Sign in

Dr. Todd Arrington

@btarrington.bsky.social
11K followers 3.7K following 2.2K posts

Nonprofit executive director. Views are mine alone. Historian. Writer. Army veteran. Adjunct history instructor. Author of “The Last Lincoln Republican” (University Press of Kansas, 2020). #ParkChat Hall of Famer. Pittsburgh sports fan.

PostsRepliesMedia
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 4m
On this day 107 years ago-Oct. 2, 1919-President Woodrow Wilson suffered a major stroke that left him physically and somewhat mentally incapacitated for the remainder of his presidency and his life. His wife, Edith, and a close circle of advisers began to strictly control access to him. Image: LOC.
This black and white photo shows a clean-shaven man, Woodrow Wilson,  wearing glasses and a suit coat and tie.
041
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 9h
It’s always a good time to re-share this.
29714
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 16h
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Today, it’s the Corn Palace.
youtube.com
Corn Palace, Narrated by Christopher D. Mitchell
YouTube video by 250 to 250
514330
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
"At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected?...It cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen, we must live through all time, or die by suicide." ~Abraham Lincoln, 1838. Image: Library of Congress.
This black and white photo shows the earliest known photo of Abraham Lincoln. He is clean-shaven and wears a dark suit.
56510
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Now that phase one of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Here’s Tulsa’s Black Wall Street.
youtu.be
Black Wall Street, Narrated by Kahlil Greene
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
025678
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
There was much media attention around my dismissal as Director of the Eisenhower Pres. Library, which occurred one year ago today. I got many supportive calls, texts, & emails. There were also great social media comments. This was one of my favorites. Thank you and this would never, ever happen.
This image shows a screen shot of a social media comment reading “Todd Arrington should run for United States Senator from Kansas “
0616
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
One year ago today, I got a life-altering phone call: Trump administration demanding my resignation or would fire me as Director of Eisenhower Pres. Library. I had over 27 years of federal service (civilian & military). This was my wife’s Facebook post about it. I married so out of my league.
This color image shows a long Facebook post about a man fired from his civil service job by the Trump administration.
517123
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Tonight: the CCC.
youtu.be
Civilian Conservation Corps, Narrated by Harrison Ford
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
827375
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Trying out some new marketing slogans at work. “Jamestown: It’s Un-bucking-believable.” “Jamestown: Enough to Make You Say ‘Oh Deer! Or Dear. Whatever.’” I’m open to your suggestions, but frankly I feel like I’ve already hit two home runs here.
This color photo shows a buck deer eating grass.
7433
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
"Sir, Yours of this date proposing Armistice, and appointment of Commissioners, to settle terms of Capitulation is just received. No terms except an unconditional & immediate surrender can be accepted. I propose to move immediately upon your works." ~Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, 1862. Image: LOC.
This black and white photo shows a bearded man, Ulysses S. Grant, seated and wearing the Civil War-era military uniform of a United States major general.
45811
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Up next: the Dust Bowl.
youtube.com
Dust Bowl, Narrated by Representative Josh Turek
YouTube video by 250 to 250
421450
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
My @pirates.com finished above .500 this season for the first time since 2018. I’m gonna call that progress and focus on the Steelers and Penguins for the next several months. I’m sure that’ll all go great and not be disappointing at all.
This color image shows the final 2026 standings of Major League Baseball’s National League Central division: Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds.
3231
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
OTD in 1892, the first nighttime American football game was played in Mansfield, PA between Mansfield State Normal School and Wyoming Seminary. It ended in a 0-0 tie. Mansfield State Normal eventually became Mansfield University of PA-where I got my B.A. in History in 1994! Image: Public domain.
This black and white photo shows thirteen young men looking at the camera. This is the 1891 Mansfield State Normal School football team.
2552
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Tonight: the Buffalo Soldiers.
youtube.com
Buffalo Soldiers, Narrated by Andrew J. Huebner
YouTube video by 250 to 250
221358
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” was published on this day 64 years ago: Sep. 27, 1962. It explored many of the hazards of mass use of pesticides and is considered one of the catalysts for creation of the modern environmentalist movement. Image: Wikipedia.
This color image shows the cover of the 1962 book “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson.
411836
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I recently bragged about my hockey-playing son & am now doing the same about my musician daughter! Head Drum Major of Bowling Green State U.’s marching band her senior year, she returned to direct as part of alumni band at yesterday’s homecoming game! She’s now an awesome elem. school music teacher.
51284
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
I experienced my first bout of coastal tidal flooding at Jamestown last week. As you can see, many of our staff who’ve been through this many times before came prepared. Note to self: buy hip waders and a kayak.
1784
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Now that phase one of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's “250 to 250" project is done, I'll share videos (1 per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others edited for clarity & brevity. Tonight: Gen. Eisenhower’s D-Day “In Case of Failure” message—which I also narrated.
youtu.be
D-Day: In Case of Failure, Narrated by Todd Arrington
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
723156
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Met up with a friend and fellow veteran today and toured the National Museum of the US Army. Of course he insisted on taking pictures of me with as many swords as possible. (IYKYK.) Even saw a Multinational Force & Observers uniform (the Middle East peacekeeping deployment I was on in 1996-97).
