History Episodes

We all think sunshine or transparency in government is a very good thing. After you listen to this episode, you may not think it is. Why did the founders do things in secret? What does Article I, Section V of the Constitution have to do with secrecy? How do amendments end up being weaponized? James D'Angelo, from the Congressional Research Institute, gives us stunning insight into the beloved concept of transparency in government. Does secrecy in Congress bring about better government than trans...

Dr. Ray Doswell, Vice President of Curatorial Services at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, gives some keen insight into how the leagues came about, the importance of the leagues, and how the museum is showcasing the players who loved the game. You have to experience the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on their website and social media and most of all in person! [01:21] Opening [02:16] Introduction [03:46] The League Defined/Recognition by Major League Baseball (MLB) [09:26] Re...

James Meredith has stood up to fear, hatred, and white supremacy his entire life. While growing up in Mississippi, he faced challenges head on which would begin to change that state and the nation. These challenges (being the first black student at the University of Mississippi, his March Against Fear in which he was shot), provided a platform to encourage Mississippians to stand up against oppression and live a moral life. Recently, St. Louis In Tune discussed his life and book A Mission from G...

Question: What crosses five state lines, cuts across the Mississippi River in three places, and the Ohio River in two places? Answer: The New Madrid fault. In 1811/1812 three main shocks estimated at magnitudes 7.7, 7.5, and 7.7 were felt as far away as the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and Quebec. The quakes were felt over an area of approximately 1,900,000 square miles with the strongest shaking being approximately 10 times that of the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. Are we prepared? Are you pr...

Campaign donations, special interests, PAC, Super Pacs; money, money, and more money that is spent on political campaigns. This year is the mother of all records though. Brendan Quinn from the Center for Responsive Politics (opensecrets.org) gives us some insight into the deluge of campaign money and helps to answer the question - does money really buy an election? https://www.opensecrets.org/ https://www.facebook.com/OpenSecrets/

There are some great events scheduled at the National Museum of Transportation this holiday season. Learn about what they are and when they will be held. But first, more about the museum and their collection with Jessica Hood, Community Outreach & Visitor Experience Manager for TNMOT. https://tnmot.org/ https://tnmot.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/TNMOT-Seasonal-Holiday-Flyer.pdf https://www.facebook.com/MOTSTL/

The Hill is an enduring neighborhood in the St. Louis area and has maintained its identity since the late 19th century. Generations of residents have continued to live, worship, work, and entertain together forming a unique bond which is celebrated by the St. Louis region. https://www.hillstl.org/ https://www.reedypress.com/ https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/live-work/community/neighborhoods/the-hill/index.cfm

The 42nd Annual St. Louis Jewish Book Festival is virtual this year! Jim Bogart, co-chair of the festival describes the many wonderful participating authors. Festival author Jill Wine-Banks discusses her book, The Watergate Girl: My Fight for Truth and Justice Against a Criminal President. She was one of the three Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutors, and the only woman, in the obstruction of justice trial against President Nixon's top aides, including his Attorney General, Chief of Staff, an...

The United States Capitol Historical Society Chief Guide, Steve Livengood provides interesting insights on the construction of the US Capitol, the cornerstone, and on Washington DC. https://uschs.org/ https://www.facebook.com/USCapHis/

Circus Harmony teaches the art of life through circus education. The Balancing Act: Walking the Pandemic Tightrope is an online circus event and a must see. https://circusharmony.org/ https://www.facebook.com/events/745311612698113/ https://www.facebook.com/circusharmony/

Oh the wonderful smell of licorice and the giant Switzer's sign along the St. Louis riverfront! Gone but not forgotten! Patrick Murphy describes the journey and struggles of previous generations of his family as they went from producing candy in a kitchen to the international stage. https://www.candymenthebook.com/ https://www.pmurphystl.com/

One of the most gruesome and heinous lynchings of the 20th century. Author Devery Anderson separates the fact and fiction of the murder of Emmett Till. His book, Emmett Till: The Murder That Shocked the World and Propelled the Civil Rights Movement, is the definitive account of the kidnapping and lynching which took place in 1955. https://www.deveryanderson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DeveryAndersonWriter/

In 1867, two years before Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Lucy Stone founded their national suffrage organizations, Virginia Minor along with four other women founded the world's first organization dedicated to women's suffrage, the Women's Suffrage Association of Missouri. Her drive for women's suffrage led her to the U.S. Supreme Court where in 1875 the landmark case of Minor v. Happersett was decided. Author Nicole Evelina provides a fascinating look at this forgotten suffragist...

