Setting the Record Straight
I don’t just write about history—I interrogate it. One of the most important aspects of my work is correcting purposeful distortions and myths that have been perpetuated over time. When I uncover these fabrications, I feel a responsibility to challenge them with evidence, clarity, and integrity.
The Pabst “Blue Ribbon” Myth
A prime example is my investigation into the long-standing falsehood surrounding Pabst Brewing Company’s claim that it won the “Blue Ribbon” at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition. Through careful research and documentation, I demonstrated that this claim was a marketing invention—not a historical fact.
My article on this topic has helped reshape public understanding and has been cited by historians and educators seeking to clarify the truth.
Why This Matters
Historical integrity: My work ensures that myths don’t become accepted truths simply through repetition.
Public trust: Readers rely on me to separate fact from fiction, especially when corporate or cultural narratives distort the past.
Educational value: Correcting these stories provides teachable moments for students and scholars alike, reinforcing the importance of source-based research.
SIDEBAR INSIGHT: “Humans have pushed up temperatures so far that they risk triggering a series of climate 'tipping points,' which would bring catastrophic changes and could be irreversible on human timescales.” — Cable News Network (CNN), October 13, 2025 —
My Approach to Truth Stewardship
I treat every article as an opportunity to:
Investigate claims with skepticism and rigor.
Cross-reference primary sources, archival materials, and contemporaneous accounts.
Present findings in a way that’s both accessible and academically sound.
This commitment to truth-telling is a cornerstone of my authorship and a defining feature of the Digital Research Library of Illinois History Journal™. It’s not just about storytelling—it’s about truth stewardship.
Broader Mission and Legacy
My work reaches over 86 million readers and serves as a model for historical integrity, educational impact, and creative legacy-building. I’ve been honored with The Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).
Beyond historical correction, I channel my lived experience into communal celebration—transforming my personal archive of 5,000+ Chicago postcards into digital exhibits and wearable art. My storytelling blends satire, emotional truth, and archival rigor to honor legacy businesses, family rituals, and cultural heritage.
Development Goals
Showcase my masterclass in authorship and historical stewardship.
Integrate historical corrections (like the Pabst myth) into my portfolio to demonstrate public trust and educational value.
Publish Star Trek ~ Temporal Reckoning ~ The Furnace of Time, including cover art, preface, and concept documents. A mythic sci-fi chronicle that explores truth, memory, and legacy across fractured timelines, challenging historical distortions through cosmic reckoning and emotional clarity.
- Build a mythic archive of communal rituals, tributes, and creative artifacts that celebrate legacy, healing, and friendship.
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