Made by America: The History List Store
In 2005, Lee Wright moved to New England and fell in love with the region’s rich history. This inspired him to create a website called The History List to help connect people to historic sites and organizations.
He later launched an annual event, History Camp, that brings people together for a day of learning about all aspects and eras of history — an event that now attracts more than 400 people nationwide each year.
After receiving a visitor’s evaluation form saying that they had a great time being with fellow “history nerds,” Wright realized a shirt could be a fun way for visitors to show off their pride.
“I designed a T-shirt with that text along with an image of Ben Franklin for the ‘i.’ It was instantly popular, and I soon launched The History List Store,” Wright said. “Today, we have a line that we’ve built out around this phrase, which we trademarked.”
The History List Store expanded to carry a wide range of other products covering historical periods from Jamestown and the Mayflower to the Space Race. Nearly everything the company offers is American-made and features its original designs.
“We want to enable people who love our nation and its history to show off their love in what they wear, what they give as gifts and in things they display in their home or office,” he said. “And we only make things that I’m proud to offer — original designs on quality products.”
MAKING HISTORY
The History List Store creates products that are “made by America.” When making a product, the team starts with a concept around an event or individual pertinent to U.S. history.
For example, to create a towel honoring the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, the store’s team began with a quote from John Adams. They then brought together a designer and a history expert on the Boston Tea Party to ensure every detail was historically accurate for the design. Then, they partnered with U.S.-based companies to produce the final, silk- screened item.
Wright said the Pearl Harbor “Battleships” shirt is a great example of how the company works with its local community to make sure every detail is correct.
“Our concept was to show the battleships that were in Pearl Harbor that morning in silhouette, and when we published a digital mockup, I was contacted by someone who told me that the silhouettes of some of the ships reflected repairs made after the attack,” he said. “He then helped us get it exactly right and provided us with some of the historical photos from his own research over the years.”
HISTORY MAKERS
The History List Store aims to create original designs and high-quality products that reflect a deep appreciation of the nation’s history and cover a wide variety of historical periods.
When a museum highlights a specific historical period, Wright said retailers can curate products to match.
For example, a Revolutionary War site can select from The History List Store’s George Washington porcelain desk or dresser tray in a blue gift box; “Victory or Death” blanket, socks or scarf — a bestseller; Crossing the Delaware advent calendar; and lots of stickers and magnets.
Other bestsellers include the original History Nerd designs with notable figures in history — Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincon and more — and a Revolutionary Superheroes collection that’s popular with both kids and adults. The History List Store also has an assortment of original designs for sites connected to the Civil War and World War II.
“With our nation’s 250th next year, this Christmas season should be an ideal time to offer gifts that reflect our nation’s history, whether that’s the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence or later historic events, such as World War II.”
