one long struggle upward to equality”. But the Civil Rights Trail is not a single long route like the scenic Appalachian Trail. As you’ll hear, the civil right trail includes attractions and experience across 15 states and new sites are constantly being added.
Join World Footprints as we explore the story of Black Americans’ fight for freedom and equality with U.S. Civil Rights Trail guide author Deborah Douglas.

Expanding America’s Hidden Historical Narratives

Cordell Reaves is a Historic Preservation Program Analyst with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. In his role, Cordell strives to do preserve and illuminate the historical stories that have been overlooked and purposefully hidden from our historical narratives.
Cordell helps to develop educational programming and events that enable historical sites and destinations share their complete and inclusive stories.
Much of history has been rewritten in order to fit within someone else’s preferred narrative—one that is more comfortable to adopt. However, those whitewashed history diminishes and erases the significant contributions of enslaved and Indigenous people.
As Marcus Garvey said, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”. That is why the work that Cordell does to expand historical narratives is important. Our future is dependent upon understanding and sharing our past.

Schuyler Mansion: History, Enslavement and Alexander Hamilton

History Has Its Eyes On You is one of our favorite songs from the Broadway musical, Hamilton. The lyrics hold a cautionary reminder that “…You have no control who lives, who dies, who tells your story…”. As we know, the historical stories we’ve heard do not generally portray accurate and full narratives, especially, those involving early settlers like the Schuyler family and Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton.
So, how accurate are the stories we’ve been told about the Schuyler family and Alexander Hamilton?
Heidi Hill and Jessie Serfilippi from the Schuyler Mansion State Historical Site join us to share the stories behind the stories about the Schuyler family and Alexander Hamilton.
Schuyler Mansion was home to Philip J. Schuyler, the renowned Revolutionary War general, US Senator, and business entrepreneur. He and his wife, Catharine Van Rensselaer, descended from affluent and powerful Dutch families. Together they raised eight children in this home including Angelica, Eliza and Peggy, the three Schuyler sisters made famous by the Hamilton musical.
Throughout the Schuyler family occupancy from 1763-1804, the mansion was alive with political, military and social activities including the wedding of daughter Elizabeth, otherwise known as Eliza, to Alexander Hamilton in 1780. Today, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the mansion as well as an orientation exhibition in the Visitor Center focusing on Philip Schuyler's life.
*****
Cover: Actors portraying people who were enslaved in the Schuyler household in the 1790s during the four act play, The Accused. The program featured different perspectives on the trial of three enslaved children accused of setting fire to Albany in 1793. Photo courtesy of Schuyler Mansion State Historical Site.

Experiencing the World as a Blind Traveler

Meet Dale Reardon, a blind traveler from Australia who has not let his disability limit his love for exploring the world. We asked Dale about his travel experiences as a blind person. Some of what he shared may be surprising.
Dale’s experience as a blind traveler is inspiring a community overlooked in the travel space. He tell us that nearly 25% of the world’s population has accessibility needs but those needs are only partially being met. For example, Dale shares a story about a new one-touch technology a hotel chain offers. With one touch this technology will close window shades, turn on the television, order a meal, turn lights on and off, etc. However, the technology was not equipped with voice commands so, as a blind person, Dale was not able to use it.
That is just one example where the travel industry has forgotten a segment of the disability community.
Dale has faced discrimination; he’s been barred from taxi’s and restaurants because of his guide dog and he’s been prevented from partaking in some activities.
Through his website, Travel For All, Dale provides a Tripadvisor-type forum for people with accessibility needs who love to travel—from people with disabilities to elderly people with mobility challenges.