0543
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
President James A. Garfield’s funeral took place in Cleveland, Ohio OTD in 1881. He was shot by Charles Guiteau on Jul. 2 and died on Sep. 19. Here’s an article about the funeral written by one of our great staff members during my years at James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor, Ohio.
nps.gov
“The Most Impressive Funeral Ever Witnessed”: The Funeral of President Garfield (U.S. National Park Service)
“The Most Impressive Funeral Ever Witnessed”: The Funeral of President Garfield
5655
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Here’s Rep. Patsy Mink.
youtu.be
Patsy Mink, Narrated by Senator Mazie Hirono
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
523971
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
What’s that? Oh, just my son being interviewed after winning a game in the 14TH ROUND of a shootout at the North American Hockey League (NAHL) showcase in Minnesota this afternoon! I wish I was there to see it, but thankfully my better half/his mother was there!
instagram.com
NAHL on Instagram: "Nicholas Arrington found twine in 14th round of the shootout for the Jackalopes. He talks postgame on what it means to deliver for his team. #NAHLShowcase | #GreatestShowOnIce"
86 likes, 1 comments - nahlhockey on September 25, 2026: "Nicholas Arrington found twine in 14th round of the shootout for the Jackalopes. He talks postgame on what it means to deliver for his team. ...
815111
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
OTD in 1789, Congress passed the Constitution's first ten amendments-the Bill of Rights-sending them to the states for ratification. Also passed Congressional Apportionment Amendment (never ratified) and Congressional Compensation Amendment (finally ratified as 27th Amendment in 1992). Image: NARA.
This sepia-toned image shows the first page of the Bill of Rights as written in 1789.
26212
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
“Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of the injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them.” ~Frederick Douglass, 1857. Image: Public domain.
19424
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Today: the Pujo Committee.
youtu.be
Pujo Committee, Narrated by Representative Joe Morelle
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
118863
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
On this day 120 years ago-Sep. 24, 1906-President Theodore Roosevelt declared Devil's Tower in Wyoming the nation's first national monument. It was the first presidential use of the Antiquities Act to declare a national monument that did not require congressional approval. Image: Jessica Cepele.
This beautiful color photo shows Devil's Tower National Monument in Wyoming with green trees and grass in front of it and blue sky with white clouds and sunset colors above it.
710014
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Here’s Jonas Salk.
youtu.be
Jonas Salk, Narrated by Peter Salk
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
14913
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
OTD in 1952, Repub. VP nominee Richard Nixon delivered "Checkers speech" to refute claims of campaign fund improprieties. "Checkers" was the family dog that Nixon mentioned during the speech. And no one ever again had reason to question Nixon's honesty or integrity. (LOL.) Image: Public domain.
This black and white photo shows Richard Nixon delivering his famous "Checkers speech" on September 23, 1952.
4367
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
OTD in 1957, President Dwight D. Eisenhower ordered troops to Little Rock, Ark., to enforce school integration and protect the "Little Rock Nine"-nine Black students who attempted to attend classes there and had been harassed, attacked, and prevented from entering the school. Image: Magnum Photo.
This black and white photo shows armed U.S. Army soldiers escorting Black students through the doors of Little Rock Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in September 1957.
27219
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Next up: John Quincy Adams.
youtu.be
John Quincy Adams, Narrated by Bob Crawford
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
421148
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." ~Attributed to Nathan Hale, a 21-year-old American from Connecticut executed by the British on Sep. 22, 1776 (250 years ago today). Hale had volunteered to go behind British lines in New York and spy. Image: Public domain.
This black and white drawing depicts British soldiers watching a young American, Nathan Hale, being prepared for hanging on September 22, 1776.
25611
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
OTD in 1862, five days after US victory at Antietam, President Lincoln issued Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation giving Confederate states until 1/1/1863 to end rebellion or face permanent emancipation of enslaved people. Applied to states in open rebellion (so NOT border states). Image: NARA.
This color image shows the first handwritten page of President Abraham Lincoln's Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation.
36422
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Tonight: Ellis Island.
youtu.be
Ellis Island, Narrated by Ken Burns
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
732168
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
The very first Monday Night Football game was broadcast on this day 56 years ago: Sep. 21, 1970. The Cleveland Browns defeated the New York Jets 31-21. Image: ABC.
This graphic features a photo from a football game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns. The ABC television network logo and the words "Monday Night Football" also appear, as does the shield logo of the National Football League.
2297
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Happy International Day of Peace, observed annually by United Nations member states every Sep. 21 since 1982. Obviously here in the United States it's going great and everything is totally normal. Image: Wikipedia.
This color graphic shows a blue dove with a United Nations symbol world map on its body and an olive branch in its mouth.
