WHAT IS REEL HISTORY?
Join history professor Jared Frederick on energetic and insightful cinematic journeys as he explores how the past is portrayed in film. Tune in while he separates fact from fiction with expert knowledge and witty perspective. The genesis of this lively YouTube channel stems from friendship. Jared often joined friends Andrew and Tracey Collins at their household for movie nights. Inevitably, historian Jared would initiate impromptu color commentary on historical films. One evening, Andrew declared, "Why don't we put a camera in front of you and start a YouTube channel?" The rest is Reel History. Andy and Jared endeavor to deliver entertaining and meaningful commentary on some of the most celebrated history movies ever made. Subscribe to the channel today to explore this history and make sure to check out our online store!
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ANDREW COLLINS was born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, hailing from a long line of American veterans. He can personally attest to the power of historical films and the bearing they have had on his life. Taken by his father to see Saving Private Ryan in theaters when he was thirteen, Andrew gained a deep appreciation and fascination for military service and United States history. After earning a degree in Automotive Technology in 2004, he found himself wishing to fulfill a higher purpose with his skills.
Andrew Collins therefore joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 2007, completing his basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He thereafter rose to the rank of sergeant and served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic. In 2010, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and, later, Operation New Dawn. Collins was assigned to the 298th Support Maintenance Company, where he maintained heavy equipment for front line troops and assessed and/or repaired vehicles damaged in the combat zone. He departed the reserves in 2019 at the end of his second enlistment. In 2013, he married Tracey—his high school sweetheart. They have two children. Tracey was a longtime reenacting friend of Jared Frederick—Andrew’s future partner in Reel History. Before starting their YouTube channel, Andrew and Jared were founding members of the Furious Fourth WWII Living History Association. In his precious spare time, Collins enjoys buying, rebuilding, and selling cars. |
JARED FREDERICK has a lifelong passion for American History. Captivated by the movie Gettysburg at age seven, he later published his first book in high school. In the years since, he has authored or co-authored eight subsequent works ranging from Pennsylvania history to World War II biographies. Frederick’s books include Dispatches of D-Day: A People’s History of the Normandy Invasion, Hang Tough: The WWII Letters and Artifacts of Major Dick Winters, and Fierce Valor: The True Story of Ronald Speirs and his Band of Brothers. He is currently completing his PhD in American Studies at Penn State Harrisburg. His dissertation topic will examine the hidden World War II history of the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Jared boasts ample experience with public history, non-profit organizations, and civic engagement endeavors. In addition to his academics, reenacting, and volunteerism, he has served as a seasonal interpretive park ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. In 2019, he was guest host on Turner Classic Movies for their 25th anniversary. This appearance inspired him to review History versus Hollywood. He is also the co-screenwriter and executive producer of the forthcoming Second World War movie Hürtgen, which will explore the experiences of his grandfather in an overlooked battle of the European war. Jared is available as a guest lecturer, commissioned artist, and historical adviser. He currently serves as an Instructor of History at Penn State Altoona, where he specializes in various realms of American history and culture. Visit his website for more. |