John Garrison Marks
@johngmarks.com
Historian and writer. New book about how Americans remember George Washington and slavery forthcoming April 2026 w/ @uncpress.bsky.social. Vice President of Research & Engagement at AASLH. www.johngmarks.com
Pinned
Just three months from today, my book about Americans’ 250 year struggle over slavery’s place in George Washington’s legacy will be out in the world. Some great (and NYT bestselling!) writers have said kind things about it. I hope you’ll consider pre-ordering a copy. bookshop.org/p/books/thy-...
So, so glad to have one of the good senators. Glad I got to shake his hand—at a local Thanksgiving parade!—a couple months back.
Van Hollen: We are here to say not one more dime for Donald Trump's ICE operations
January 14, 2026 at 1:25 AM
So, so glad to have one of the good senators. Glad I got to shake his hand—at a local Thanksgiving parade!—a couple months back.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
Frost: For so long, the right wing has held up patriotism as a vibe, as an aesthetic. But patriotism is more than bald eagles and flags and beer. Patriotism is about loving the people who live in the damn country — every single one of them.
January 13, 2026 at 11:44 PM
Frost: For so long, the right wing has held up patriotism as a vibe, as an aesthetic. But patriotism is more than bald eagles and flags and beer. Patriotism is about loving the people who live in the damn country — every single one of them.
Got this hat because AASLH was a promotion partner for the film… but now that I’ve tried it on I’m not sure I can wear this without looking like a J6er?
January 13, 2026 at 10:50 PM
Got this hat because AASLH was a promotion partner for the film… but now that I’ve tried it on I’m not sure I can wear this without looking like a J6er?
Got this hat because AASLH was a promotion partner for the film… but now that I’ve tried it on I’m not sure I can wear this without looking like a J6er?
January 13, 2026 at 10:47 PM
Got this hat because AASLH was a promotion partner for the film… but now that I’ve tried it on I’m not sure I can wear this without looking like a J6er?
This was a fun conversation.
Check out my conversation with public historian @johngmarks.com about the challenges surrounding the commemoration of ‘America 250.’ 🗃️ kevinmlevin.substack.com/p/commemorat...
Commemorating 'America 250' During the Trump Era
Thanks to historian John Garrison Marks for spending time with me today to talk about the ongoing 250th anniversary of American independence.
kevinmlevin.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 8:45 PM
This was a fun conversation.
Basically nothing this administration does is supported by public opinion. The vast majority of people don't want any of this. But they seem to think doing it quickly and violently enough, all at once, will make us all feel like it's inevitable.
January 13, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Basically nothing this administration does is supported by public opinion. The vast majority of people don't want any of this. But they seem to think doing it quickly and violently enough, all at once, will make us all feel like it's inevitable.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
NEWS: Trump officials are eyeing West Potomac Park for the National Garden of American Heroes. It is unclear if other sites are still under consideration. West Potomac Park would raise legal issues. www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Trump officials eye West Potomac Park, near National Mall, for Garden of Heroes
The potential site of the National Garden of American Heroes is a prominent area near the memorial to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, two people said.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 13, 2026 at 7:03 PM
NEWS: Trump officials are eyeing West Potomac Park for the National Garden of American Heroes. It is unclear if other sites are still under consideration. West Potomac Park would raise legal issues. www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Here's a new one: Oklahoma has unspent ARP funds, so they're proposing sending every resident a $250 check as part of a "Semiquincentennial Celebration Taxpayer Relief" program. legiscan.com/OK/text/SB15...
January 13, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Here's a new one: Oklahoma has unspent ARP funds, so they're proposing sending every resident a $250 check as part of a "Semiquincentennial Celebration Taxpayer Relief" program. legiscan.com/OK/text/SB15...
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
Today at 12 noon I will be talking with @johngmarks.com about this and other issues related to public history and the ongoing commemoration of America's 250th. Hope you can join us. open.substack.com/live-stream/...
January 13, 2026 at 12:52 PM
Today at 12 noon I will be talking with @johngmarks.com about this and other issues related to public history and the ongoing commemoration of America's 250th. Hope you can join us. open.substack.com/live-stream/...
The nature of this request makes so clear the administration thinks the Smithsonian is basically a single hall of fame, rather than the worlds largest museum complex.
The White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express "improper ideology." n.pr/4583d8f
Today is the Smithsonian's deadline to give thousands of documents to the White House
The White House says the Smithsonian Institution must submit materials about current and upcoming exhibitions and events for a review that will determine whether they express "improper ideology."
n.pr
January 13, 2026 at 12:45 PM
The nature of this request makes so clear the administration thinks the Smithsonian is basically a single hall of fame, rather than the worlds largest museum complex.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
Tomorrow at noon I will be in conversation with @johngmarks.com about the ongoing controversies surrounding "America 250" and other public history issues in this second Trump term. Subscribe now so you don't miss it.
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
LIVE SOON: Trump , Public History, and America at 250: A Conversation With John Garrison Marks
Starting Jan 13 at 12:00 PM EST
open.substack.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:19 PM
Tomorrow at noon I will be in conversation with @johngmarks.com about the ongoing controversies surrounding "America 250" and other public history issues in this second Trump term. Subscribe now so you don't miss it.
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
open.substack.com/live-stream/...
Seriously though wtf is this about, I just saw "protein soda" at target last week. It's far and away the #1 food/grocery trend?
January 12, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Seriously though wtf is this about, I just saw "protein soda" at target last week. It's far and away the #1 food/grocery trend?
More 250 stuff this morning:
- This article detailing the tensions between the White House's 250 plans and those of the Congressional commission.
- And this article about how the Dept. of Interior is revising its 250 plans to align with the WH, not the Congressional commission.
- This article detailing the tensions between the White House's 250 plans and those of the Congressional commission.
