iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Elbows up, Canada. We're with you. 🇨🇦

Me holding a can of the finest beer in Nova Scotia, and all of Canada for that matter.

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Just a follow up: I still need to clean it up a bunch with alignment, etc., but many thanks for this suggestion. It is by far the easiest method!

100

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Reading the letters of friends separated by the Revolution is always so powerful. I'll never tire of it: "Alas, how you are changed my dear Mary [...] the artlessness of youth and innocence unclouded by even a shadow of fear for future [...] you seem indeed to have the care of the world on you."

030

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Friends familiar with material culture in the late eighteenth century: what kinds of irons is she requesting? "Large handsome ___ irons, Mama thinks she could dispose of them here when she leave the place." THANKS!

101

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Loyalist Jonathan Sewall never forgave his former friends and neighbors for this. Writing to his cousin, Mehitable (Robie) Higginson, in September 1783, he noted, "I assure you, if my Estate was now to be offered me, upon Condition my returning to take possession of it, I would not accept it."

010

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

Are you counting Springsteen as "greater NYC"? Also, what a *terrible* "Five Essential Songs" list...

100

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

The Marblehead merchant John Sparhawk explaining why he did not store proscribed goods in 1769 as required by non-importation really demonstrates the humanity of it all. "Importing goods was the only means I had of supporting myself and my family;—which I tho’t was as much as my country did demand.”

011

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 29/12/2025

Amid an outbreak among the loyalist refugees of Halifax, Nova Scotia, nineteen-year-old Mary Robie watched an enslaved girl die of measles. "The Child had lain for more than a week in most inconceivable agony as is evident from strong convulsion fits she had the latter part of the time."

1107

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

“Here now with some tips on how to choose a major, is our academic correspondent, Stefon”:

000

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Ah yes. History famously demonstrates that talking to each other is the answer.

010

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Found after class yesterday. Out of curiosity, I called the “if lost” number on the back. Unsurprisingly, it was a bunch of robo-ads for things like Life Alert.

000

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

After the conversation with Ken Burns, the University of Tampa did a quick interview with their resident historian of the Revolution for social media, which he doesn’t have. He hopes it turns out alright, and that people didn’t mind hearing a little bit more about the loyalists! 🇬🇧

041

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

We had a great group of students, majors and non majors alike, show up to learn more about the American Revolution documentary here at the University of Tampa! #HATM. Many thanks to @pbs.org for assisting us in our efforts to reach students!

051

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 18/11/2025

Good things said about King George III. Huzzah! Time to break out my favoUrite shirt! #HATM

0211

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

I'm a single issue viewer; however, I think the understanding that's developing of those opposed to the Revolution is both dated (see article from 1974) and flawed. It's fair to say "modern conservatives likely would have been loyalists," but not that contemporary loyalists were conservatives! #HATM

020

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

And on the pedestal, these words appear: My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!" Nothing beside remains. Round the decay Of that colossal Wreck, boundless and bare The lone and level sands stretch far away.

000

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 03/10/2025

Today, I got to take part in the “Pie a Professor” fundraiser. We had lots of students join in the fun, but the littlest participant was my favorite!

020

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

“Bluenose II cancels visit to U.S., cites 'uncertainties' with crossing the border” Hell yeah, Bluenose. www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...

000

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

I take my little one to our local library here in Tampa every Tuesday to get new books. Today he pulled this one off the shelf unassisted, proving he has some Maritime blood in him after all b'y! 🇨🇦

000

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

I'm looking forward to this event at Old North in September! If you know any teachers thinking about the Revolution during 250—or if you love Johnny Tremain—I know our conversation will be both engaging and enlightening! I'm still building a presence here, so if you could share, I'd appreciate it!

A screenshot of the invitation for the Book Talk sent by Old North. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-chat-johnny-tremain-with-patrick-obrien-tickets-1489943443949

001

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Fun German word of the day: Wortfluss or "word flow," perfect for the moment writer’s block ends. I think I've finally cracked what the loyalist refugee meant when she lamented losing, as she put it, "my New England head." I've been wanting to write this chapter for so long. Now to do it justice!

010

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 06/07/2025

Can you imagine a piece of the universe more fit for princes and kings?

000

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 04/06/2025

Amid all the discussion of the American Revolution's start 250 years ago, I've seen nothing on today being King George III's 287th birthday. From loyalist refugee Mary Robie's diary, June 4, 1783, noting celebrations of the king's birth in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

011

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

Birthright citizenship is MUCH older than the 14th Amendment. In this 1784 letter, a father in exile notes that his status should have no bearing on his newborn daughter. She was born outside the US, and therefore not a US citizen—an advantage for loyalists refugees hoping to return after the Rev.

222

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

For the fans of the Revolution in the room.

010

G. Patrick O'Brien @gpatrickobrien.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Any runners on here? These shoes have more than 1,000 miles on them. I know that I *should* buy new ones. But not only do I love this pair, they genuinely feel perfect on my feet and are not slowing me down. I've decided to wear them until I physically cannot any more! Is this a horrible idea?!

100