A Grizzly in the Mail and Other Adventures in American History by Tim Grove

by Tim Grove

For more than twenty years, Tim Grove has worked at the most popular history museums in the United States, helping millions of people get acquainted with the past. This book translates that experience into an insider’s tour of some of the most interesting moments in American history. Grove’s stories are populated with well-known historical figures such as John Brown, Charles Lindbergh, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacagawea—as well as the not-so-famous. Have you heard of Mary Pickersgill, seamstress of the Star-Spangled Banner flag? Grove also has something to say about a few of our cherished myths, for instance, the lore surrounding Betsy Ross and Eli Whitney.Grove takes readers to historic sites such as Harpers Ferry, Fort McHenry, the Ulm Pishkun buffalo jump, and the Lemhi Pass on the Lewis and Clark Trail and traverses time and space from eighteenth-century Williamsburg to the twenty-first-century Kennedy Space Center. En route from Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic to Cape Disappointment on the Pacific, we learn about planting a cotton patch on the National Mall, riding a high wheel bicycle, flying the transcontinental airmail route, and harnessing a mule. Is history relevant? This book answers with a resounding yes and, in the most entertaining fashion, shows us why.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Tim writes about surprising and fascinating topics in history and strives to make the past accessible and relevant to everyone. His writing combines hands-on experience with research, observation, insider perspective and a conversational style. He focuses on multiple perspectives in history and always attempts to incorporate interesting primary source materials. (George Washington's letter to his dentist during the American Revolution! It was confiscated by the British and is now part of the collection of British General Henry Clinton papers in a library in Michigan).

Tim's latest book, The World Turned Upside Down, his sixth book and fourth middle grade nonfiction book tells the story of how the combined American and French forces surprised the British General Cornwallis at Yorktown and how the young French general Lafayette embraced the American cause and found an unusual person to serve as a spy for him in the British camp. James, an enslaved man, remains a mystery but his compelling story offers insight into the cost of pursuing freedom. Tim's book First Flight Around the World (Abrams, 2015) was a finalist for the YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award in 2016.

Coming in 2026 - a book about George Washington, sanctioned by George Washington's Mount Vernon, perfect reading for America's 250th birthday.

He lives in northern Virginia and completed twenty years working at the Smithsonian Institution. He is currently writing and running a museum/history consulting business. grovehistoryconsulting.com

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I'm not, definitely not, a history geek! History was my worst subject in school by far. I've never been to Williamsburg, Jamestown or even the Renaissance Festival and don't intend to go. Dressing up and reenacting seem silly and not a little scary (like clowns) to me. So the fact that Tim Grove was able to convey his enthusium for history to me is pretty amazing. This guy looovvveeesss history! I'm much more a natural history geek which is how he trapped me into reading his book…that grizzly in the title got my attention. But what held it was his ability to interest me in the past, with information about real life in other times and other cultures not just a dry listing of dates, names, wars, weapons and policies. Tim Grove has had many "hands on" jobs in his field of interest, and telling about each encouraged me to realize that I like history more than I thought I did. In Great Falls Montana I hiked where Lewis and Clark trekked - history. I just didn't know it. I've visited Indian reservations and collected their art, which I looovvvveeee! History again. I've attended lift-offs at Kennedy Space Center…History! I used different labels for these activities, while insisting to myself that history was boring. But I learned from this book that when you engage with persons of another time and of other cultures, the lessons you learn carry you into the future. That's what history is really about. I think I like that!

[Karri · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was less a collection of anecdotes on American history than it was a series of ideas, opinions, and exploration on teaching history in today's museums. If it weren't for a couple of chapters on Lewis and Clark, I would have only given it one star. It was just not what I expected and was a little too ego-centric for me. For instance, the story that the title is based on is not a little-known tale about well-known faces or events in history but it is literally a reference to a time the author received a grizzly carcass in the mail in preparation for an exhibit. The former would have interested me, the latter does not.

To be fair, I purchased the book based on an article in a publication that reviews books from indie presses. Had I read the back of the actual book, maybe I would have anticipated the stories-from-a-curator aspect, I just don't know.

[Nancy Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Tim Grove has had a fascinating career as an historian working for major museums, including the Smithsonian. When you visit a museum and stand in front of the exhibits, you have no idea how much thought and work goes into putting them together.

As Mr. Grove explains in his book, compiling an exhibit isn't just a matter of collecting items, but conveying messages through them. And, yes, he got a grizzly (hide) in the mail for a Lewis & Clark exhibit. He also rode a high-wheeler bicycle and harvested cotton on the grounds of the Smithsonian. He got his start as an historian by interning at Colonial Williamsburg. Suddenly, my life seems rather boring!

