iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 42m

I am so excited to learn that my friend @arielron.bsky.social won the MacArthur! After reading Ariel's amazing work on the history of hay, I stopped confusing the dried plants horses eat (hay) with the dried plants horses sleep on (straw). Phew! Genius indeed.

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Reposted by Dr. Jessica Lepler

The Organization of American Historians @oah.org · 20h

Congratulations to OAH members Elizabeth Ellis and Ariel Ron on being named MacArthur Fellows! To learn more about Dr. Ellis and Dr. Ron, plus the other 2026 Fellows, please go to www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fe….

Portraits of Elizabeth Ellis and Ariel Ron, congratulating them for being named MacArthur Fellows.

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Colette Delawalla, PhD @cdelawalla.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

So, what to do? USE YOUR FUCKING BRAIN. THINK: “Would I give this information to someone who wants to make money off my ideas without giving me credit?” Don’t outsource your brilliance to these people. They are NOT good actors. It’s not rocket science; have a drop of self-preservation instinct!

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I have an MA student who wants to write a historiography paper on queer history in early America. She loved _Charity and Sylvia_ by @rachelcleves.bsky.social Suggestions? #skystorians, I'm looking at you! 🗃️

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

This event is TOMORROW! Register through the link below. Looking forward to your questions!

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

So grateful for this kind review of Canal Dreamers on H-Oceans! It describes the book as "a well-researched and detailed study" that will be of interest to scholars of diplomatic history, global history and history of science, technology, and the environment. @uncpress.bsky.social #skystorians 🗃️

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Dr. Penelope K Hardy @pkhardy.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

🌊🌊🌊 New on H-Oceans 🌊🌊🌊 Review from @historyjip.bsky.social (@sc.edu) of _ Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic & Pacific in the Age of Revolution_, by @jlepler.bsky.social (UNH), 2025 @uncpress.bsky.social #oceans‬‬‬‬‬ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬Review @hnetreviews.bsky.social

h-net.org

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Hey historians, do any of you know any scholarship on the history of the syllabus in higher ed? I am curious about how this genre has changed over time. TIA! 🗃️ #skystorians

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

I am exploring the Erie Canal in advance of tonight’s talk. Here’s original lock doors complete with original timber and hardware. So cool! 🗃️

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Tomorrow, I get to travel on the Erie Canal and speak at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse about Canal Dreamers. Pinch me! My talk will be live streamed. 🗃️ @uncpress.bsky.social Register here: www.simpletix.com/e/2026-sloan...

simpletix.com

2026 Sloan Lecture Series Tickets | Erie Canal Museum

2026 Sloan Lecture Series- Monthly lectures that examine the Erie Canal's diverse impacts on peoples and places in the past, present, and future.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

Timeline refresh with garden fresh veggies!

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

For decades, I've been dreaming about canals but never traveled one. Next week, I get to become a canawler! If you are near Syracuse, join me on Wednesday 8/19 at 5 PM as I talk about "Canal Dreamers" at the Erie Canal Museum. @uncpress.bsky.social #skystorians 🗃️ www.simpletix.com/e/history-at...

simpletix.com

History at the Weighlock Tickets | Erie Canal Museum

Join the Erie Canal Museum for three fun and informative nights exploring the Erie Canal’s rich history with hands-on activities throughout the Museum, music, refreshments, and educational talks.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

This is such a good idea! Same here!

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Registration is now open for my "Bookworm" webinar with @clementslibrary.bsky.social on September 18, 10-11:30 AM. I can't wait to discuss "Canal Dreamers" with the good folks at the University of Michigan! Registration is free: events.umich.edu/event/149188 @uncpress.bsky.social #skystorians 🗃️

events.umich.edu

Bookworm #95 - Author Conversation with Jessica M. Lepler, "Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions" | Happening @ Michigan

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Even if you can't taste them, the sight of the enormous number of raspberries I harvested today from my yard might make your evening a bit sweeter.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Excited to share some seeds from my garden with @drhonor.bsky.social and other @shearites.bsky.social! My lupines bloomed earlier this month. I'm now gathering seeds. I hope to also bring some of last year's bean seeds. What seeds might you share?

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Reposted by Dr. Jessica Lepler

Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

"Lepler does a wonderful job," Aaron W. Marrs writes in his new review of Canal Dreamers in the Journal of the Early Republic, suggesting that its historiographical contribution gives us "much to ponder." 🗃️ @uncpress.bsky.social @shearites.bsky.social #skystorians muse.jhu.edu/article/991497

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

I’m thinking you might need this lupine loveliness today.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Perhaps we could all use a little bit of lupine beauty.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

In some sort of secret sale, Amazon is selling the hardback of Canal Dreamers at less than half the retail price of the paperback. I wonder if this is algorithm specific to my account. Weird! a.co/d/0ctzDVO2 @uncpress.bsky.social

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

I was walking through town today and stopped in my local bookstore. It was so heartwarming to see Canal Dreamers facing out at the top of the "American History" shelves. @uncpress.bsky.social 🗃️

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Alyssa S. @drsepinwall.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

PSA for students. Even if you plan to do all your advisor’s suggestions, DO NOT “ACCEPT ALL CHANGES.” We might have queries like “do you mean this?” & now you’ve got a weird ass “final draft” with this stuff in the middle of sentences. 😬😬 re-read (ideally printed!) before handing in!

