Ben Tumin

1 week ago | skippedhistory.substack.com | Ben Tumin

If you missed it, the Trump administration took aim at the Smithsonian a couple of weeks back. As stated in an executive order, their goal is to end the “revisionist moment” carried out by historians. It goes without saying, but to be clear, I don’t support that executive order. On the contrary, I’m proud that this newsletter is part of the “revisionist moment.” The study of slavery, the subject of my interview today, demonstrates why revisionist history is so integral in moving us toward justice.

1 week ago | skippedhistory.substack.com | Ben Tumin

If you missed it, the Trump administration took aim at the Smithsonian. As stated in an executive order, their goal is to end the “revisionist moment” carried out by historians. It goes without saying, but to be clear, I don’t support that executive order. On the contrary, I’m proud that this newsletter is part of the “revisionist moment.” The study of slavery, the subject of my interview today, demonstrates why revisionist history is so integral in moving us toward justice.

2 weeks ago | skippedhistory.substack.com | Ben Tumin

Tickets are officially on sale for my first-ever Skipped History live show in NYC—and I’d love for you to come!I’m kicking off a three-part series on The Power Broker, live at Caveat. Seats are limited and I expect the show to sell out, so snag one while you can! After all these emails over the years, I’ll be thrilled to meet you (or see you again!). 📅 Saturday, June 7 at 4:00 PM📍 Caveat (21A Clinton St.)💻 Not in NYC? You can buy tickets for the live stream.

2 weeks ago | skippedhistory.substack.com | Ben Tumin

I have some exciting news: I’m bringing The Power Broker to the stage! In January, I announced I’d been working on a new project: a series of videos bringing to life The Power Broker, Robert Caro’s famed biography about city builder Robert Moses. I’m still working on those videos, but in the meantime, I’m also turning the project into a trilogy of live shows.

3 weeks ago | skippedhistory.substack.com | Ben Tumin

Today, we’re talking about the Red Scare: a time of black-and-white politics when people could be arrested just for their political views. Granted, ICE wasn’t abducting people with visas off the street, but I think you’ll find today’s interview relevant nonetheless. Among other things, Clay Risen helps draw a clear throughline from Joseph McCarthy to Donald Trump and shares some valuable takeaways for combating fascism today. Clay is a reporter and editor at The New York Times.