When was the last time you read a little history? The first book is one I first read years ago and gave me great insight into my Illinois farmers–both the Germans and the non-Germans. The second one focuses on women’s citizenship–basically the mid-19th century and after. Given that I have many immigrants during this time, it was an interesting and informative read.

• Prairie Patrimony: Family, Farming, and Community in the Midwest (Studies in Rural Culture)–an analysis of farming communities in Illinois but applicable to much of the Midwest
• A Nationality of Her Own: Women, Marriage, and the Law of Citizenship— focusing on women’s citizenship throughout American history and how those laws have changed.

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