Rachel Weil
@racheljweil.bsky.social
Early modern historian @Cornell. Prisons, law, politics, gender in 17th-18th c. England. Terminated NEH fellow, @IAS member 2024-25. Writing "Detention and Punishment in Early Modern English Prisons, 1600-1815" Rescue-🐶 mom, BLM, Democrat, she/her 🏳️🌈💙🏳️⚧️🌻
@nytpitchbot.bsky.social could not have beat this headline, but the article is delicious ( in a Hannibal Lector sort of way). Dig in, and try not to puke. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
‘In Triage Every Day’: A Beleaguered Speaker Says He’s Overwhelmed
www.nytimes.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:21 PM
@nytpitchbot.bsky.social could not have beat this headline, but the article is delicious ( in a Hannibal Lector sort of way). Dig in, and try not to puke. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/u...
Reposted by Rachel Weil
Among the things I am thankful for is the courage and patriotism of all the federal workers who blew the whistle on agency policies that harm Americans, and those who support us. #CourageIsContagious Art by @drrabbithole.bsky.social
November 27, 2025 at 12:06 PM
Among the things I am thankful for is the courage and patriotism of all the federal workers who blew the whistle on agency policies that harm Americans, and those who support us. #CourageIsContagious Art by @drrabbithole.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachel Weil
World AIDS Day is Dec. 1.
Although the current administration refuses to acknowledge it, we will.
We once awarded a grant to help digitize the AIDS Memorial Quilt. You can explore it online.
www.aidsquilttouch.org
Although the current administration refuses to acknowledge it, we will.
We once awarded a grant to help digitize the AIDS Memorial Quilt. You can explore it online.
www.aidsquilttouch.org
1/ ⚠️ Breaking: At CDC, we've been told the US Government will not officially commemorate World AIDS Day this year. No explanation given.
November 25, 2025 at 6:18 PM
World AIDS Day is Dec. 1.
Although the current administration refuses to acknowledge it, we will.
We once awarded a grant to help digitize the AIDS Memorial Quilt. You can explore it online.
www.aidsquilttouch.org
Although the current administration refuses to acknowledge it, we will.
We once awarded a grant to help digitize the AIDS Memorial Quilt. You can explore it online.
www.aidsquilttouch.org
I don’t do hyperbolic blurbs, but I do credit The Book Proposal Book with having gotten me a book contract and 2 fellowships. It forced me to figure out what I was trying to do. Painful but effective.
The Book Proposal Book ebook is 30% off right now at @princetonupress.bsky.social and so is Make Your Manuscript Work!
Use code PUP30 at checkout
Tell your friends & nemeses!
press.princeton.edu/our-authors/...
Use code PUP30 at checkout
Tell your friends & nemeses!
press.princeton.edu/our-authors/...
Portwood-Stacer, Laura
press.princeton.edu
November 24, 2025 at 2:41 PM
I don’t do hyperbolic blurbs, but I do credit The Book Proposal Book with having gotten me a book contract and 2 fellowships. It forced me to figure out what I was trying to do. Painful but effective.
Reposted by Rachel Weil
JOB POSTING!
Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints at the @folger.edu
amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FSL_Em...
Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints at the @folger.edu
amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FSL_Em...
Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints
The Folger Shakespeare Library knows that an exceptional staff is the backbone of any great organization. We hire exceptionally qualified individuals who are committed to the mission, vision, and valu...
amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com
November 19, 2025 at 1:34 AM
JOB POSTING!
Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints at the @folger.edu
amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FSL_Em...
Andrew W. Mellon Curator of Rare Books and Prints at the @folger.edu
amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/FSL_Em...
RIP, the actual #NEH. And f*ck this zombie pod-person walking corpse that bears its name, and the grifters who feed on it.
When I think about how exquisitely careful NEH staff were to be fair, impartial, and rigorous, and how much work people put into grants so small they’re pocket change…I just want to scream.
Fired Scholars and Big Grants to Favored Projects: Inside Trump’s N.E.H.
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 10:48 PM
RIP, the actual #NEH. And f*ck this zombie pod-person walking corpse that bears its name, and the grifters who feed on it.
Reposted by Rachel Weil
When I think about how exquisitely careful NEH staff were to be fair, impartial, and rigorous, and how much work people put into grants so small they’re pocket change…I just want to scream.
Fired Scholars and Big Grants to Favored Projects: Inside Trump’s N.E.H.
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:12 PM
When I think about how exquisitely careful NEH staff were to be fair, impartial, and rigorous, and how much work people put into grants so small they’re pocket change…I just want to scream.
