The Past and The Curious: A History Podcast for Kids and Families

Henry Knox is a name not many people know, but he was a pretty amazing bookseller turned soldier during the Revolutionary War. Released in honor of July 4th - but you can listen anywhere and anytime - still a good story about in interesting moment!

This episode tells the stories of Sibyl Ludington and Charley Willis. Sybil's well-known story is amazing, yet it lacks a lot of primary sources, and we use that as a way to introduce thinking about the past with a critical eye. No matter what Sibyl's story has inspired millions. Charley Willis was a cowboy, once enslaved in Texas, and who was impacted by the events of June 19th, or Juneteenth. After a lifetime on the trail, he left the world with one of the most well-known cowboy songs of all.

Django Reinhardt was a Romani musician who, despite losing the use of two of his fingers was one of the most important musicians of his time. His contemporary and fellow Parisian was a man named Eugene Bullard. This American-born man would lead an unbelievable life as a boxer, musician, early black fighter pilot, and more.

Edwin Hubble changed our view of the Solar System, but he was also a collegiate National Champion basketball player and high school coach. He also dealt with the struggles of freezing his face to a telescope. Anything for Science! George Ellery Hale had the idea for the largest telescope in history, and the American Public made it a reality during the Great Depression. It was actually made from something you might use in the kitchen.

Levi Strauss left his native Germany to escape discrimination, and then left New York for the opportunities of the American West. He lost some gold, but changed the world with his pants partnership. Ferminia Sarras was a miner from Nicaragua who didn't wear jeans, but rather a black taffeta dress (in the desert sun). Her successes were many, and they even named a town after her.

No one could have predicted that Sophie Blanchard would become France's leading aeronaut, but she flew higher than any woman before her. Willa Brown was the first Black woman to earn a pilot's license in America, but her accomplishments didn't end there. In many ways, she deserves credit for the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Also features Red Moon Road's song Sophie Blanchard 1778 (Official Aeronaut of the Empire and Restoration)

The Oyster Pirates of the Chesapeake Bay contend with the Toe Nail Governor and his mission to protect the oysters from extinction. A few years later, a new Food Fight erupts in middle America. This one is about Limburger Cheese and the Postal System. It ends with a stinky sniffing duel. Music, writing, and production by Mick Sullivan "Sweet Dreams" by Squeeze-bot

John Joseph Merlin created automata, musical instruments, clocks, and one of the first pairs of roller skates. His roller skate debut was pretty tragic (and hilarious). A.C. Gilbert was a magician turned toymaker who created some important and lasting toys, and also some incredibly dangerous ones.

Maria Tallchief was a member of the Osage nation who happened to become the first major American ballet dancer. Her story is read by Ashley Thursby, a dancer with The Louisville Ballet. The Dancing Plague of 1518 began when Frau Troffea stepped out of her home and started dancing. For months, hundred of people danced along with her - for no discernible reason. All this and more when you join host Mick Sullivan for the fun.

This episode is about places that used to be and which are now covered up by something new. Yarrow Mamout was an unusual man in early America, but the black business leader's story was literally buried by buildings near Washington DC. In the 2000s, his story came to light. Also, the Los Angeles communities of La Loma, Palo Verde, and Bishop were often grouped together under the name Chavez Ravine. The people of these communities were uprooted, and now Dodger stadium stands where they once lived.