- And this article about how the Dept. of Interior is revising its 250 plans to align with the WH, not the Congressional commission.
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
January 12, 2026 at 2:46 PM
More 250 stuff this morning:
- This article detailing the tensions between the White House's 250 plans and those of the Congressional commission.
- And this article about how the Dept. of Interior is revising its 250 plans to align with the WH, not the Congressional commission.
- This article detailing the tensions between the White House's 250 plans and those of the Congressional commission.
- And this article about how the Dept. of Interior is revising its 250 plans to align with the WH, not the Congressional commission.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
I'll admit that I've been feeling pretty sour about 250th commemorations, knowing how terribly the current administration will handle it. This thread helped remind me that many terrific organizations are still doing thoughtful history, and this is a perfect time to support them.
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
January 12, 2026 at 2:18 AM
I'll admit that I've been feeling pretty sour about 250th commemorations, knowing how terribly the current administration will handle it. This thread helped remind me that many terrific organizations are still doing thoughtful history, and this is a perfect time to support them.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
An uplifting thread that screens out the F47 noise about our 250th anniversary.
Yes, we needed this.
Yes, we needed this.
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
January 12, 2026 at 12:45 AM
An uplifting thread that screens out the F47 noise about our 250th anniversary.
Yes, we needed this.
Yes, we needed this.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
January 11, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
Such a bummer Tony Romo stopped watching football in 2021, he used to know what was going on out there. Now just a more excitable generic announcer.
January 11, 2026 at 8:46 PM
Such a bummer Tony Romo stopped watching football in 2021, he used to know what was going on out there. Now just a more excitable generic announcer.
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
This is a terrific 🧵 about the plethora of US 250th anniversary commemorations.
A modest plug: @theatrehistory.bsky.social and I are writing about the ways theatre and democracy have been intertwined in US history. Follow along for the ride!
A modest plug: @theatrehistory.bsky.social and I are writing about the ways theatre and democracy have been intertwined in US history. Follow along for the ride!
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
January 11, 2026 at 2:53 PM
This is a terrific 🧵 about the plethora of US 250th anniversary commemorations.
A modest plug: @theatrehistory.bsky.social and I are writing about the ways theatre and democracy have been intertwined in US history. Follow along for the ride!
A modest plug: @theatrehistory.bsky.social and I are writing about the ways theatre and democracy have been intertwined in US history. Follow along for the ride!
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
I am going to be chatting with @johngmarks.com about this and other issues related to public history on Tues. at 12 Noon EST on Substack live. Subscribe today to join the discussion. kevinmlevin.substack.com
January 11, 2026 at 2:42 PM
I am going to be chatting with @johngmarks.com about this and other issues related to public history on Tues. at 12 Noon EST on Substack live. Subscribe today to join the discussion. kevinmlevin.substack.com
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
January 11, 2026 at 2:16 PM
Hi, I’m John Marks, I’m a public historian and writer. I’ve been helping history museums prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary for 9 years now. Despite everything else happening in history, I’m still excited about this anniversary—and you should be too. Here’s why. 🧵 /1
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
Woot!
A great New Year’s Resolution would be to buy more history nonfiction.
Start here!
A great New Year’s Resolution would be to buy more history nonfiction.
Start here!
Just three months from today, my book about Americans’ 250 year struggle over slavery’s place in George Washington’s legacy will be out in the world. Some great (and NYT bestselling!) writers have said kind things about it. I hope you’ll consider pre-ordering a copy. bookshop.org/p/books/thy-...
January 11, 2026 at 4:01 AM
Woot!
A great New Year’s Resolution would be to buy more history nonfiction.
Start here!
A great New Year’s Resolution would be to buy more history nonfiction.
Start here!
Reposted by John Garrison Marks
On our nation's 250th birthday, please follow public historians to understand what is happening to the creation of "history." In addition to John, other public historians: @erinbartram.bsky.social @jeanettepatrick.bsky.social @tinashull.bsky.social @aadeleon.bsky.social @evalentin25.bsky.social
It’s the last of these, this attempt to create anti-history slop, that concerns me the most. Ideologically motivated historically cherry picking has happened for ages and isn’t exclusive to the Right. This effort to make ostensibl create fake history feels both more novel and more nefarious.
January 11, 2026 at 1:21 PM
On our nation's 250th birthday, please follow public historians to understand what is happening to the creation of "history." In addition to John, other public historians: @erinbartram.bsky.social @jeanettepatrick.bsky.social @tinashull.bsky.social @aadeleon.bsky.social @evalentin25.bsky.social
To elaborate, it seems like a three-pronged attack. He pressures institutions into removing criticism of him. He uses direct and indirect tactics to amplify conservative distortions of history and erase inclusive scholarship. And if all else fails, he makes up history to suit his ends in the moment.
The WH's January 6 virtual exhibit is just the latest example of the administration moving beyond distorting history to support its ideological ends and into just inventing history as it sees fit. The presidential walk of fame, the AI-animated "Founders Museum" previewed where this was headed.
Wrote a pair of CAMPAIGN TRAILS posts this week about authoritarians trying to rewrite the past.
First off, this piece on the Trump White House's ridiculous effort to spin the events of January 6th around.
First off, this piece on the Trump White House's ridiculous effort to spin the events of January 6th around.
January 11, 2026 at 1:09 PM
To elaborate, it seems like a three-pronged attack. He pressures institutions into removing criticism of him. He uses direct and indirect tactics to amplify conservative distortions of history and erase inclusive scholarship. And if all else fails, he makes up history to suit his ends in the moment.
“You don’t win [sustainable market share among fast casual restaurants] with salad”
January 11, 2026 at 10:26 AM
“You don’t win [sustainable market share among fast casual restaurants] with salad”