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Stuff You Missed in History Class

Latest episodes

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9 snips
May 10, 2025 • 37min

SYMHC Classics: Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin

Explore the inspiring journey of Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, a pioneering astronomer who shattered gender barriers in the early 20th century. Discover her fierce determination to pursue education against societal odds, including her struggle to gain admission to Cambridge. Learn about her groundbreaking research that transformed our understanding of stars. This tale of resilience not only highlights her scientific contributions but also serves as a beacon for future generations of female scientists.
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11 snips
May 9, 2025 • 28min

Behind the Scenes Minis: Altina and Saving Babies

Explore the dynamic family life of Altina Schinasi and her complex relationships. Delve into her bold choices regarding motherhood and societal norms. Discover the amusing history of nursing uniform disputes at the Boston Floating Hospital, highlighting the quirks of the past. Enjoy heartwarming tales that stress the importance of optimism amidst current events, especially those touching on babies. The hosts blend humor with genuine narratives, reminding us to cherish uplifting stories in life.
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12 snips
May 7, 2025 • 39min

Boston Floating Hospital

Discover the fascinating story of a children's hospital that floated in Boston Harbor, providing care during a turbulent time in the city's history. Learn about its innovative approach to patient care and the critical role of clean air in recovery. Explore the courageous vision behind its creation and the extensive community support that made it possible. The podcast also highlights advances in infant nutrition and the hospital's response to public health crises, revealing how this unique institution reshaped healthcare for families in need.
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10 snips
May 5, 2025 • 39min

Altina Schinasi

Explore the intriguing life of Altina Schinasi, creator of the iconic cat-eye glasses. Discover her immigrant roots and the evolution of her artistic ambitions amidst personal trials. Unearth her tumultuous transition from a glamorous but unfulfilling marriage to becoming a groundbreaking eyewear designer. Learn about her journey through love, loss, and activist art, all while navigating a politically charged America. The podcast celebrates her remarkable legacy, blending humor and shared stories that resonate with listeners.
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7 snips
May 3, 2025 • 27min

SYMHC Classics: Franz Nopsca

Dive into the fascinating life of Baron Franz Nopsca, a paleontologist whose adventurous spirit led him from dinosaur discoveries to Albanian politics. Explore his unique path as an amateur scientist challenging norms, his daring espionage missions, and the deep connections he forged along the way. Delve into his complex legacy, the struggles he faced, and the personal battles that overshadowed his contributions. From groundbreaking theories to a tragic end, Nopsca's story is one of innovation, exploration, and ultimately, human fragility.
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6 snips
May 2, 2025 • 17min

Behind the Scenes Minis: Small Fruit Division and Dorseys

Discover the allure of nostalgic fruits like Bartlett pears and boysenberries, intertwined with personal culinary memories. Learn about the Dorsey family, whose contributions to Philadelphia's catering industry left a lasting impact while navigating 19th-century racial dynamics. Explore the historical context of individuals escaping enslavement in the Deep South, highlighting their diverse experiences. Plus, get insights into modern solutions for dry eyes and the value of curiosity in investing. It's a blend of culinary delights and rich historical stories!
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8 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 37min

