About me.

Hi, I’m Maylene Wilson—a lifelong history enthusiast and former American history teacher with 28 years in the classroom. I earned my degree in History at Tennessee Tech and also spent two years in public history at Middle Tennessee State University. These days, I’m passionate about exploring the threads of culture, memory, and storytelling that connect us to the past. This blog is where I share those stories, dive into forgotten corners of history, and reflect on how our past still shapes who we are today.

I believe good history tells as many stories as possible. These stories are connected to a particular place .There is power in places. History isn’t just found in textbooks—it lives in the places we pass every day. Every town square, old building, stretch of road, or quiet cemetery holds layers of memory that tell the story of who came before us. Places carry the weight of events, cultures, and everyday lives, shaping how communities form and evolve over time. When we explore the history of a place, we’re uncovering the lived experiences that make it unique—its triumphs, struggles, and the people who called it home. Understanding that connection helps us see familiar landscapes in new ways, grounding us in a deeper sense of identity and belonging.

History lives not only in places, but in the objects we carry, keep, and sometimes forget. A worn quilt, a faded photograph, a handmade tool—each holds stories of the people who used them, the times they lived through, and the cultures they shaped. Objects act as touchstones to the past. They offer insight into daily life, craftsmanship, belief systems, and personal moments that larger historical narratives might overlook. By studying and preserving these items, we bring hidden histories to light and make the past tangible, one artifact at a time.

Oral history and storytelling are the heartbeats of culture—ways we pass down wisdom, preserve memory, and connect generations. Long before written records, people shared their histories through spoken word, weaving together family tales, community events, and cultural traditions. These stories carry voices that might otherwise be lost: those of elders, everyday people, and marginalized communities whose experiences don’t always appear in official histories. Storytelling keeps our heritage alive, breathing emotion and humanity into the past. It’s through listening to others’ lived experiences that we better understand where we come from—and how those roots continue to shape who we are today.

Through my blog I hope to entertain and enlighten readers about places they may travel and explore objects that reveal our past. I also, hope to retell some good old fashion stories and yarns. I hope you enjoy my rambeling thoughts and journey into our past.