How the New World Became Old: The Deep Time Revolution

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Series. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and today, we’re exploring a story that’s millions—even billions—of years in the making. Imagine standing on American soil in the 19th century, looking out at the grandeur of Yosemite or the vast coal seams of the Appalachian forests, and believing that this land was just a few thousand years old. Now imagine discovering that beneath your feet lay fossils of terrifying dinosaurs like the T. rex, saber-toothed cats, and tropical forests that thrived in a prehistoric world.

This revelation didn’t just change science—it changed everything. It transformed how Americans saw their country, their history, and themselves. Suddenly, the so-called “New World” was revealed to be one of the oldest places on Earth, rooted in what historians call deep time.

 

Today, I’m joined by Smithsonian Associate Caroline Winterer, a renowned historian and the author of How the New World Became Old: The Deep Time Revolution in America. Please check out Smithsonian Associate Caroline Winterer at Smithsonian Associates coming up, with more details in our show notes today.Her fascinating book uncovers how this shift in understanding—from a 6,000-year-old Earth to a 2-billion-year-old planet—sparked a revolution in American identity. It’s a story of awe, wonder, and even controversy, as science collided with religion, culture, and art.

 

Caroline will take us back to the 19th century to meet the explorers, naturalists, and everyday Americans who unearthed ancient truths and brought this deep past into focus. We’ll also discuss what this revolution means for how we see our country—and our planet—today.

 

So, stay tuned. This is a story that spans eons but has never been more relevant. Let’s welcome Smithsonian Associate Caroline Winterer to the show.

 

Thanks to Smithsonian Associate Caroline Winterer, a renowned historian and the author of How the New World Became Old: The Deep Time Revolution in America. .  Please check out Caroline Winterer at Smithsonian Associates, which is coming up. More details will be in our show notes today.  My thanks to Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger for all they do to keep the ships here running on time and for keeping me honest.  My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and Let’s Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast.  Thanks, everyone and we’ll see you next time.