Founder Scot McFarlane launched Oxbow to share his passion for uncovering hidden histories, transforming deep historical research into compelling, accessible stories.
As one of the leading global scholars on the history of rivers, Scot holds a PhD in American history from Columbia University. His work reaches thousands annually through digital storytelling projects, academic journals, and popular media, and his forthcoming book, The River That Made Texas, will be published by the University of North Carolina Press.
Before launching Oxbow, Scot investigated how US history is taught nationwide for the American Historical Association, uncovered hidden narratives at Historic New England, and taught at both the high school and university levels. Today, drawing on an expansive network of fellow historians, co-authors, and regional partners, Scot and the Oxbow team combine academic rigor with engaging narratives to develop histories that inform and inspire.
Testimonials
Working with Scot was a pleasure. Not only is Scot a superb researcher, finding sources and evidence that others had missed, but his exceptional writing skills provided Historic New England with the information distilled, analyzed, and presented in a way that was immediately understood by our frontline staff. With his vast knowledge of New England history, he provided context for his findings that made the reports richer and ultimately more valuable for our tours and programs. Scot’s work for Historic New England has dramatically changed how we tell our stories, expanding narratives to include dozens of once marginalized people. Each assignment or report was delivered on time and always exceeded my expectations. Scot is collaborative by nature, works well with diverse teams of people, and excelled presenting his findings to staff and the public.
-Peter Gittleman, Team Leader Visitor Experience at Historic New England
Scot did a comprehensive history of my c. 1784 home in Round Pond, Me. Because of his meticulous work, I know who built the old stone walls, farmed the land and fished for their livings generation through generation. It has given me a true sense of ‘place’. Thank you, Scot, for a really fine piece of research.
-Robin Grant, Round Pond, Maine
Oxbow lakes
Oxbow lakes such as this one on the headwaters of the Amazon River form over years or decades as part of a river’s always changing and unexpected course.
While impossible to see in real-time, the creation of oxbow lakes becomes apparent in the 35 year period shown in this satellite timelapse, revealing the value of taking a longer-term perspective.
The Oxbow History Company connects your stories to the flow of history while highlighting the surprises that make them unique.
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