Reposted by Rachel Weil
if you’ve got strong undergrads who are interested in doing phds in early modern, consider Binghamton English! Our stipends have just radically increased + Bing is a very low cost of living area, and tho not traditionally a strong hub for early modern, our dept is pretty stacked right now +
October 25, 2025 at 12:12 AM
if you’ve got strong undergrads who are interested in doing phds in early modern, consider Binghamton English! Our stipends have just radically increased + Bing is a very low cost of living area, and tho not traditionally a strong hub for early modern, our dept is pretty stacked right now +
Reposted by Rachel Weil
"There go the people, I must follow them, for I am their leader"
October 24, 2025 at 5:41 PM
"There go the people, I must follow them, for I am their leader"
Reposted by Rachel Weil
I would not have known about this had it not been for local indigenous folk there posting here.
NEW: There’s a disaster unfolding in Alaska right now. And no major network is covering it.
The remnants of Typhoon Halong battered western Alaska overnight. Homes, with people in them, have literally been swept into the Bering Strait.
At least 20 are missing. No comment from any federal agency.
The remnants of Typhoon Halong battered western Alaska overnight. Homes, with people in them, have literally been swept into the Bering Strait.
At least 20 are missing. No comment from any federal agency.
October 13, 2025 at 3:53 PM
I would not have known about this had it not been for local indigenous folk there posting here.
Reposted by Rachel Weil
MIT President Sally Kornbluth just issued a statement to the campus community saying NO to Trump’s authoritarian compact
“And fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone.”
“And fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone.”
October 10, 2025 at 1:47 PM
MIT President Sally Kornbluth just issued a statement to the campus community saying NO to Trump’s authoritarian compact
“And fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone.”
“And fundamentally, the premise of the document is inconsistent with our core belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone.”
NY-24 is "represented" (scare quotes intentional) in Congress by one of Trump's greatest sycophants, Claudia Tenney. The one who proposed making Donald's birthday a national holiday. Would you like to see this smart, energetic military veteran mount a strong campaign against her? Chip in!
Today is our fundraising deadline and I'm asking for you're help. We're a little behind and any contribution helps. Please donate and share this post to help the campaign!
DONATE HERE: secure.actblue.com/donate/aliss...
DONATE HERE: secure.actblue.com/donate/aliss...
September 30, 2025 at 11:48 PM
NY-24 is "represented" (scare quotes intentional) in Congress by one of Trump's greatest sycophants, Claudia Tenney. The one who proposed making Donald's birthday a national holiday. Would you like to see this smart, energetic military veteran mount a strong campaign against her? Chip in!
Yes, watch, it will make you smile.
September 30, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Yes, watch, it will make you smile.
Reposted by Rachel Weil
Today is our fundraising deadline and I'm asking for you're help. We're a little behind and any contribution helps. Please donate and share this post to help the campaign!
DONATE HERE: secure.actblue.com/donate/aliss...
DONATE HERE: secure.actblue.com/donate/aliss...
September 30, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Today is our fundraising deadline and I'm asking for you're help. We're a little behind and any contribution helps. Please donate and share this post to help the campaign!
DONATE HERE: secure.actblue.com/donate/aliss...
DONATE HERE: secure.actblue.com/donate/aliss...
So absolutely yes to this thread
The right sets the terms of our political discourse in so many ways, one of which is the idea that there isn't enough "debate" and "free speech" on campus.
We need to push back on this. The truth is (speaking for myself as a history prof), I don't really emphasize debate much in my classes/
We need to push back on this. The truth is (speaking for myself as a history prof), I don't really emphasize debate much in my classes/
September 13, 2025 at 7:46 PM
So absolutely yes to this thread
Small group in a red county in central NY state. I am darn proud of us! Thousands can turn out to march in big cities, but around here a few people standing up can make a difference. I hope we have changed the conversation and given others courage to join us.
www.fltimes.com/news/residen...
www.fltimes.com/news/residen...
Residents urge Seneca County officals to refrain from pacts with immigration agencies
WATERLOO — A number of Seneca County residents have implored officials to not enter any agreements that would provide support to federal immigration enforcement agencies following a controversial raid...
www.fltimes.com
September 12, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Small group in a red county in central NY state. I am darn proud of us! Thousands can turn out to march in big cities, but around here a few people standing up can make a difference. I hope we have changed the conversation and given others courage to join us.
www.fltimes.com/news/residen...
www.fltimes.com/news/residen...
Reposted by Rachel Weil
Shattering and beautifully written. Please read and share this ⤵️
Today, the New York Times published this exceptional opinion piece by Robert Lee Williams.
