Curator's Choice: Recent Episodes
Ayla Anderson
Like history? Love museums? Curator's Choice is an interview-style podcast with each episode featuring a new museum and the history of two extraordinary artifacts/exhibits housed there. A new episode is posted every first and third Tuesday of the month.
Ever wondered what makes Indian River citrus the sweetest in the world? Join us as we explore the Indian River Citrus Museum. With Heather Stapleton as our guide, we unravel the historical significance and modern cultivation practices that make the fruit so remarkable. From Queen Isabella's explorers bringing sour orange seeds to Henry Flagler's transformative railroad, you'll gain fascinating insights into the vibrant history of Florida's citrus industry.
🍊 Savoring the Sweet Legacy of Florida's Citrus 🌴
Join us as we uncover the unique characteristics that differentiate Florida citrus from its Californian counterparts. Heather explains how the state's climate, sandy soils, and high water table contribute to the unparalleled juiciness and sweetness of Indian River citrus. Learn about the concept of BRIX measurement and how it quantifies the sweetness of citrus juice, making Florida's fruit a standout.
🍋 A Fruitful Community 👨👩👧👦
The Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum aren't just about fruit—they're about community. Heather shares heartwarming stories, like her nostalgic calamondin-inspired cupcake competition that brought joy to locals. Discover how the museum has evolved from a community building to a cherished event space while preserving Vero Beach's cultural heritage. Whether it's hosting festive holiday parties or offering a slice of home to visiting college baseball teams, this space continues to foster a strong sense of community.
🔗 Episode Links:
Indian River Citrus Museum:
https://www.veroheritage.org/citrus-museum/
Indian River Citrus Museum’s Oral Histories: “Stories from the Grove”
https://www.veroheritage.org/-stories-from-the-groves/
Florida Cowboy’s article:
https://www.flamingomag.com/2021/10/18/how-these-ranchers-are-carrying-on-the-little-known-legacy-of-florida-cowboys/
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In this episode, we take a deep dive into the real story of Johnny Appleseed—exploring the man behind the myth. Was he truly the eccentric figure who wore a tin pot as a hat? How did his Swedenborgian faith influence his life's mission? We uncover the origins of this small religious sect, examining Johnny's unique spiritual path and his role in shaping the American frontier.
🍏 Unveiling Johnny Appleseed: Myths, Faith, and Apples 🌱
We discuss Johnny Appleseed's nonlinear journey as an entrepreneur and his deep connection to the Swedenborgian Bible, which guided him in planting apple orchards for pioneers expanding westward in pursuit of Manifest Destiny. The episode also explores how these orchards helped support the westward expansion and highlights a special pewter spoon—diving into its historical significance and how even small, everyday objects can tell powerful stories of the past.
🔗 Episode LinksJohnny Appleseed Education Center and Museum: https://www.johnnyappleseedmuseum.org/
Delights of Wisdom Concerning Conjugial Love: After which Follow Pleasures of Insanity Concerning Scortatory Love, by Emanuel Swedenborg: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11248
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
In today's episode, we take you on an immersive journey into the fascinating world of swimming giants at the Whales of Iceland Museum. Located in Reykjavik, this one-of-a-kind museum is home to over 25 life-size whale models, including the awe-inspiring blue whale, the largest animal to have ever existed.
🌊 Echoes of the Deep 🐋
Join us as we uncover the crucial roles whales play in our oceans, from carbon sequestration to fertilizing marine ecosystems. We'll also trace their incredible evolutionary path from land-dwelling mammals to the ocean's giants. Plus, we dive into the remarkable sensory abilities of whales and the challenges they face in today's world, such as the impacts of noise pollution. And yes, we'll even talk about what whale poop can reveal about their health!
🔗 Episode Links
Whales of Iceland Museum: https://www.whalesoficeland.is/
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Ever wondered how graffiti evolved from gang-related tags to a celebrated art movement? Join me, Ayla Sparks, as we unravel the vivid history of graffiti, starting with Cornbread, the Philadelphia pioneer who turned the city into his personal canvas all to impress a girl named Cynthia. Through his story, we trace graffiti's metamorphosis from an act of defiance to a widely recognized artistic expression, capturing the spirit of an era that challenged conventions.
