iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 08/08/2026

In #EastHamtpton today? Stop by the East Hampton Library’s Author’s Night in Herrick Park and say ‘hi’! #authorsnight #authorsnight2026 #easthamptonlibrary

Announcement for East Hampton Library's Authors Night event 5PM Saturday August 8 at Herrick Park. Raises money for the library. 100 authors in attendance.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 13/05/2026

Goodreads #Giveaway! Win a free hardcover copy of "Obstinate Daughters"! Enter now through June 8. bit.ly/49sB5hg #history #americanhistory #booksky #win #books

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 24/03/2026

Exciting news! From March 24-26, Barnes & Noble members get 25% off ALL preorders of OBSTINATE DAUGHTERS (out June 23)!! Premium Members get an additional 10% off if they use the coupon code PREORDER25. Bruno has his copy! Order yours here: bit.ly/4t0jG7L #writingcommunity #books #dogs

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 13/02/2026

Today in American history...Our future historians! I am a member of @americanancestors and delighted to share that this year's Young Family Historians Essay Contest is ON. Students in grades 4 - 12 are eligible. Please share with all of your favorite #history buffs. buff.ly/oUEA5lx #education

americanancestors.org

Young Family Historians Essay Contest 2026 | American Ancestors

The 2026 American Ancestors Young Family Historians Essay Contest is open for students enrolled in grades 4–12 in public, private, and home schools across the nation and US territories.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 12/02/2026

One of the stories lost when 34 panels were removed from the President's House Site was that of enslaved chef Hercules Posey, who cooked for George Washington at Mount Vernon and in Philly when it was the nation's capital. The slavery exhibit at this site is a casualty of an executive order...

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 10/02/2026

The Royall House and Slave Quarters is in Medford, MA, and is open to visitors. Belinda Sutton petitioned Massachusetts for money owed her from her enslaver, Isaac Royall Jr. Her statement lives on, offering invaluable insight into the inhuman practice that existed throughout the colonies. #History

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 08/02/2026

One of the panels removed from The President's House Site in Philadelphia depicted Oney Judge. Judge, a 22-year-old seamstress, was one of nine individuals enslaved in the Washington household during George Washington's presidential term. She also managed to escape... #history #BlackHistoryMonth

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 06/02/2026

I love The President's House Site in Phila at 6th & Market. I hate that the Freedom and Slavery in the Making of a New Nation exhibit panels have been removed. But, the information remains at the NPS site. And many of us have photos. The next few days will be dedicated to this site of #BlackHistory.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 06/02/2026

@ClementsLibrary did not always hold vast primary source materials related to the Black experience. "Historian Benjamin Quarles would change the Library’s direction, publishing the first major work on African American history out of the Clements..." Read more: buff.ly/F7O54L2 #BlackHistory

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 03/02/2026

While taking in the sites in Phila., look down or you might miss something. Case in point: The John Read Privy Pit in Franklin Court at 318 Market Street. More than 251K markers are in the Historical Marker Database. The keyword privy brings up more results than you might think. buff.ly/sgWkwW4

John Read privy pit circa 1715. Philadelphia.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 02/02/2026

Roaming Colonial Williamsburg’s streets was a favorite way to research and be reminded that back in the day, taverns run by women like Jane Vobe and Christiana Campbell kept the colonies running—while enslaved hands did the unseen work. Learn a little more: buff.ly/iHvUaHW #History #WomenInHistory

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 31/01/2026

Jan. 29, 2026, the USPS released the 49th stamp in their Black Heritage series to honor 18th-century poet Phillis Wheatley. Artist Kerry James Marshall created this unique black-and-white portrait. Antonio Alcalá served as art director and designer for the stamp. More info: buff.ly/tdcJCg0 #art

