Dive deep into Cincinnati's past with these 6 blogs, from Black history to our food scene

For those of us who can’t get enough of Cincinnati history, there are a number of blogs on local history, many posted every week with as much research as you’d expect from any history publication.

The blog format offers an opportunity for some history buffs to share information on topics that aren’t quite broad enough for an entire book, or are a bit offbeat, things you didn’t even know to ask about.

Blogs offer a variety of flavors you won’t necessarily find anywhere else. They are informative, well-researched and great fun to read.

Here are six Cincinnati history blogs I recommend.

Cincinnati Curiosities (www.tumblr.com/handeaux)

Greg Hand is a prolific writer of Cincinnati history. After retiring from the University of Cincinnati as associate vice president of public relations in 2014, Hand began his blog, Cincinnati Curiosities, with the goal of “working overtime to keep alive the weird soul of the Queen City.”

He writes about oddities, obscure facts, mysteries, strange names and twisted tales – stories you wouldn’t believe about Cincinnati’s past if Hand weren’t so thorough in his research.

A recent posting: “Your great-grandparents huffed laughing gas, and people paid to see them trip.” In the mid-19th century, Cincinnatians were entertained by inhaling nitrous oxide and “showing its amusing effects.” Who knew?

He includes quotes and illustrations from old publications, plus his own wry commentary on these bizarre happenings.

Hand collected many of these peculiar tales in his book, “Cincinnati Curiosities.” He also contributes to Cincinnati Magazine and WCPO-TV’s “Cincy Lifestyle.” Or you can catch one of his Stand-Up History presentations around town.

Digging Cincinnati History (www.diggingcincinnati.com)

Local historian Ann Senefeld has kept this popular Cincinnati architectural blog since 2011.

She was hooked on history after a visit to the Cincinnati Historical Society Library when researchers tracked the property of the old farm house in Colerain Township where her family lived back to the Symmes Purchase.

In her own research on properties, Senefeld digs through newspaper files, city directories, county auditor records, deeds and Sanborn fire insurance maps. She then reports on the history of a location from building to building, owner to owner, illustrated with maps and historic photographs. Her blog provides a peek into how good historic research is done.

Senefeld also published the book “Finding Your Home’s Ancestors: A Guide to Researching Properties in Hamilton County, Ohio,” with tips and strategies for tracing your home’s history.

Dann Woellert, The Food Etymologist (dannwoellertthefoodetymologist.wordpress.com)

What exactly is an etymologist? A person who studies the origin of words. In Dann Woellert’s case, he studies the origins and evolutions of food – particularly Cincinnati foods.

As you might guess, he’s an expert on Cincinnati chili (he wrote the book on it), as well as our brats and metts, goetta, local candy and favorite restaurants. Any time you have a question on a Cincinnati food, check out Woellert’s blog, which he started in 2014. Chances are he’s written about it.

Most of his topics are not things found in history books, which makes the information he shares particularly valuable.

Our Rich History (nkytribune.com)

Northern Kentucky Tribune is an online publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism that published articles on all things related to NKY. Our Rich History is a regular series of historical articles edited by Kentucky historian Paul A. Tenkotte, professor of history and gender studies at Northern Kentucky University.

The other side of the Ohio River is often neglected in the telling of Cincinnati history. These blog entries remind us of the contributions that Northern Kentuckians have made to the region.

The Voice of Black Cincinnati (thevoiceofblackcincinnati.com)

This online publication by Crystal Kendrick is “Your place for all things Black Cincinnati.” The entries on Black history offer an important perspective on important stories.

Two must-read articles include “Underground Railroad in Cincinnati plays crucial role in escape stories” by Eric R. Jackson, professor of history and Black studies at Northern Kentucky University; and “The history of African Americans in Cincinnati.”

Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library (chpl.org/blogs)

The public library’s blogs written by members of the library staff include history topics, often tied to an exhibit or podcast.

A recent post on the Fossetts caught my attention. I had written about Sarah and Peter Fossett back in February regarding their new Ohio historical marker placed in South Cumminsville.

Both Fossetts had been involved with the Underground Railroad, and Sarah was the Rosa Parks of her day, helping desegregate Cincinnati’s streetcars in 1860.

At the time, I reported about Sarah: “She was likely born into slavery, but there is no information on how she was freed.”

The information – and proof – has surfaced.

In May, the blog reported the Digital Library had scans of a letter from May 29, 1844, written in Cincinnati by Joshua Green of Jackson, Mississippi, granting Sarah Walker (her name then) her freedom.

“I Joshua Green do hereby declare Sally Walker no longer my Slave, but free in all respects – and at liberty to live where she may desire to live.”

This rare document is part of the exhibit “Cincinnati’s Lost Founders: The Clark and Fossett Families” at the Walnut Hills Branch library.

Which I found out by reading the library blog.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Impress your friends by reading these 6 Cincinnati history blogs