🎨 From Street Gangs to Art Galleries 🖼️
In this episode, we dismantle the stereotypes and legal challenges surrounding graffiti, questioning whether it's mere vandalism or a profound cultural statement. We'll explore how graffiti artists revolutionized the spray paint industry and gained mainstream acceptance in galleries and public spaces. Learn how the Museum of Graffiti in Miami is honoring this dynamic art form, offering insights into its rich history and evolving perception. From the clandestine world of street tags to the halls of art institutions, discover the dual lives of modern graffiti artists and the exciting exhibitions that celebrate their journey.
🔗 Episode Links
https://museumofgraffiti.com/
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Join us for an enlightening journey through the rich history and diverse ecosystems of the White Mountains, also known as the "Switzerland of America." Discover the ancient origins of the Appalachian Mountains and their profound geological and cultural significance. We'll highlight the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Abenaki communities, whose enduring legacy is under threat from an invasive insect species.
🧺 Of Baskets and Borers: Abenaki Basketry and Conservation Efforts 🌲
We delve into the “Of Baskets and Borers” exhibit, we explore the severe threat posed by the emerald ash borer to ash trees, disrupting delicate ecosystems and endangering the tradition of Abenaki basketry. Discover the natural history of ash trees that makes them a favorite among skilled basket weavers and learn how the Emerald Ash Borer is decimating these vital trees. The exhibit also highlights promising conservation efforts, including naturally resistant ash trees, the use of parasitoid wasps to control the borer population, and protective insecticide injections.
🔗 Episode Links
Museum of the White Mountains (MWM): https://www.plymouth.edu/mwm/
MWM Youtube lecture series: https://www.youtube.com/@mwmpsu
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📅 A Date Which Will Live in InfamyToday, we reflect on December 7, 1941—a date that will live in infamy. On this day, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. With Amanda Sheley as our guide, we delve into the attack on Pearl Harbor at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Hawaii. Join us as we uncover the reality of the attack, which extended beyond Pearl Harbor to multiple airfields on Oahu. We examine the circumstances that both aided and hindered the response of U.S. forces, including chaotic communication efforts, technological limitations, and human errors.
🤝 Unsung HeroesAmidst this chaos, unsung heroes emerge, such as in the Niʻihau Incident where a native Hawaiian woman played a crucial role in what became the first battle of WWII. We also highlight the rallying of local communities to support the war effort, exemplified by the model airplane project in which students meticulously crafted 500,000 exact models to train soldiers in field identification. Additionally, we discuss the tragic fate of three men who were trapped underwater with no hope of rescue for over two weeks aboard the sunken USS West Virginia.
🎖️ Heroism and Impact
This episode delves into stories of true heroism in the face of adversity and explores the profound and lasting impact Pearl Harbor had on world history. Please note, this episode contains depictions of death and may not be suitable for all listeners.
🔗 Episode Links
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: https://www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org
Day of Infamy Speech: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Infamy_speech
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This week we head to Virginia to visit Luray Caverns, the most highly decorated caverns in the world according to the Smithsonian. In this episode, we hear from three professionals who share the history of the caverns, the science behind the decorating formations, and how The Great Stalacpipe Organ creates music.
Phantom ChasersLuray Caverns was discovered on August 13th, 1878 by three local men: Andrew J. Campbell (a local tinsmith), William Campbell, and local photographer Benton Stebbins. These fellows were prospecting for a show cave as they knew of a cave in southern Virginia that was open and giving tours. If they could find a cave, they too could make some money.
They spent a whole summer looking at every sinkhole on every farmer's land, all around town. The townspeople thought they were crazy, calling them “Phantom Chasers”. Eventually, the group came across one particular sinkhole. When they put their hands down, they felt cool air coming out of a quarter-size hole in the ground. They enlarged the hole enough for one man, Andrew Campbell, to slide down on a rope with a candle in hand. They discovered what they were looking for, one of the largest caverns in the world.
