‘Letters From an American:’ A Newsletter for Those Who Choose to Remember the Past

Knowledge of history is essential. We both learn to not repeat the mistakes of our elders and ancestors, and also to acknowledge and carry forward their best practices and successes.  

At California Local, our focus is on documenting the civic life in California, and we concentrate on what’s happening now in counties and communities—against the larger backdrop of how things work. When appropriate, we weave history into our narrative of the civic tapestry. (Such as in our book 'How California Works')

I recently subscribed to a daily email newsletter published by self-described “Lincoln Republican” and noted historian Heather Cox Richardson. It’s sent out around midnight, and contains her thoughts on the civic events in America and the world which happened that day against the backdrop of history, especially the history of our republic. It’s among the first things I read every morning.

As one can imagine in these days of challenge to American democracy, Cox Richardson has a lot to write about. 

When we started the “One Good Thing” series, the intent was to focus on introducing you to useful resources for effective citizening or positive features of California life. 

In this case, though, we commend to your attention a valuable resource from the other side of the country, Heather Cox Richardson’s “Letters from an American.”