What is this?

Today In History is a daily newsletter that commemorates unique cultural anniversaries.

What do I get if I subscribe?

On most days, you will receive one written article about one specific cultural anniversary — an event from 20, 50, or 800 years ago. Most missives are short; a few paragraphs.

That’s it?

Not quite. A bigger idea lurks behind the scenes. I’m interested in how these cultural landmarks lead to broader questions about time, memory, and nostalgia. In that sense, I also think of this as an art project, a time machine, and a nostalgia lab.

Why would I pay for a subscription?

Moral support? Also, if you enjoy this, contributing a small amount can ensure that I keep doing it.

Subscriptions are currently set to $30, the lowest possible amount this platform allows.

Where did the idea for this publication come from?

Many years ago, when I worked in newspapers, a mentor figure told me that the cheapest content the media produces is the Today In History / Celebrity Birthdays / Horoscopes junk in the front pages of the paper. Filler, he called it.

Ever since then, I have been obsessed with the question, What would it mean to create good filler?

Why would someone want to do that?

I’m not sure! But I also wrote an entire encyclopedia, so maybe reviving moribund forms of media has become an impractical personal obsession.

Who are you anyway?

Hi, I’m Rex. Nice to meet you!