Witness History
BBC World Service
Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.
For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.
We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.
You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest, the disastrous D-Day rehearsal, and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.
For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.
Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.
We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.
You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest, the disastrous D-Day rehearsal, and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 3, 2025 • 9min
JFK’s 1963 Ich Bin Ein Berliner speech
In Berlin, JFK's iconic 'Ich bin ein Berliner' speech rallied support at a critical Cold War juncture. Gisela Morel-Tiemann recalls the electrifying atmosphere as students united against division. The talk not only stirred emotions but also pushed for peaceful coexistence with the Soviet Union. A personal account reveals the tensions of attempting to bridge ideological divides, highlighting the bravery of individuals in a city split by a wall. Dive into the compelling stories of resilience and hope that emerged from this historic moment.
Apr 2, 2025 • 10min
The Wonder Woman of DC Comics
Jenette Kahn, the trailblazing Publisher of DC Comics since 1976, was the first woman to lead the company at just 28 years old. She shares her journey from comic fan to industry pioneer, discussing how she revamped the company name and ensured artists retained rights to their work. Kahn explores her role in diversifying comics and how she introduced new characters that resonated with readers. Her innovative vision not only transformed storytelling but also helped redefine the comic book industry's image during a pivotal time.
Apr 1, 2025 • 10min
The invention of superglue
Dive into the accidental invention of superglue, sparked by Dr. Harry Coover's unexpected discovery during a 1951 experiment. It soon transformed into a consumer sensation after a memorable television demonstration. Find out how this quick-setting adhesive not only revolutionized everyday repairs but took on a surprising role in medical applications, enhancing battlefield medicine. Personal anecdotes from Coover's grandson add a heartfelt touch, highlighting the legacy of innovation that superglue represents.
Mar 31, 2025 • 10min
The 'ghost town' of Namibia
Dieter Huyssen, a descendant of Kolmanskop's founders, shares heartfelt family memories of this once-thriving diamond town in Namibia. He details the rise of Kolmanskop during the diamond rush and its lavish lifestyle, contrasting it with the eerie silence of its current ghostly state, overwhelmed by the desert sands. The story delves into the architectural wonders brought by German influence and reflects on the emotional connections to abandoned places, highlighting how they shape our understanding of history and identity.
Mar 28, 2025 • 10min
The father of Ethio-Jazz
Mulatu Astatke, known as the father of Ethio-jazz, shares his inspiring journey of blending Ethiopian music with jazz and Latin rhythms. He recounts his transition from engineering dreams to pursuing music, fueled by the vibrant NYC club scene. Mulatu reflects on the challenges he faced in promoting his unique sound, prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial success. He also shares surreal moments on stage, from the excitement of performing to the unexpected reactions from audiences, marking a significant evolution in global music.
Mar 27, 2025 • 10min
Harold Riley’s 'one of a kind' portrait of Nelson Mandela
Harold Riley, an acclaimed English artist known for his vivid portrayal of Salford's working-class life, shares his unique experience capturing Nelson Mandela on canvas. He describes the six sittings with Mandela as transformative, filled with insightful conversations that shaped the portrait. Riley reveals how this masterpiece, unveiled in 2005, not only showcases Mandela’s legacy but also raised over $1 million for South African children's charities. His artistic journey intertwines community and leadership, making for an inspiring discussion.
Mar 26, 2025 • 9min
The suspicious death of Rear Admiral Durović
Explore the troubling tale of Rear Admiral Đurović, a steadfast officer caught in the chaos of the Croatian War of Independence. His promise to protect Dubrovnik raised questions about loyalty and integrity during a tumultuous time. Suspicion looms over his sudden death in a helicopter crash, as conflicting narratives abound regarding its true nature. Delve into the moral dilemmas faced by military leaders in war and the ripple effects of one man's decisions on a nation's fate, with chilling insights from eyewitness accounts.
Mar 25, 2025 • 11min
Goodluck Jonathan’s phone call that changed Nigeria
Joined by Ruben Abati, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan, listeners explore a transformative moment in Nigeria's political history. Ruben shares insights on Jonathan's groundbreaking phone call to Muhammadu Buhari, congratulating him after the 2015 election. This pivotal act marked the first peaceful transition of power in Nigeria, showcasing resilience in a nation often marred by electoral violence. The discussion highlights the significance of prioritizing peace and national unity in times of political turmoil.
Mar 24, 2025 • 10min
The Germanwings plane crash
General David Galtier, who led the search and rescue operation after the tragic Germanwings plane crash, shares firsthand insights from that harrowing day in March 2015. He reflects on the surreal sight of debris scattered across the French Alps and the emotional toll of returning victims' belongings to their families. Galtier discusses the chilling last moments of Flight 4U 9525 and the disturbing realization of the co-pilot’s intentions following the cockpit voice recorder's revelations. His account reveals the profound impact of the disaster on both individuals and the airline industry.
Mar 21, 2025 • 10min
The visionary behind the European Space Agency
Andrea Amaldi, grandson of the legendary scientist Edoardo Amaldi, shares a touching story about sending his grandfather's letter to space aboard the Edoardo Amaldi Automated Transfer Vehicle. He discusses Edoardo’s visionary role in establishing the European Space Agency, aimed at uniting Europe's brightest scientific minds. The conversation delves into the emotional weight of sending a personal message to the stars and highlights a family's historical legacy intertwined with the evolution of space exploration in Europe.
