The idea for DHISRUPT was originally conceived in response to the deluge of misinformation on social media during the 2016 US Presidential election and continuing today. As an historian, I’m both enthusiastic about the ease in accessing information online yet also horrified on the lack of morals of many who aim to distort and mislead. On the one hand, easily accessible information and material is vital to people’s understanding of History. Yet on the other, the propensity of misinformation and misdirection promoted as “fact” and packaged as “truth” is seriously disturbing.

I originally began this site by attempting to meet misinformation with fact. I was quickly overwhelmed by the massive amount of disinformation that was being spread, consumed, and unfortunately, believed. Like many Americans I became disheartened and, frankly, pretty beaten down. I became cynical. I became numb. I became depressed. And this project lay abandoned and untouched.

Fast forward to 2024 when Donald J. Trump was reelected. The distress I felt was very real and nearly paralyzing. After a few months of feelings of dread and helplessness, I realized that I needed to do something to counter the misinformation and falsehoods flooding the internet. But rather than try to counter all the falsehoods and distortions – because we’ve all learned that people are well-entrenched in their own bubbles of beliefs – I will simply present historical evidence of people, places, and subjects that I’m most interested in.

DHISRUPT also aims to disturb perceptions and unsettle preconceived notions of History. While political inaccuracies must be confronted, historical inaccuracies must also be challenged. Those who believe that “transgender” is a modern construct forced upon society by the politically correct may be surprised to learn that there was a known and accepted transgender U.S. Civil War soldier. Those who state that America was founded by those who sought religious freedom for all may be surprised to learn that early settlers persecuted those who did not follow their unique brand of religion. Those who believe women are not capable of armed combat will be stunned to learn of female warriors who fought thousands of years before the birth of Christ.

Controversial and contentious issues have been discussed, disputed, practiced, and implemented throughout history. In illustrating these narratives in simple yet thought-provoking ways, and offering resources for further exploration, my hope is to engage those who have been indifferent to History. Because as we are seeing in real time, those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

Recommendations for books are offered with every post. I hope you’ll be inspired to expand your knowledge on these subjects and join in a discussion.  We link to books at Bookshop.org. Bookshop.org works to connect readers with independent booksellers all over the world. They believe local bookstores are essential community hubs that foster culture, curiosity, and a love of reading, and are committed to helping them thrive. Every purchase on the site financially supports independent bookstores. As an affiliate, DHISRUPT earns credit for every book purchased through our website which helps to fund this project.

We also create custom products that reflect our vision and ideals. By purchasing DHISRUPT products, you’re supporting our research and enabling us to do what we love. We also donate a portion of EVERY sale to charity. Every month, we select a charity that significantly impacts the lives of the issues we care about. Thank you!

Koren Whipp is the founder of DHISRUPT and an Independent Scholar whose work focuses on Women’s Intellectual History, Political History, and Public History. Koren received her BA from New School University in NYC where she received the first, annual award for Outstanding Senior Thesis for her work on the political voice of Early American writer, Mercy Otis Warren, and received her MA in Historical Studies at The New School for Social Research. She is the former Deputy Director and Website Producer of Project Continua, a multimedia resource that was dedicated to the creation and preservation of women’s intellectual history. She also formerly served as project manager, web producer and administrator, and editorial manager of the Female Biography Project.