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 30/01/2026

Latest newsletter is out: commonplace books, perpetual diaries, women publishing women, und Denken mit der Hand. Oh—and Bruno. Denise is Curious: Thoughts, Journals, and the Art of Handwriting newsletter.denisekiernan.com/p/thinking-w... #history #writingcommunity #booksky

newsletter.denisekiernan.com

Denise is Curious: Thoughts, Journals, and the Art of Handwriting

Discover the art of journaling with Denise Kiernan's reflections on Leuchtturm1917, exploring how handwriting transforms thoughts, memories, and ideas into meaningful stories.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 29/01/2026

That's not me in the picture (though I do have that outfit). I took this photo during my research travels for "Obstinate Daughters." Several of my characters' lives were influenced by the individual who once resided in this "palace" and the decisions that person made. Any guesses? #history #travel

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 28/01/2026

Here is one of my favorite things: the commonplace book. The index is from a 1706 book which shares physician-philosopher John Locke’s “New Method of Making Common-Place-Books.” But my favorite book is by Milcah Martha Moore (printed by Penn State) who is in "Obstinate Daughters." #history #writing

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 27/01/2026

#CaptionThis I'll get you started: "Stop splitting infinitives and get me a treat." #dogsky #pets #writinglife

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 27/01/2026

While researching Obstinate Daughters I found inspiration in the ways women expressed their views—especially political ones—and creative expressions to a society that often overlooked them. This embroidered image by Elizabeth Miltimore, “Sacred to the Memory of Washington,” resides at Mount Vernon.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 26/01/2026

Cartoon printed in London in 1776: "The State Blacksmiths Forging fetters for the Americans." Lords Mansfield, North, Sandwich, and Bute—the latter working the bellows—tend to the forge. King George III can be seen peeking in the window. More @librarycongress www.loc.gov/pictures/ite... #history

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 24/01/2026

During a power outage—which we likely experience this weekend—folks often break out the candles. If you do, be sure to heed this article from the SOUTH-CAROLINA GAZETTE in 1771, and mind you don't hold the candle too near an open bunghole. #history #RevolutionaryWar #rum

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 23/01/2026

The fleuron (I love that word) used in "Obstinate Daughters" is inspired by the so called "Rising Sun" chair. Washington sat in it during the Constitutional Convention, and Franklin was absorbed by its carving: "I have... often... in the course of the session...

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 21/01/2026

Today in this stroll down Revolutionary War history, I offer a few lines from a little tune called "A Junto Song." First published in 1775. #history #revolutionarywar #music

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 19/01/2026

Someone who knows me well gifted me a sheet of "Battlefields of the American Revolution" commemorative stamps. Issue date: April 16, 2025. Artist: Greg Harlin. Q: Guess how many Revolutionary Era women appear on U.S. postage stamps? A: Not enough. #history #illustration #stamps

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 18/01/2026

“The problem is human fracking, a world-spanning land-grab into human consciousness – which big tech is treating as a vast, unclaimed territory, ripe for sacking and empire.”

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 18/01/2026

The "macaroni" trend of the 1760s and 1770s featured a lot of extravagant fashion flourishes...and some exceedingly tall hair. Pioneering caricaturist and satirist Mary Darly loved to lampoon the overelaborate coifs. This illustration, from "Darly's Comic Prints." #history #art #illustration

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 17/01/2026

Latest newsletter is out. Public domain, TPaine, #BTS, gratitude, Bruno hitting the champagne.. You know. The usual. buff.ly/tmg2F36 #history #booksky #writingcommunity

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 16/01/2026

Phila. publisher of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" describes himself: "Robert Bell, Bookseller, Provedore to the Sentimentalists, and Professor of Book-Auctioniering in America...." Bell listed a section of his catalog of "instructive" and "entertaining" books. Check 'em out. Any faves? #history

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 11/01/2026

250 years ago today. Jan 10, 1776: The Virginia Gazette. The front page proclaims: "Open to ALL PARTIES, but influenced by NONE." Top article is a letter complaining to the publisher about "a great mistake." Refreshing for a publisher to announce a mistake where all readers will see it. #OTD

