Notes from Holley
Celebrating Patsy Cline, Eleanor’s Pictures, Leadership Insights, and a Season 1 Wrap-Up
“The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.” ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I hope you all had a wonderful October! 🍂 September was filled with new articles celebrating a country music icon, reflecting on my historic restoration project at Val-Kill, exploring new leadership insights from history, and wrapping up Season 1 of Say It With History. Let’s dive in!
🎶 New Article: Still “Crazy” for Patsy Cline
Since her untimely death in 1963, the legendary country music star and first solo female artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame continues to inspire new audiences and artists alike. Patsy Cline’s unmistakable voice, emotional depth, and fearless drive made her a trailblazer who redefined the sound and soul of country music.
I am honored to share my newest piece in the Fall Issue of American Heritage Magazine, celebrating Cline’s enduring legacy and the timeless quality of her artistry. The article features reflections from her daughter, Julie Fudge, and from Mandy Barnett, who brought Patsy to life on stage, both offering heartfelt perspectives on why her story still resonates six decades later.
Read the article here: Still “Crazy” for Patsy Cline
📰 New Article in New York Archives Magazine: Bringing Eleanor Roosevelt’s Pictures Home
Few projects have meant as much to me as the one I recently shared in New York Archives magazine. In their History in the Making section, I wrote about my photo restoration project at Val-Kill, Eleanor Roosevelt’s beloved home, where I worked with the National Park Service.
When Val-Kill opened to the public in 1984, many of Eleanor’s original photographs that once hung on its walls had been dispersed. The Park Service hired me to locate those images and restore them to their rightful place in the home. Through that work, I came to see Eleanor in a deeper, more personal way. Beyond being revered and known around the world, she was also a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and the photographs that surrounded her reflect that side of her life beautifully.
This project will forever be a highlight of my career, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share it.
🦅 Holley’s Take: History’s Leaders, Today’s Lessons
Leadership has long been a central interest of mine, and I recently began a new series on LinkedIn to connect history with leadership. The challenges faced by leaders of the past continue to offer valuable guidance for those leading teams, families, and communities today.
One example is Franklin D. Roosevelt’s first Fireside Chat in March 1933. At a time when banks had closed and the public was gripped by fear, he spoke calmly to the nation, explaining that money would be safer in reopened banks than at home and outlining how banks support the economy through lending and investment. His words restored trust and helped ease the crisis.
The lesson from this leadership insight from history is that in times of uncertainty, clarity and calm communication can restore confidence and inspire resilience.
🎙️ Say It With History: Season 1 Wrap-Up
It is hard to believe this journey with Season 1 has come to an end! Five new episodes were released in October, each uncovering a different side of the past and how it continues to shape our world today.
Episodes:
Female Spies of the American Revolution: A Conversation with Aly Riley
Springsteen, Memory, and Vietnam: A Conversation with Melissa Ziobro
Civics, Polarization, and Democracy: A Conversation with Paul Rader
Ancient Egypt Beyond the Pyramids: A Conversation with Melissa in De Nile
The Forgotten Women of Welfare History: A Conversation with Alycia Asai
It has been such a rewarding season, filled with meaningful conversations, fascinating guests, and stories that remind us why history still matters.
Catch up on all episodes wherever you get your podcasts.
☕ Buy Me a Coffee
Season 1 of Say It With History has officially wrapped up, and I have some incredible guests lined up for Season 2! Any contribution helps me continue creating these episodes and stay inspired to share the stories that matter.
It takes a lot of time and care to research, record, and produce each conversation, and I do it because I believe these stories deserve to be told. No amount is too small, and every bit of support truly makes a difference. 💛
Click here to support the show and my endeavors: Buy Me A Coffee
🍁 Until Next Time
Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for everyone who reads, listens, and supports my work. Your encouragement keeps me inspired to keep sharing the stories that connect our past to the present.
— Holley