Incarcerated at Eastern NY Correctional Facility, Robert — in addition to his work as an essayist — is a full-time Bard student enrolled through BPI.
Incarcerated at Eastern NY Correctional Facility, Robert — in addition to his work as an essayist — is a full-time Bard student enrolled through BPI.
Opinion | In Prison, Trees Are a Symbol of Freedom (Gift Article)
These trees were the only living beings that I could touch without fear.
www.nytimes.com
September 2, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Shattering and beautifully written. Please read and share this ⤵️
Of course, this is exactly why they hate it.
The funny thing about this is that the Smithsonian African American History Museum is built around the exact "Success" narrative Trump claims to want. You climb through the Middle Passage, slave cabin, Jim Crow train, etc, and come out into Oprah's studio and Obama.
www.cnn.com/2025/08/19/p...
www.cnn.com/2025/08/19/p...
Trump escalates attacks against Smithsonian museums, says they focus too much on ‘how bad slavery was’ | CNN Politics
President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against museums and alleged “WOKE” exhibits on Tuesday, saying “everything” is centered on highlighting negative aspects of American in story, including “...
www.cnn.com
August 21, 2025 at 8:59 PM
Of course, this is exactly why they hate it.
Reposted by Rachel Weil
What you're asking for is literally the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which you would know if you had ever gone inside
White House official Lindsey Halligan: "While slavery is obviously a horrible aspect of our nation's history, you can't really talk about slavery honestly unless you also talk about hope and progress ... we need to stop focusing so much on the lack of progress."
August 21, 2025 at 2:12 PM
What you're asking for is literally the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which you would know if you had ever gone inside
Reposted by Rachel Weil
Do you have an essay that contributes to our understanding of the literature, history, and culture in the Anglophone world, 1660-1700/the adjacent periods? Or tracing Restoration texts, ideas, and culture anytime up to our current moment? Submit! blog.umd.edu/restorationstudiesjournal/submissions/
Submissions – Restoration
blog.umd.edu
August 18, 2025 at 1:31 AM
Do you have an essay that contributes to our understanding of the literature, history, and culture in the Anglophone world, 1660-1700/the adjacent periods? Or tracing Restoration texts, ideas, and culture anytime up to our current moment? Submit! blog.umd.edu/restorationstudiesjournal/submissions/
Reposted by Rachel Weil
Barely an hour ago, Palestinian journalist Anas Al-Sharif warned us all:
“If this madness doesn’t end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.”
Israel just killed him.
“If this madness doesn’t end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.”
Israel just killed him.
August 10, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Barely an hour ago, Palestinian journalist Anas Al-Sharif warned us all:
“If this madness doesn’t end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.”
Israel just killed him.
“If this madness doesn’t end, Gaza will be reduced to ruins, its people’s voices silenced, their faces erased — and history will remember you as silent witnesses to a genocide you chose not to stop.”
Israel just killed him.
These, and their comrades still growing outside, are the spiky survivors of the horrid little critter garden incursion of 2025. My belief that there is no such thing as too many cucumbers is about to be severely tested.
August 1, 2025 at 11:56 PM
These, and their comrades still growing outside, are the spiky survivors of the horrid little critter garden incursion of 2025. My belief that there is no such thing as too many cucumbers is about to be severely tested.
Lament from the keeper of Ilchester Gaol, 1821: "Tom Paine’s works had been assiduously introduced even into the upper debtors’ ward, and the general topics of conversation were now, either skepticism on the bible, reflections on the state, or infuriated debates and cries of radicalism for ever!"😀
July 24, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Lament from the keeper of Ilchester Gaol, 1821: "Tom Paine’s works had been assiduously introduced even into the upper debtors’ ward, and the general topics of conversation were now, either skepticism on the bible, reflections on the state, or infuriated debates and cries of radicalism for ever!"😀
Love the #earlymodern shout-outs in this piece. "Covenants without the sword, are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all." -- Thomas Hobbes, on why Columbia's deal with Trump will not protect Columbia.
"Parties thinking they can wheedle their way into a bargain with a capricious administration are bringing intuitions from the world of private deals, backstopped by the rule of law, into the very different realm of political bargains with absolutism-adjacent executive branches."
Opinion | Columbia’s Administrators Are Fooling Themselves
www.nytimes.com
July 24, 2025 at 6:22 PM
Love the #earlymodern shout-outs in this piece. "Covenants without the sword, are but words and of no strength to secure a man at all." -- Thomas Hobbes, on why Columbia's deal with Trump will not protect Columbia.