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 09/01/2026

#OTD 1776 This ad appeared in the PA Evening Post. Scottish immigrant and publisher Robert Bell offered a pamphlet titled COMMON SENSE for sale at his store in Third Street. Thomas Paine's name was not yet associated with the history-making document, which Bell sold for two shillings. #ushistory

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 08/01/2026

In today's edition of "Where in the Revolutionary World is Denise..." Took this photo while out and about with the amazing Beowulf Sheehan. That fence and the area it surrounds play a big part in "Obstinate Daughters." Any guesses? #history #onlocation #ushistory

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 06/01/2026

Thanks to Parade Magazine for naming "Obstinate Daughters " to their list of the "20 Most Anticipated Books of 2026"! Woo-hoo! #booksky #history parade.com/books/most-a...

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 06/01/2026

In today's edition of "Great Texts from History..." 250 years ago today, bookseller-turned-artillery-whiz Henry Knox wrote his young wife, Lucy Flucker Knox from Albany. He was on his way back from Fort Ticonderoga, NY, transporting captured munitions to HQ in Cambridge, MA... #writingcommunity

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 30/12/2025

Half-cock firelock! Shut pan! Draw hammer! Poise firelock! All this and much more to do before "aim" and "fire." #history #revolutionarywar #army

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 29/12/2025

"On the day of the second battle of Saratoga, the American women followed close after the American soldiers, as they were advancing and even exposed themselves where the shot were flying, to strip the dead. I saw one woman while thus employed, struck by a cannon ball and dashed to pieces. "

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 28/12/2025

In the "New-York Gazette," on DECEMBER 25, 1775: "His Majesty's Ships the Phoenix and Asia now lie in the East River; the latter opposite Murray's Wharff; and the former near Burling's Slip..." See Burling Slip here: "Plan of the City of New York." @librarycongress.bsky.social #history #ushist

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 27/12/2025

While on the road researching "Obstinate Daughters" I stopped by the Litchfield Historical Society in Connecticut. Highly recommended. I love the mosaic depiction of the town's map on the floor of their collection space. #art #museum #travel #history

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 26/12/2025

Valley Forge, Christmas 1777, from the diary of Dr. Albigence Waldo: "Dec 25, Christmas.—We are still in Tents—when we ought to be in huts—the poor Sick, suffer much in Tents this cold Weather. .. #history #revolutionarywar #christmas

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 25/12/2025

“He gave orders that all be finished by Christmas, and begged us to say how the rooms would be divided….Our plan was presented, and, to our great surprise, we were able to eat our Christmas pie—with which the English always celebrate Christmas—in our new house, although the timber... #Christmas

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 24/12/2025

Holiday newsletter is out... Valley Forge, Dobermans in elf hats, 251-year-old gingerbread recipes...You know, the usual... buff.ly/HlJrOqV #history #sistercentennial #christmas #dogsky

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 24/12/2025

This is a #Christmas entry from a favorite read & important part of my book OBSTINATE DAUGHTERS: THE DIARY OF ELIZABETH DRINKER. A Quaker woman living in Philadelphia during the #RevolutionaryWar, Drinker's observations lent relatability and depth to the war experience. A separate holiday entry ...

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 23/12/2025

"The bitterness of Puritan hatred of Christmas celebration is difficult for us to conceive in this day." This is from the preface of a 1910 book titled, "COLONIAL HOLIDAYS Being a Collection of Contemporary Accounts of HOLIDAY Celebrations in Colonial Times... #history #christmas #books

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 22/12/2025

Happy #solstice! Let's lean back into that sun. 250 years ago, Dec. 21, 1775, the solstice occurred at 5:43 PM LMT. In 18th-century America, the solstice played a key role in marking the progression of time—as it had for ages. Here are some images from LACMA to start the season:

unframed.lacma.org

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with These Chilly Collection Highlights

The chill and darkness of winter has long held endless artistic potential.

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Denise Kiernan | Author, etc. @denisekiernan.com · 20/12/2025

More T Paine (not to be confused with T-Pain ), taken from his pamphlet "The American Crisis (No. 1)." "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph." From 249 years and one day ago today. #history

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