The Science of Cavern DecorCavern formations are created when water on the surface infiltrates into the ground. It picks up minerals that are in the soil and rock as it seeps into the earth.
Eventually, it enters the cavern system through microscopic pores in the rock. As the water drips and flows in, it deposits those minerals along the ceilings, walls, and floors. And over many, many years those minerals build up and reconstitute into these larger formations.
On average, scientists estimate that formations at Luray take around 120 years to grow one cubic inch. The largest formation in the cavern system is 40 feet tall, 120 feet in circumference at the base, and is an estimated seven and a half million years old. It’s called the Giant Redwood Tree as it resembles the trunk of a giant Sequoia.
The Great Stalacpipe OrganMr. Leland Sprinkles brought his son to Luray Caverns for his fifth birthday. At the time, tour guides would play a tune on the stalactites and stalagmites by striking them with a mallet. This gave Mr. Sprinkles, an engineer and organist, the idea to create a playable organ using the cave’s formations. With an agreement over a handshake, Sprinkles began developing the organ.
He would scout for tones by striking the formations and pick those that were closest. Then he would tune them to concert pitch by sanding them down. It was first played in 1957 and is still in use today. It covers three and a half acres, making it the world’s largest natural musical instrument!
Episode Links:
- Luray Caverns webpage: https://luraycaverns.com/
- Discovery of Luray Caverns, Virginia by Russell H. Gurneebook: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/discovery-of-luray-caverns-virginia_russell-h-gurnee/1801668/item/8715266/#edition=727824&idiq=32909429
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Join us as we delve into the tragic and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe, one of literature's most intriguing figures. Discover his legacy and unravel the secrets of his life at the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.
🕯️ Melancholy and Masterpieces 🎭
Explore how Poe's tumultuous adolescence, marked by loss and upheaval, fostered a sense of melancholy that permeated his future works, including "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Raven," and my personal favorite, "The Tell-Tale Heart." Discover often overlooked aspects of Poe's life, such as his career as a book critic, his role as the inventor of the detective story, and his fascination with the cosmos.
🔍 Unveiling Poe's Life, Death, and Legacy ⚰️ Even in death, Poe remains shrouded in intrigue, with his body being reburied no less than three times in the same cemetery. We'll also examine the legend of the Poe Toaster, a mysterious cloaked figure who sneaked into the cemetery and left a tribute for Poe on his birthday until 2009.
🔗 Episode Links
- Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum: https://www.poeinbaltimore.org/
- Complete Works of Poe: https://poemuseum.org/poes-complete-works/
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Ever wondered how a humble canned meat could become a cultural icon? Join us as we uncover the rich history and global legacy of Spam. We'll take you back to its origins in Austin, Minnesota, where Jay Hormel's quest for a fully cooked ham led to the creation of Spam 87 years ago. Discover how this innovative product became a vital food source for soldiers during World War II and evolved into a beloved household staple in the post-war era. Our journey will take us around the globe, highlighting Spam's immense popularity in South Korea, the Philippines, and Japan.
🐖 From Humble Origins to Global Culinary Icon 🥫
Get ready to be enthralled by the stories, traditions, and crazy recipes that surround Spam. We'll debunk some common misconceptions about Spam, delve into its 6 ingredient recipe, and explore how its formulation has evolved over the years. From unique culinary creations like Spam Musubi to the vibrant Spam Jam celebration in Hawaii, this episode is packed with delicious inspiration. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Spam phenomenon, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation and perhaps even a few ideas for your next meal.
🧀 SPAM Species 🧄
Classic Spam
Spam Lite
Spam Less Sodium
Spam with Real Hormel Bacon
Spam Hickory Smoke
Spam Hot & Spicy
Spam Jalapeño
Spam Black Pepper
Spam Teriyaki
Spam Oven Roasted Turkey
Spam Garlic
Spam Tocino
Spam Portuguese Sausage
Spam Chorizo
Spam Cheese
Spam Single Classic
Spam Single Lite
Spam Single Hickory Smoke
Spam Single Hot & Spicy
Spam Spread
Spam Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice
🔗 Episode Links
SPAM Museum: https://www.spam.com/museum
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Step behind the neon glow with me as we venture into a radiant corner of Las Vegas history at the Neon Sign Museum. With Aaron Berger as our guide, we delve into a treasure trove of glowing lights that tell the story of Sin City.
