Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: Alexis Coe
May 6, 2020
Political historian Alexis Coe, author of the bestselling biography of George Washington, discusses her groundbreaking work and the misconceptions surrounding America's first president. She critiques traditional narratives shaped by male historians, revealing hidden truths about Washington's mother and his legacy as a slaver. The importance of libraries as cultural hubs is also highlighted, alongside Coe's exploration of the tragic love story of Alice and Frederica, demonstrating how biases skew historical remembrance.
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NYPL Experience
- Alexis Coe worked at the New York Public Library as a research curator.
- This experience shaped her perspective on communicating history effectively.
Importance of Libraries
- Libraries offer unique access to physical artifacts and foster interactions with experts, which digital platforms cannot fully replicate.
- They also provide essential community services like children's programs and resume assistance.
Alice and Freda
- Coe's book, "Alice + Freda Forever", tells the forgotten story of a same-sex murder case in 1892.
- The case captivated America but was overshadowed by the Lizzie Borden case, highlighting how historical narratives can be lost.
