Category Archives: American Chronicles

The Death of School 10

September 2, 2024 New Yorker cover
September 2, 2024

The Death of School 10
by Alec MacGillis

How declining enrollment is threatening the future of American public education.

On Native Grounds

May 6, 2024 New Yorker cover
May 6, 2024

Deb Haaland Confronts the History of the Federal Agency She Leads
by Casey Cep

As the first Native American Cabinet member, the Secretary of the Interior has made it part of her job to address the travesties of the past.

The Aftermath

December 4, 2023 New Yorker cover
December 4, 2023

What Happens to a School Shooter’s Sister?
by Jennifer Gonnerman

Twenty-five years ago, Kristin Kinkel’s brother, Kip, killed their parents and opened fire at their high school. Today, she is close with Kip—and still reckoning with his crimes.

The Last Lighthouse Keeper in America

November 6, 2023 New Yorker cover
November 6, 2023

The Last Lighthouse Keeper in America
by Dorothy Wickenden

In a technological age, impassioned devotees renew an ancient maritime tradition.

When Black History Is Unearthed, Who Gets to Speak for the Dead?

October 4, 2021 New Yorker cover
October 4, 2021

When Black History Is Unearthed, Who Gets to Speak for the Dead?
by Jill Lepore

Efforts to rescue African American burial grounds and remains have exposed deep conflicts over inheritance and representation.

Will Trump Burn the Evidence?

November 23, 2020

Will Trump Burn the Evidence?
by Jill Lepore

How the President could endanger the official records of one of the most consequential periods in American history.

All the King’s Data.

August 3 & 10, 2020

American Chronicles
All the King’s Data.
When J.F.K. ran for President, a team of data scientists with powerful computers set out to model and manipulate American voters. Sound familiar?

by Jill Lepore

Can Slavery Reënactments Set Us Free?

February 17 & 24, 2020

American Chronicles
Can Slavery Reënactments Set Us Free?
Underground Railroad simulations have ignited controversy about whether they confront the country’s darkest history or trivialize its gravest traumas.

by Julian Lucas

The Fight To Preserve African-American History

February 3, 2020

American Chronicles
The Fight To Preserve African-American History
Activists and preservationists are changing the kinds of places that are protected—and what it means to preserve them.

by Casey Cep

When America Tried to Deport Its Radicals

November 11, 2019

American Chronicles
When America Tried to Deport Its Radicals
A hundred years ago, the Palmer Raids imperilled thousands of immigrants. Then a wily official got in the way.
by Adam Hochschild