One chapter of Mr. Grove's book touches on Betsy Ross and the Star Spangled Banner, that iconic American flag. But did she actually sew it? Read the book to find out. The author later expanded this chapter into his most recent book, "Star Spangled: The Story of a Flag, a Battle and the American Anthem." Although it's considered a book for children, adults will enjoy it just as much.

[Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting look at the life of a public historian, discussing the ins and outs of work in American museums. Good stories while sharing the research behind the stories, the museum education field, along with unusual details in American history that people don't normally think of. I am not sure this book is for everyone, but if you like the field of history, this has insights never seen anywhere else.

[Ian Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas gift from Abby. Great stories about his career at the Smithsonian and other museums/experiences.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick series of essays about museum education.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should have been titled, A Grizzly in the Mail and Other Adventures in American History EDUCATION, although many people would not have picked this up to read, and it is a good book.

[Nancy Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historian writing a memoir about his various jobs will not be everyone's cup of tea, but I found it quite intersting.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the chapters were fascinating and others seemed pointless.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book about how to make history relevant to the average person (with some historical vignettes thrown in), then this is the book for you. If, like me, you are keen to read anecdotes of life as a historian, then, no.

Mr. Grove is passionate about history education. He provides chapters about different ways institutions strive to make history interesting for people who might otherwise think it's not important. That's all good. Just not what I was looking for.

His opening chapters discuss Colonial Williamsburg. It's one of the largest and oldest historical recreation communities in the country. So, first off, that kind of exhibit doesn't work for me. I just can't get past the whole actors part. No worries there. He's got some pretty interesting discussions about how Williamsburg has dealt with the issue of slavery over the years and encouraging reports of people starting to ask questions after participating in various Williamsburg activities. All good stuff.

Unfortunately, I was hoping for more personal information about Mr. Grove and behind the scenes tales of what it's like to work in Williamsburg. You know, interviews with the actors, discussions of what it feels like to wear the costumes, that sort of thing. So, no, didn't finish the book because I was looking for a different kind of memoir.

[H. Givens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love workplace memoirs. I feel like this was more "memoir" than "workplace" -- more about Grove's interesting experiences and fun facts about American history than the day-to-day of museum work. However, once I embraced it for what it was, it was a lot of fun to read. The style is engaging and light, but still informative. He talks about bicycles, cotton gins, interpreting Lewis & Clark inclusively, and more. I’m not even interested in American history, but Grove knows what stuff to talk about to make it interesting. He has a really good grasp of what the average American knows about U.S. history, and he’s able to make that knowledge seem new and relevant. I do recommend the book for those interested in museums, historical oddities, or indeed workplace memoirs.

https://hannahgivens.wordpress.com/20...

[Shannon Marriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A museum educator and former history teacher myself, I was prepared to love this book, and did. A bit slow at some points, the book always manages to keep you interested with a new story to enrich the chapter. I am privileged to work with Tim Grove, and can hear his voice on every page. His commitment to history and museum education is apparent in he fact that he never passes up an opportunity to dive more deeply into content. This book is engaging and interesting, shining a light on a corner in the museum world that gets little attention and demonstrating the commitment that museum educators have to making museum content accessible to the public.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history buff and museum fan, this book seemed like a perfect fit to me. And I was right! Tim Grove brings to life his experiences studying American history and bringing it to life in various museums with a light, conversational style and a mix of humor and reflection. He ponders what history means and how to engage people in it, and how his background and the experiences he's had help him accomplish that. If you enjoy American history, you'll want to read this book.

[Angelica Dimeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book on goodreads.
I liked this book because it gave a fresh perspective on tales
throughout American history. I also like that the book was not boring
at points it was slow. I also liked the quotes on the first page of each chapter.
I recommend this book to history buffs or just people who love good story's.
thanks for the opportunity

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. If more non-fiction books were written like the author was telling a story and not simply a dry recitation of facts, I would read more of it (if I liked the subject matter as well). Tim Grove did an excellent job in sharing his passion for history and giving insight into what it's like working in some of the top museums in the nation. Lovely book.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Tim Grove shares his experiences in the museum world while also introducing me to new perspectives on the history I thought I knew. Each chapter is short and enjoyable with new stories from interpreting the past.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great intro to some of the behind the scenes goings on in museum education. Funny stories, some sense of complications, and a taste of national history. I personally was hoping for a little more of a critical look, maybe some more frankness, but it's a good read for those new to the subject.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and conversational look back at Tim Grove's decades working in public history, this book offers a great peek behind-the-scenes at just how historians do their work, peppered with background on the stories and artifacts that have intrigued him over the years.

[Libby O'connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am , I admit, a history geek, and I also love museums, so perhaps it is not a surprise that I enjoyed Grove's adventures. The narrative climbs some hills but mostly provides an enjoyable ride through interesting country side.

[Diane Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Enjoyed learning about the unknown history..

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting book to read from author's historian's perspective. well done.