In 1916 St. Louis was host to the Democratic convention and as delegates walked to the St. Louis Coliseum, they encountered a 12 block walkless and talkless parade of suffragists advocating for the voting rights of women. Author Margot McMillen discusses her book, The Golden Lane: How Missouri Women Gained the Vote and Changed History. https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Lane-Missouri-Changed-History/dp/1609490134

The 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States gave women the right to vote in all elections. What role did St. Louis play in the women's suffrage movement and who were the key individuals? Katie Moon, exhibits manager for the Missouri History Museum, discusses the exhibit Beyond the Ballot which helps to answer those and many more questions. https://mohistory.org/exhibits/beyond-the-ballot https://www.facebook.com/mohistorymuseum/

In her updated book "Downtown St. Louis" NiNi Harris provides a rich background of the downtown area of the river city. She uses famous visitors and St. Louisians to tell the story of downtown from the settlement on the river to the present. http://www.niniharris.com/ https://www.facebook.com/NiNiStLouis/

Director Matthew Rice explores the truth behind the story of one of America's most popular folk heroes John Henry. The documentary draws from Scott Reynolds Nelson’s book “Steel Drivin’ Man,” and exposes continued discrimination during Reconstruction. https://www.cinemastlouis.org/ballad-john-henry

How much have we spent and are still spending to support the Confederacy? Brian Palmer, Peabody award-winning journalist and photographer based in Richmond, Virginia discusses "The Costs of the Confederacy" which he co-authored for the Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.brianpalmer.photos/

Dr. Warren Rosenblum, Chair of the History, Politics, & International Relations (HPIR) Department at Webster University in St. Louis provides a historical perspective of monuments as artifacts of history. What are the dangers if any in removing them? http://www.webster.edu/arts-and-sciences/faculty/rosenblum.html

Lee Jordan, Midwest and State Director for National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF) describes the history and activities surrounding Juneteenth. https://www.facebook.com/Juneteenth-Speaks-114193420316980/ https://www.facebook.com/NATIONAL-JUNETEENTH-OBSERVANCE-FOUNDATION-NJOF-407747120555/ http://nationaljuneteenth.com/

In part one, we discuss Confederate monuments and their prevalence, funding, location, timing of their installation in light of history, and what to do with them.

With over 100 interviews, Jim Merkel compiled a book of memories that takes a walk through time. What was it like to live through COVID-19? Jim recorded that information in his book along with memories of visits to the 1904 World's Fair, Ted Drewes, and a special story about Yogi Berra or is it Yogi Bear? Well you'll have to read the book to find out. https://jimmerkelthewriter.com/ https://reedypress.mybigcommerce.com/growing-up-st-louis-looking-back-through-the-decades/

Cameron McWhirter discusses the issues that converged during the summer of 1919 which was one of the lowest points of our history. RED SUMMER reveals the ugly reality of riots, burnings, lynchings, murder, and mayhem that seemed to rule that year in our country. A poignant yet enlightening book to digest and provoke changes of the heart. http://cameronmcwhirter.com/wordpress/ https://www.facebook.com/Red-Summer-The-Summer-of-1919-and-the-Awakening-of-Black-America-130658286974792/

Natalie Wexler's book provides background of how skill-based reading instruction has widened the knowledge gap in our schools and provides insight into what a knowledge building curriculum can do to strengthen reading and writing for all students especially those from less-educated families. A must read for all educators. https://nataliewexler.com/