Discover President Joe Biden’s Delaware

In honor of America’s 46th President, World Footprints will share a cultural slice of President Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware.
Delaware is known as the “First State” because it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Its place in American history and colonialism is uniquely blended with the state’s European influences.
Join us as we enjoy a glimpse into Delaware’s history starting with American artist N.C. Wyeth and the Wyeth generations that followed him. Next, we will examine the legacy of the DuPont family—a name that is synonymous with Delaware.
As we stroll the grounds of Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Mansion and Nemours Estate --three attractions that were built by the DuPont family--the distinct European influence of the DuPont’s French heritage will be revealed.
The places that are showcased in this episode are reflective of Delaware’s motto “Liberty and Independence”. They are just a sample of the state that has shaped President Joe Biden’s and what makes his home state of Delaware intriguing.

Tourism in Washington, D.C. amid COVID and the 2021 Presidential Inauguration

Washington, D.C, is a very popular tourism destination but, like all destination around the world, COVID-19 has put a stranglehold on its tourism product. In addition to the pandemic the District of Columbia has also dealt with months of social unrest and a recent violent and unconscionable insurrection.
With all of the challenges facing Washington and a forthcoming Presidential Inauguration to prepare for, we spoke to Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC, to talk about the status of tourism in the District. Destination DC is the official destination marketing organization for Washington, D.C. so we sought to learn what visitors to the District could expect this year.
Elliott shared that there will be a number of exciting attractions that will open this year. He also discussed the treasure trove of culinary, cultural and historical experiences that D.C. offers. Elliott reminded us of the reasons why we love calling the DMV home.
Unbeknownst to us we were talking about tourism in D.C. as the U.S. Capitol Building was under siege.

Enjoying the World as a Plus-size Traveler

World Footprints continues its foundational value of sharing the voices of all travelers and their unique experiences and inspiring stories. Today we walk in the footsteps of a plus-size traveler.
Plus-size travelers face challenges that aren't generally considered—lack of appropriate accommodations, one-sized fits all robes that don’t fit larger bodies, zipline cables that may not support extra weight and other concerns.
Jeff Jenkins is the creative mind behind Chubby Diaries, a site dedicated to helping plus-size people travel the world. He joins World Footprints to share his experience as a plus-size traveler. Jeff also suggests how the travel industry can be better accommodating and why weight and size shouldn’t be a barrier to traveling the world.
Through Chubby Diaries, Jeff inspires and educates a community of travelers who are overlooked in the travel space.

Uncovering Appalachia

Who are the Appalachian people? Whoever you think they are you’re probably wrong. Author and scholar Nancy Brown Diggs joins World Footprints to peel back the layers of Appalachian culture that she uncovers in her new book, In Search of Appalachia. Her book shares her years of research and it paints an honest and authentic portrait of this misunderstood culture.
Nancy shines a spotlight on Appalachian culture, history and the contributions Appalachians have made to American society. She also celebrates her own cultural roots in a region that’s often misunderstood and denigrated by many people, including mainstream media and entertainment.
As writer Ann Hagedorn said, “In an era when the truth about everything is crucially needed, author Nancy Brown Diggs unveils the true soul of Appalachia, a region commonly depicted by stereotypes of poverty, ignorance and violence. From coal mines to mountain churches to dance halls of country music, Diggs explore it all, sculpting new images as she introduced her readers to strong, creative, hardworking folks…”
“The best of America lies in its common people.” – Nancy Brown Diggs
If you’ve ever been curious about the people who dwell in the Appalachian Mountains you’ll have a fuller understanding of contemporary life in Appalachia after listening to our interview with Nancy Brown Diggs.

Traveling the world in a powered wheelchair

Cory Lee joins World Footprints hosts Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick to talk about the joys and challenges of traveling the world in a powered wheelchair.
At the age of two, Cory was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a form of muscular dystrophy. Because this disease is progressive it has served as a catalyst for Cory to see as much of the world as he can.
Cory, who runs the wheelchair travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, began traveling internationally when he was 15 and he’s never looked back. To date, he has visited all seven continents in his powered wheelchair. In fact, he is likely the first wheelchair traveler to achieve this goal. But there are many more countries that Cory wants to check off on his travel wish list.
Traveling is a right for everyone to enjoy but, as we’ll hear from Cory Lee, the travel industry is not accommodating to every traveler.