This page is a collection of interesting stories that you can use to make your class less boring. Throw a few in and some of your students will be impressed that you are trying to change their perception of History class. I have read a lot of books full of anecdotes and trivia and chose my favorites to pass on to you. (If you go to my SOURCES page you will see the list.) You, of course, could read the books yourself, but you probably don’t have the time. I did have the time and I’m happy to have done (and continue to do) the work for you. I love American History and loved teaching it. I was always looking for interesting tidbits and stories to show my students that American History was not the boring course they expected it to be. Many of these stories I have fond memories of telling in class and would look forward each year to telling them.
Each of the anecdotes and trivia items are in my own words. I have not simply copied from the source. I personally chose the stories. A story made it onto this site because I thought it was interesting. I turned down a hell of a lot of stories, but you can consult the SOURCE page if you want to read the books yourself and make your own decisions. You may find some stories that you think are interesting that I did not. To each his own. Please contact me if you find anything you think I should add. There’s always room for another story!