Two Dorseys: Thomas J. and William Henry

Thomas J. Dorsey liberated himself from enslavement and became one of the most sought-after caterers in Philadelphia. His son William Henry Dorsey was born a free Black man before the Civil War, and became an artist, collector and scrapbooker. Research: "Thomas J. Dorsey." Contemporary Black Biography, vol. 90, Gale, 2011. Gale In Context: U.S. History, link.gale.com/apps/doc/K1606005269/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=0c6af117. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025. 1838 Black Metropolis. “What Resistance looked like in 1838.” https://www.1838blackmetropolis.com/post/what-resistance-looked-like-in-1838 Aston Gonzalez (2019) William Dorsey and the construction of an African American history archive, Social Dynamics, 45:1, 138-155, DOI: 10.1080/02533952.2019.1589323 Berlin, Ira. "UNIVERSITY PRESSES; Scrapbooks of a Black Heritage." The New York Times Book Review, 22 Sept. 1991. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A175323797/GPS?u=mlin_n_melpub&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=cdf57532. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025. Cashin, Sheryll. “The Agitator's Daughter: A Memoir of Four Generations of One Extraordinary African-American Family.” Public Affairs. 2008. Conrad, Sharron Wilkins. “Nineteenth-Century Philadelphia Caterer Thomas J. Dorsey.” American Visions. August/September 2000. Cromwell, J.W.C. “An Art Gallery and Museum, Not In the Guide Book.” New National Era, Washington D.C. 10/1/1874. https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn84026753/1874-10-01/ed-1/?sp=2&st=text&r=0.437,-0.008,0.25,0.231,0 Du Bois, W. E. B. “The Philadelphia Negro; A Social Study.” Philadelphia, Published for the University. 1899. https://archive.org/details/philadelphianegr00dubo/ Franqui, Leah. “Cultural Histories: Philadelphia’s Black Culinary Trailblazers and the Birth of Catering.” Solo Real Estate. https://www.solorealty.com/blog/cultural-histories-philadelphias-black-culinary-trailblazers-and-the-birth-of-catering/ Greenlee, Cynthia. “A Priceless Archive of Ordinary Life.” The Atlantic. 2/9/2021. https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/02/race-save-black-history-archives/617932/ Howard, Sherry. “Connecting with a 19th-century Black history & art collector.” Auction Finds. https://myauctionfinds.com/2021/04/01/connecting-with-a-19th-century-black-history-art-collector/ Lane, Roger. “Willam Dorsey’s Philadelphia and Ours.” Oxford University Press. 1991. “Seen and Heard in Many Places.” The Philadelphia Times. 10/19/1896. “Seen And Heard in Many Places.” The Philadelphia Times. 10/17/1896. Morehouse College. “Honoring a Forgotten Past: An Author’s Journey.” 2/15/2021. https://news.morehouse.edu/morehouse-faculty/honoring-a-forgotten-past-an-authors-journey Solomon, Tessa. “How Two African American Collectors Celebrated Black Artistry Amid the Civil War.” ArtNews. 4/7/2021. https://www.artnews.com/feature/who-are-william-henry-dorsey-edward-thomas-19th-century-collectors-1234587386/ Still, William. “The underground rail road. A record of facts, authentic narratives, letters, &c., narrating the hardships, hair-breadth escapes, and death struggles of the slaves in their efforts for freedom, as related by themselves and others, or witnessed by the author; together with sketches of some of the largest stockholders, and most liberal aiders and advisers, of the road.” Philadelphia, Porter & Coates. 1872. https://archive.org/details/undergroundrailr00stil Strimer, Steve. "Dorsey, Basil." Oxford African American Studies Center. May 31, 2013. Oxford University Press. Date of access 2 Apr. 2025, https://oxfordaasc-com.proxy.bostonathenaeum.org/view/10.1093/acref/9780195301731.001.0001/acref-9780195301731-e-38488 TerBush, James and Barbara Dreyfuss. “A Cape May Connection.” Cape May Magazine. Mid-summer 2021. https://www.capemaymag.com/feature/a-cape-may-connection/ The Evening Telegraph. “Caterers and Restaurateurs.” 3/30/1867. https://www.newspapers.com/image/78649823/ The Manuscript Society. “William Henry Dorsey: Preserving Black History.” 2/16/2021. https://manuscript.org/2021/02/william-henry-dorsey-preserviing-19th-century-life/ The Philadelphia Inquirer. 2/23/1875. Page 5. https://www.newspapers.com/image/168293006/ The Philadelphia Times. “William H. Dorsey’s African Museum.” 10/25/1896. https://www.newspapers.com/image/52857231/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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4 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 33min

Eponymous Foods: Fruits

Dive into the quirky stories behind eponymous fruits! Discover the hilarious coping strategies of the hosts as they discuss the boysenberry’s fascinating origin tied to a dedicated park superintendent. Unravel the journey of clementines through colonial Algeria and their rise in popularity today. Plus, explore shifting citrus trends and the intersection of food with cultural commentary sparked by listener feedback. It’s a delightful mix of history, humor, and fruit lore!
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11 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 36min

SYMHC Classics: Hatshepsut

This 2019 episode covers Hatshepsut, who sent a huge expedition to Punt in the 15th century B.C.E. The expedition to Punt is also an important and illustrative part of Hatshepsut’s reign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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7 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 16min

Behind the Scenes Minis: Wanda’s Motivations

Holly shares a theory on why Wanda Gág didn’t drink. There is also discussion of Gág’s medical issues and how they were handled by doctors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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