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H-Net Reviews @hnetreviews.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

New book review: Choe on Lepler, Jessica M.: _Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions_. University of North Carolina Press, 2025. Published by H-Environment. Read here: networks.h-net.org/node/20149098

networks.h-net.org

Lepler, Jessica M.. Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions. : University of North Carolina Press, 2025. 360 pp. $29.95 (paper), ISBN 9781469690551. Reviewed by Chris Choe (University of Georgia) Published on H-Environment (April, 2026) Commissioned by Daniella McCahey (Texas Tech University)

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

So grateful for this very kind review of Canal Dreamers! 🗃️ #skystorians @uncpress.bsky.social

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Daniella M. @farsouthhistory.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Check out Chris Choe's review of Jessica M. Lepler's "Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions," published in 2025 by @uncpress.bsky.social; review available @hnetreviews.bsky.social; #envhum #envhist www.h-net.org/reviews/show...

h-net.org

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Canal Dreamers looks good large! How fun to celebrate books with the team at @uncpress.bsky.social in their booth @oah.org. If you are at the conference, check out the small version that you can actually open and read. 🗃️ #skystorians @sonyabonczek.bsky.social

Author holding her book in front of a poster depicting her book and several others.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

So excited about this talk. It's only two days away! If you are in Philadelphia, click the link, register, and come on over to the Library Company at 5PM.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

I am so looking forward to listening to this episode! But first, I must read my students' essay drafts. They've been listening to @draftingthepast.bsky.social all term (including the first interview with @mkn.bsky.social). Curious to see what writing, research, and time management tips rubbed off.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

I was a dissertation fellow at the Library Company of Philadelphia 20 years ago. I'm thrilled to return next week to discuss my book "Canal Dreamers." I might even talk about sharks! Join me on April 15 at 5 PM. support.librarycompany.org/event/canal-... 🗃️ #oceanhist #histsci #envhist #coastalhist

support.librarycompany.org

Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Hey Philly Folks! I will be talking about my new book Canal Dreamers at the Library Company on April 15 at 5 PM (night before the OAH). It's an in person event. Register here: support.librarycompany.org/event/canal-... 🗃️ #skystorians #history @uncpress.bsky.social @mcneilcenter.bsky.social @oah.org

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Ben Franklin's World @bfworld.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

In the 1820s, Americans thought a canal across Nicaragua was inevitable. They were wrong. Canal dreamers, revolutions, and rainforest disasters—this story has it all. 🎧 @lizcovart.bsky.social dives in with historian Jessica Lepler 🔗 www.benfranklinsworld.com/428 #history #EarlyAmerica #BFWpod

benfranklinsworld.com

Episode 428: Jessica Lepler, America’s Forgotten Quest to Link Two Oceans

In the 1820s, Americans dared to dream big. They believed they could cut a canal through the wild, rain-soaked terrain of Nicaragua. This is their story.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

This evening, my amazing UNH students churned butter with hundreds of elementary school students. This is our second year bringing humanities to STEAM night. Full SHTEAM ahead! Read about last year's event here: www.historians.org/perspectives... 🧈👶💪 🗃️ #skystorians

UNH Butter Churning Team poses for STEAM Night.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

My morning reading just won a Bancroft! Go Emilie Connolly! Eager to read Beth Lew-Williams’s winner too! 🗃️ #skystorians

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

My talk at the @amantiquarian.bsky.social is available on YouTube. Please excuse the production error which lost the first few minutes of introduction. It jumps right into my first clue about this topic, the signature of Aaron H. Palmer in the Rothschild Archives. 🗃️ www.youtube.com/live/VzuMvcp...

youtube.com

Canal Dreamers: The Epic Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific in the Age of Revolutions

YouTube video by AmericanAntiquarian

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

This hybrid talk is tonight at 7 PM! Can't wait to share my work under the generous dome! 🗃️ #skystorians @uncpress.bsky.social

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American Antiquarian Society @amantiquarian.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

Join us Thursday, March 5, 2026 for a hybrid public program with Jessica M.Lepler. “Canal Dreamers: The Epic 1820s Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific,” will begin at 7:00 pm ET. Register at americanantiquarian.org/programs-events/epic-1820s-quest-connect-atlantic-and-pacific

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

We need dreams! Dreams make history, even big ones that don’t come true. I’ll be talking about world-changing dreams at @amantiquarian.bsky.social on Thursday (3/5) @ 7 ET. Register for this free hybrid event here: www.americanantiquarian.org/programs-eve... 🗃️ #skystorians

americanantiquarian.org

The Epic 1820s Quest to Connect the Atlantic and Pacific | American Antiquarian Society

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

I just wrote a book about a bunch of people whose unfulfilled dreams shaped history. Among the many reasons that we need to study dreams, especially ones that don't come true, is that we need to empower ourselves to dream regardless of the outcome. @adapalmer.bsky.social

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Anyone know how to rip out Copilot from Microsoft running on a Mac?

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 13/02/2026

So much joy here! Bringing hands-on history to children and their caregivers, supporting my UNH students, planning with @ksalex10.bsky.social, and working on this article with one of my first students @lmansley.bsky.social. Best of all, I got to do it with my son! The article is now online! 🗃️

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American Historical Association @historians.org · 11/02/2026

In #AHAPerspectives, @ksalex10.bsky.social and @jlepler.bsky.social share how they introduced the humanities to an elementary school’s annual STEAM night through an interactive butter-churning activity. 🗃️

historians.org

Churning Butter and Promoting History – AHA

A butter-churning activity got children excited about history at an elementary school STEAM night.

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Hi #skystorians! A freshman in my History of Animals course wants to do research on the history of service animals. I would love some recommendations for secondary sources to get her started. Anybody working at the intersection of disability history and animal history? 🗃️#animalhistory

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Dr. Jessica Lepler @jlepler.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

We had so much fun churning butter with children and their caregivers. While our biceps worked out, we chatted about the history of food, labor, animals, and so much more! Our UNH History team is doing it again next month. You can do it too! We hope this idea gathers STEAM! 🗃️#skystorians

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