Jane Hampton Cook

Opinion January 1

For 2026, you should make a resolution to know the Revolution

Author who researched Washington through letters and diaries says cultural ignorance of founding era is scandalous and scary.

Opinion October 27

First lady Dolley Madison would have had a ball with Trump's White House renovations

Dolley Madison would approve of Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction, understanding the need for larger entertaining spaces during President Madison's era.

Opinion April 19

Uncancel the minutemen: Celebrate Lexington and Concord heroes, Black and White, on battle's 250th anniversary

This month marks the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where minutemen fought British soldiers who tried to seize their guns and gunpowder.

Opinion January 20

5 keys to understanding America’s presidential inauguration

Presidential inaugurations show the world America’s orderly, peaceful transfer of power, which is the hallmark of America’s system of government.

OPINION April 17, 2021

Jane Hampton Cook: When cancel culture came for Ben Franklin – here's how this founder fought back

In the past year, Franklin has been the target of cancel culture. Washburn University removed Franklin's statue to appease vandals while a Washington, D.C., committee included him on their statue hit list.