🎰 Illuminating Las Vegas's Past and Preserving Its Glow 💡
Las Vegas's neon signs are more than just advertisements; they're historical landmarks that reveal the city's (dark and light) past. In this episode, you'll learn the ins and outs of neon sign restoration and how unique leasing arrangements inadvertently became a lifeline for preserving these glowing artifacts. Among the stories highlighted is that of the Moulin Rouge sign, which marked the first integrated casino in the United States and was created by a rarity in the sign industry, Betty Willis.
🎲 Weaving Neon into the Heartbeat of Las Vegas 💖
We'll also delve into the city's mission to weave these signs into the community's heartbeat, installing them in public spaces, and even enshrining their maintenance in law — exemplified by the legendary cowboy Vegas Vic. Whether you are looking for free aspirin, tender sympathies, or the brightest lights in town, the city that never sleeps has something for everyone.
🔗 Episode LinksNeon Sign Museum: https://neonmuseum.org/
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Embark on a captivating journey through the life of the legendary Babe Ruth, from his humble beginnings in Pig Town to his towering fame in American baseball. Dive deep into the story behind his iconic status, dispelling myths and revealing the influences that shaped him early on. Explore the man behind the legend, tracing his roots from Pig Town to the pivotal moment he signed his first professional contract.
🌟Babe Ruth: The Man. The Myth. The Legend⚾️
Our narrative delves into the gritty world of early 20th-century baseball, uncovering the forces that propelled Ruth from the minor leagues to the Yankees. Discover intimate details of his life, including his unconventional wedding and his affection for children, offering a glimpse into the private side of this public figure.
⚾️A Legend's Lasting Impact on Baseball History🏆
Concluding our journey, we reflect on Babe Ruth's monumental impact, from the frenzy of his fame to his lasting influence on the Yankees and the sport itself. Through personal stories and historical insights, we paint a vivid picture of Ruth's enduring legacy, echoing through the annals of baseball history.
🔗Episode Links
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum: https://baberuthmuseum.org/
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
All aboard as we delve into Maryland's captivating trolley history at the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum. Uncover how these transport marvels transformed rural connections, surprising even in funeral processions. With Reuben Moss leading the way, we unravel the intricate impact of trolleys on local trade, education, and the agricultural economy.
💡 Boonesboro's Trolley Tales: Cantaloupes, Power Plants, and Electric Parks! 🎡
This episode delves into the history of Boonesboro, famed for its juicy cantaloupes and bustling trolley system—one of the nation's largest rural-urban networks. Experience the thrill of riding these trolleys and discover the Frederick Company's entrepreneurial zeal as it powered beyond transportation, electrifying rural Maryland with power plants and vibrant electric parks that became community hubs of leisure and excitement.
🎶 Trolley's Last Stand: From Wheels to Wisdom! 📚
Discover the fate of the final four trolleys, some transformed into vibrant libraries!Finally, we share the story of a Washington D.C. DJ who had a dual passion for Beatles tunes and trolley lore, whose efforts have preserved the echoes of the trolley bells in a museum that stands as a testament to this bygone but never-dimming era of transportation's enchanting past.
The Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society
Oral History Project
This Society is collecting visual and audio records of individuals with stories of the trolley line. These records are added to the Society's archives where they can be used for education and research. If you have a story you would like to share, reach out to Reuben at reuben@hrhs.org or write to:
H&FRHS Inc.
P.O. Box 1314
Frederick, MD 21702
www.hfrhs.org/oralhistory
🔗 Episode Links
National Road Museum: NationalRDFoundation.org
Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society: https://hfrhs.org
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Embark with us on a highway through history as we unravel the fabric of America's love affair with her roads. From the meticulous preservation efforts of past pathways in Frederick County to the lonely stretches of Nevada's Route 50, this episode is a true homage to the arteries that have shaped our nation. With guest Bob Savitt, we witness the celebratory opening of a museum dedicated to the National Road, the very first highway funded by the federal government. Join us as we discuss its evolution from trade route to leisure destination.
