As genealogists and family historians, we often focus first on documenting our ancestors’ names and key life events like births, marriages, and deaths. Once those foundational facts are established, our attention typically turns to uncovering the stories behind the dates and gaining a deeper understanding of who our ancestors were. But, there’s still one importantContinue reading “Family History Tip: Preserve the Mundane”
Author Archives: Dale Spaulding
Is Genealogy Biblical?
As a family historian, I love researching genealogy—especially discovering the stories behind the people in my family tree. As a believer in God, I also love reading the Bible and striving to live according to its teachings. One day, I began thinking about the question posed in the title of this post: Is genealogy biblical? My firstContinue reading “Is Genealogy Biblical?”
1776 to 2026: How America Celebrated Its Independence Across 250 Years
July 4, 2026 marked a historic milestone—the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. In this month’s Fortitude post, I take a step back in time to explore how Americans have commemorated this defining moment over past anniversaries. 1776 (A Nation’s Birth) At the Pennsylvania State House on July 4, 1776, the SecondContinue reading “1776 to 2026: How America Celebrated Its Independence Across 250 Years”
Hero on D-Day—Murder Victim at Home
The D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 helped turn the tide of World War II and forever shaped the lives of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy that day. In this month’s Fortitude post, I commemorate the 82nd anniversary of D-Day by honoring one veteran who fought there with extraordinary courage. I thenContinue reading “Hero on D-Day—Murder Victim at Home”
The Story of the Texas Navy
I relocated from Virginia to Texas about three years ago and have truly enjoyed diving into the rich history of my new home state. Recently, I came across a fascinating chapter of Texas history that I’m excited to share with you in this month’s Fortitude post—the story of the Texas Navy. Yes, the Republic of TexasContinue reading “The Story of the Texas Navy”
Two Presidents, Two Wars, Two April’s—Separated by 80 Years
You’ve probably heard the saying “history repeats itself”—the idea that human behavior and major events tend to follow familiar patterns over time. This phenomenon is known as historical recurrence. History often repeats itself in recognizable ways. When we study the past, we notice that many events share similarities, whether it’s major historical events like the riseContinue reading “Two Presidents, Two Wars, Two April’s—Separated by 80 Years”
Valor Remembered: History of the Medal of Honor and a Soldier Who Earned It
The Medal of Honor is the highest military award for valor in the United States, presented by the President to service members who distinguish themselves in combat through “conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty”.1 In this month’s Fortitude post, I delve into the history of the Medal ofContinue reading “Valor Remembered: History of the Medal of Honor and a Soldier Who Earned It”
Patriot Prisoners: Spaulding POWs in the American Revolution
As we enter 2026—the year marking the 250th anniversary of the United States—I’m reminded of the remarkable stories that shaped our nation’s beginning. In past posts of The Fortitude Blog, I’ve explored many facets of the American Revolution, including: Sons of the Founding Fathers, An Unsung Hero: The Story of Joseph Warren, Sons of Liberty and History’sContinue reading “Patriot Prisoners: Spaulding POWs in the American Revolution”
History’s Forgotten Marksman: Joseph Spaulding at Bunker Hill
This is the story of Joseph Spaulding—an American Patriot who took part in the American Revolution right from the start. He fought at the Battle of Lexington and Concord which was the first skirmish of the war where the “shot heard round the world” was fired. But it was at the Battle of Bunker Hill whereContinue reading “History’s Forgotten Marksman: Joseph Spaulding at Bunker Hill”
Bringing Family History to Life for Kids
This month’s Fortitude post is a little different. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you know I love exploring history—especially the moments where a family ancestor crossed paths with it. Sharing those stories has always been a passion of mine. As a grandfather of five, I also enjoy passing these stories down to theContinue reading “Bringing Family History to Life for Kids”