the memory palace

Explore the intriguing quest of Thornwell Jacobs, a man obsessed with preserving memory and history. Delve into his metaphor of a periscope that reflects our limited understanding of the ancient world. Discover the concept of time capsules and Jacobs' ambitious vision for an all-encompassing record of civilization, cleverly engineered for future relevance. The secrets of the Crypt of Civilization beneath Oglethorpe University hold diverse artifacts, while Jacobs believed future generations could decipher our culture. What legacy awaits discovery in the year 8113?

Dive into a nighttime stroll along the National Mall, where history whispers from every monument. Discover how visits to the Lincoln Memorial evoke the legacies of Marian Anderson and MLK. Unearth the tangled stories behind artifacts in Smithsonian museums that reflect America's messy past. Hear about the looming political threats to these institutions and their truths. Get inspired by an upcoming teach-in to defend history and museums from erasure—where the past meets the present in a call to action.

Delve into the incredible story of a peace vigil that began in 1980, as William Thomas camped out by the White House to protest nuclear weapons. Discover the lives of vigil keepers like Conchita Pechotto and Ellen Benjamin, who dedicated decades to this ongoing protest. Hear tales of arrests, perseverance, and the daily realities of maintaining a vigil against the odds. This poignant narrative reveals how a humble tent became a powerful symbol of morality, reminding society of the ever-present dangers of nuclear policy.

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm.The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit public media company. If you’d like to directly support this show, you can make a donation at Radiotopia.fm/donate. This episode was originally released in October of 2018.Music We start with the very English, Voluntary No. 4 in b-flat Minor, by Margaret Phillips. Hear Nero’s Nocturne from Chilly Gonzales. Some of The Stars vs. Creatures by Colleen. Abide with Me from the Thelonious Monk Septet off his Monk’s Music album. Walzer fur Robert by Anne Muller off of Erased Tapes Volume 5. Evening at Eight by Keith Kenniff. and Berceuse by Alexandra Streliski. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Dive into the tumultuous early 1900s as the podcast explores the dangerous world of bomb-making linked to union struggles. Discover the dramatic shift of Harrison Gray Otis from pro-labor advocate to an anti-union figure and the fallout from the infamous LA Times bombing. The lingering legacy of this event and its impact on the labor movement reveals stories of betrayal and resilience. Plus, a heartfelt look at memorials for the victims underscores the role of audio storytelling in preserving history.

Discover the beauty of public transportation through the lens of two transcendent poems. Reflect on shared journeys and the connections that form in everyday travel, as highlighted by Walt Whitman’s poignant imagery. Dive into the emotional depths of memories that link past and future, framed by the rhythm of city life. Explore how ordinary commutes can evoke extraordinary experiences, and listen to touching stories of loss and acceptance that shape our understanding of life. These poems invite you to reconnect with your own travel memories.

Explore the innovative world of meal delivery services and how they can transform home cooking into an enjoyable experience. Dive into the heartbreaking history of the 541 schoolgirls and their teachers who lost their lives in Hiroshima, highlighting the deep impact of the atomic bomb and families' efforts to remember them. Celebrate the art of storytelling through the powerful work of two dedicated radio artists, showcasing their unique techniques and the importance of preserving narratives.

Delve into the nostalgia of a chilly March day in 1996 as the search for parking becomes a metaphor for frustration and memory. Explore the emotional impact of a touching NPR story about a young boy's tragic death and how public radio plays a vital role in storytelling. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn, urging listeners to support struggling public radio stations, highlighting the community's importance in sharing meaningful narratives. It's a reflective journey through personal experiences that intertwine with broader societal themes.

Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House. Or order the audiobook at places like Libro.fm.The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit public media company. If you’d like to directly support this show, you can make a donation at Radiotopia.fm/donate. I have recently launched a newsletter. You can subscribe to it at thememorypalacepodcast.substack.com. Music Jobs, Winter Memory, and Slow Flood by Dark Dark Dark Carla et Roger aux sports l'hiver from the score to Le bel age by Georges Delareau Mt Baker by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith All Creatures will Drink Joy by American Cream Band Every High (Piano Solo) by Kyson Vals Efter Lasse I Lyby by Lofoten Cello Duo NotesYou can read The President's Daughter here.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Delve into the emotional significance of inclusive environments that allow individuals to explore their identities after tragedy. Discover the White Horse Inn, a historic gay bar in Oakland, which has served as a sanctuary for the LGBTQ+ community since 1933. Hear personal stories that illuminate the bar's vital role in fostering identity, connection, and safety amid societal challenges. Reflect on the importance of intentional communities in promoting acceptance and personal growth, especially during times of adversity.