The American Attic Eric Sweigert

Step into the fascinating world of history with The American Attic podcast. In this captivating episode, join our host Eric Sweigert as we delve into the rich social history of Sacramento, California, with returning guest Steve Avella. Steve, a renowned historian, professor at Marquette University, and published author, brings his expertise and passion to the fore, guiding us through a captivating exploration of this vibrant city and the intersection of faith and a city's formation. 
In this engaging conversation, we peel back the layers of Sacramento's past, and uncover the intricate processes of a historian's work. Discover how religion played a pivotal role in shaping the city's identity and development, as we examine the fascinating interplay between faith and community growth.
But that's not all—our discussion extends beyond the confines of religion, delving into Sacramento's diverse ethnic history. Uncover the stories of various communities and their contributions to the city's cultural (and physical) tapestry, highlighting the resilience, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped Sacramento's unique character.
With Steve Avella's wealth of knowledge and captivating storytelling, this episode offers a thought-provoking and immersive experience for history enthusiasts and curious listeners alike. Prepare to be enthralled as we bring Sacramento's vibrant social history to life, shedding light on the events, individuals, and ideas that have left an indelible mark on this captivating city.
Tune in to The American Attic and embark on a journey through time, uncovering the hidden stories that lie just upstairs in the American Attic. 

Welcome back folks to another episode of the American Attic, where we explore the past through expert-led, dialogue-driven discussions of California history, and beyond.
In this episode, we're joined by author Norman Hile to discuss his recently-published memoirs of his experience in the Vietnam war, Keeping Each Other Alive. Mr. Hile, retired attorney, served in the US Army from 1968 to 1971, including a combat tour in South Vietnam from August 1970 to June 1971. He received his JD degree from Columbia Law School in 1973 and became a partner at the Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe firm in 1980, leading its Sacramento office for more than twenty years. He lives in Sacramento, California.
In this episode, we explore Norm's abrupt drafting into the conflict, his experience as a artillery observer in Vietnam and lessons he's learned from the period of his life. Copies of Keeping Each Other Alive are available here. Norman remains active in the community, speaking often about his experience overseas in one of our country's more controversial conflicts. His remarks as part of a Sacramento Public Library series can be found here as well. 

In this episode of the American Attic, returning guest Dr. Jim Armstead walks us through the conflict in Ukraine as we approach the one year anniversary of the country's invasion from neighboring Russia.
Dr. Armstead is a retired professor of strategy and international law from the U.S. Naval War College. Additional highlights from his career working at the juncture of diplomacy & international relations include serving on faculties at Stanford and Pepperdine universities, working with the Dept. of Defense and RAND corporations, and time spent in Eastern Europe supporting NATO negotiations and constitutional reforms.
In this episode, Dr. Armstead harnesses decades worth of experience to shine light on the current conflict in Ukraine, the scope of U.S. aid packages and a host of other topics. Along with this show, he is a recurring guest on KVEC's Dave Congalton show and is a regular contributor of editorial content covering the diplomatic and international stakes of conflict in Ukraine.

In this episode of the American Attic, we sit down with a local ambassador of the past who's current efforts at sharing historical insights are surpassed only by his ability to assume the characters and mannerisms of some of the figures he portrays.
Along with reenacting early Californian miners, our guest is a writer and history docent at Deer Creek Hills Preserve in Sacramento's East County. Along with talking the talk, our guest literally walks the walk as he leads tours through the rust-colored rolling hills, groves of California Oak and past artifacts of societies long since passed.
Suffice it to say, David Scharlach takes a hands on approach to history wherever you may find him. Thanks for joining us for one more trip up to the American Attic and please enjoy this roving and rambling discussion of one man's journey of getting "hooked" on history.
Among many other things, in this episode we discuss David's authorship of a series entitled 'Tales of the Blue Oak' which can be found at the Racho Murieta Today publication. 

If you've been to Sacramento, California; or Kalamazoo, Michigan; or the Museo Internationale della Ceramica in Northern Italy; there's a decent chance you've seen her work.
In this episode of the American Attic, we sat down with the artist responsible for the César Chavez Memorial in Sacramento and a host of other works across California and beyond. Along with her current clay portrayal of Sacramento writer Joan Didion, we discuss the origins of inspiration, historical projects in public art and other topics
 So roll up your sleeves and join us for a refreshingly insightful glimpse of one who takes a literal hands on approach to history.

Asking questions that might surprise us is what we do here at the American Attic. In this episode, the Sacramento Historical Society was able to sit down with a dedicated detective of the past and professor of history at Marquette University.
Dr. Steven Avella is an author and accomplished historian whose travels include diving deep into the Vatican archives as he explore the complex collision of religion and the development of California. In this enlightening episode, this award-winning biographer provides a glimpse into his introduction to the field and his facination with the life and times of Sacramento's preminent newspaperman C.K. McClatchy.
Avella walks us through McClatchy's upbringing and contributions to the media company which bears his name and continues to win Pulitzers and accolades to this day.