210627
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Here’s the Morrill Act.
youtu.be
Morrill Act, Narrated by Josh Cowen
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
421059
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
This is still a thing, right? Image: Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
This color graphic shows the verbiage of the Constitution’s First Amendment in cursive script.
48917
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A million thanks to @hcrichardson.bsky.social for writing about the 350th anniversary of the burning of Jamestown and helping a larger audience understand this still very relevant history. I say this as Executive Director of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation but also as a historian & a citizen.
8425132
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Now that the first phase of @hcrichardson.bsky.social's wonderful "250 to 250" project has wrapped, I'll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Here's the Zimmerman Telegram.
youtube.com
Zimmermann Telegram, Narrated by Daniel W. Drezner
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
1728
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
President James A. Garfield died OTD in 1881, nearly 80 days after being shot by Charles J. Guiteau on Jul. 2. Here’s part 2 of a 2-parter I wrote about the Garfield assassination. For more on Garfield’s election to the presidency, see my book on this subject. kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700636037/
werehistory.org
The Assassination of President Garfield, Part II
Partisanship, Insanity, and Murder
4409
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
President James A. Garfield died OTD in 1881, nearly 80 days after being shot by Charles Guiteau. Here’s part 1 of a piece I wrote about the assassination. (Part 2 to come later today.) If you want to know more about how Garfield came to be POTUS, read my book! kansaspress.ku.edu/9780700636037/
werehistory.org
The Assassination of President Garfield, Part I
Partisanship, Insanity, and Murder
05312
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Now that @hcrichardson.bsky.social’s brilliant @250to250.bsky.social project has concluded, I’ll share all the videos (one per day) for which I wrote scripts. Some were recorded nearly word for word; others underwent much-needed editing for clarity & brevity. Up first: Harriet Beecher Stowe.
youtu.be
Harriet Beecher Stowe, Narrated by Roxana Robinson
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
526466
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
The National Security Act of 1947 established the U.S. Air Force as a separate branch of the military. Before that, it was the U.S. Army Air Corps. This change took effect 79 years ago today: Sep. 18, 1947. So happy 79th birthday to the United States Air Force! Image: U.S. Air Force.
This color graphic shows a U.S. Air Force plane flying in the blue sky among white clouds.
1496
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
OTD in 1850, Congress passed the second Fugitive Slave Act. Part of the Compromise of 1850, it aggressively extended the original 1793 law. It required law enforcement to arrest anyone suspected of escaping enslavement. It applied everywhere, even states where slavey was illegal. Image: LOC.
This black and white image shows a political cartoon entitled "Effects of the Fugitive Slave Law."
16931
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
One year ago today, I was the Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and we hosted the Library’s first-ever naturalization ceremony. I’m happy they continued this new tradition after my departure and hosted another ceremony today. Here’s last year’s event; my remarks begin at the 3:35 mark.
youtube.com
Naturalization Ceremony - Constitution Day 2025!
YouTube video by IkeLibrary
1688
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
164 years ago today-9/17/1862-was bloodiest day in US history: battle of Antietam in Maryland. USA Army of the Potomac, CSA Army of Northern VA suffered combined 23,000 casualties. Strategic US win gave Pres. Lincoln Union victory he needed to issue Prelim. Emancipation Proclamation. Image: LOC.
This black and white photo shows the bodies of Confederate soldiers killed in the battle of Antietam near Sharpsburg, Maryland, on September 17, 1862.
36414
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
"A republic, if you can keep it." ~Attributed to Benjamin Franklin 239 years ago today-9/17/1787-upon being asked if new US government would be a monarchy or a republic. The founders signed the Constitution OTD in 1787, so happy Constitution Day to all! Let's keep it. Image: National Archives.
Image: This color image shows the beginning of the U.S. Constitution, with the words "We the People" prominently featured.
212641
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Here’s the incomparable @hcrichardson.bsky.social wrapping up this summer’s incredible “250 to 250” project. Writing scripts for this effort has been an honor & a career highlight for me. Thanks to Heather & her team for having me along for the ride and to everyone who watched, enjoyed, & learned.
youtube.com
250 to 250
YouTube video by Heather Cox Richardson
422935
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
“The world will soon be yours…Approach your task with…the joy of challenge in your hearts—& with dedication to human freedom & dignity. For this is the only route to peace with justice. Good luck…I, for one, believe in you.” ~Dwight D. Eisenhower, “Thoughts for Young Americans,” 1966. Image: LOC.
This black and white photo shows a smiling man, Dwight D. Eisenhower, wearing a suit and tie.
36210
Dr. Todd Arrington @btarrington.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
OTD in 1893, homesteaders rushed into OK's Cherokee Strip in one of several OK Land Rushes. These lands had belonged to the Cherokee Nation. As pressure rose to open more homestead land, fed. gov't took control back from the Cherokee in yet another raw deal for native people. Image: Nat'l Archives.
This map shows an outline of most of the modern state of Oklahoma. The "Cherokee Strip" in the northwest and northcentral part of the state is highlighted in red.
66724