History Episodes
Uncover the fascinating history of St. Louis and beyond through engaging stories and interviews that bring the past to life.
May 31, 2021
The Looking Glass of the Tulsa Race Massacre - 100 Years Later
What do you do when you find out about events in history that you had no idea occurred? The Tulsa Race Massacre may be one of those events. DeNeen Brown, award-winning writer for the Washington Post and Associate Professor of Journalism at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism discusses this horrific violence with Saint Louis In Tune while on Black Wall Street as she is reporting on the 100th anniversary of the massacre. #history #blackhistory #Tulsa #Massacre #TulsaMa...
March 30, 2021
How Transparency Contributes to Congressional Gridlock: An Interview with James D'Angelo
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...
Feb. 22, 2021
Negro Leagues Baseball: Understanding the Story, Importance, & Immeasurable Value
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...
Jan. 28, 2021
Courage Against Fear: James Meredith and Mississippi
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...
Dec. 16, 2020
Earthquake: Let's Get Ready for the Rumble
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...
Nov. 24, 2020
Can Money Really Buy An Election?
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/
Nov. 23, 2020
All Aboard! The National Museum of Transportation
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/
Nov. 10, 2020
The Hill: St. Louis's Italian American Neighborhood
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
Oct. 25, 2020
The Watergate Girl and the St Louis Jewish Book Festival
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...
Oct. 6, 2020
The US Capitol: Insights from the Capitol Historical Society Chief Guide
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/
Oct. 5, 2020
Circus Harmony: Balancing Character & Community
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/
Guest: Jessica Hentoff
Sept. 17, 2020
The Candy Men: The Story of Switzer's Licorice
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/
Guest: Patrick Murphy
Sept. 14, 2020
Emmett Till: The Murder That Galvanized the Civil Rights Movement
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/
Aug. 31, 2020
Virginia Minor: Forgotten Suffragist
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...
Aug. 18, 2020
Women's Suffrage and a Walkless-Talkless Parade
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
Aug. 18, 2020
Beyond the Ballot: 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment
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/
July 14, 2020
Tracing the Story of Downtown St. Louis
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/
Guest: NiNi Harris
July 14, 2020
The Ballad of John Henry: St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase
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
June 29, 2020
Part II: Challenging the Mythology of the Lost Cause
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/
June 26, 2020
Part III: A Historical View of Monuments and Memorials
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
June 20, 2020
Juneteenth: Freedom Day - Emancipation Day - All Things Juneteenth
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/
June 20, 2020
Part I: Confederate Monuments-Where Do We Go From Here?
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.
June 11, 2020
Growing Up St. Louis
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/
June 10, 2020
RED SUMMER: Turbulence in 1919
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/