🚦 Road Evolution 🚗
Discover the various innovations in road development, from ancient Macadam techniques to modern paving, and how these advancements reflect America's cultural and infrastructural growth. The conversation also highlights the Good Roads Movement and the advent of automobiles, mapping out how these critical shifts influenced the way we experience road travel today.
🛣️ Time Traveler's Rest 🕰️
Finally, take a brief respite at some historical mile markers, the original rest stops that offered sanctuary for weary travelers and their steeds. So tune in, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for a ride through time on the fascinating roads of America's past.
The open houses we will be holding for the National Road Museum will be:
- Saturday April 27, 9am - 5pm during the Boonsboro Spring Jubilee. A townwide spring festival with activities at several local businesses, all of the museums and in the park. The town is also planning to have carriage rides available!
- Sunday May 19, 11am - 4pm, during the arrival of the National Road Wagon Train, a collection of horse-drawn wagons that makes the three-day journey on the National Pike from Clear Spring just west of the city, through Hagerstown and Funkstown and ending their trip in Boonsboro.
- Saturday June 1, hours TBD. The peak date of the National Road Yard Sale where people along the road from Baltimore to St. Louis set up yard sales on the same weekend, and the last Saturday of the Boonsboro Fire Department Carnival in the park just behind the museums.
🔗 Episode LinksNational Road Heritage Foundation https://nationalrdfoundation.org/national-road-museum/
Direct donation link for the National Road Museum to make sure we can get several of the exhibits completed before the opening in October: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=pywWjsWVvmG2SuAg8IrmK7rK62NUPn0mHW_QGTVedC8mMCisLKz-X9P1XaQR1byC58M8LvdV8eCZLiH9
Maryland Byways tour information for people who want to do a roadtrip on the Maryland segment of the road: https://www.visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/historic-national-road
Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society (for the trolley history): https://hfrhs.org
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Embark on a journey into the heart of Baltimore where the first dental school took root, revolutionizing oral health care. We'll reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the dire need for dental regulation, from sideshow jaw hackers to educated dentistry professionals.
🔧 From Baltimore's Roots to Regal Dentures 🦷
With Scott Swank as our guide, we reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the need for regulation, professional associations, and medical journals, transforming the landscape of dentistry. From extracting teeth from the mouths of the city's poorest to showcasing the most luxurious dental tools fit for royalty, we delve into the stark contrast between the struggles of early dental care and the opulence of elite dentistry.
😁 Teeth, Technology, and Oral Narratives 🧚♂️
Hear the captivating truth behind George Washington's dentures, a tale far removed from the myth of wooden chompers. Get the inside scoop on the intricate craftsmanship of these dental devices, made from materials like hippopotamus ivory, and the exclusive nature of dentures in the 18th century. We pay homage to John Greenwood, Washington's trusted dentist, whose skill with dentures proved indispensable to our nation's first president. Join us as we sift through the complex layers of this historic dental story, from the origins of oral folklore to stem cell innovations in tooth replacement.
🔗 Episode Links:
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry: www.dentalmuseum.com
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Step into the whispered secrets of the past and uncover the echoes of history within the walls of the Lee-Fendall House. With our guide, Jenny Waters, we stroll through the timeline of this architectural marvel, from its conception in 1785 by Philip Richard Fendall to its dramatic roles during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. We'll weigh the gravity of a potential name change for this historic house museum, contemplating the delicate balance between historical accuracy and the enduring legacy of its name as we near its 50th anniversary as a cherished public space.
🕵️♂️ Whispers of the Past: Intrigues and Intricacies within Lee-Fendall's Walls
The lives that intertwined with the Lee-Fendall House are as varied as they are compelling. We trace the ownership from the poignant story of Dr. Robert Fleming, whose chapter at the house was cut short by tuberculosis, to Robert Downham, a Freemason and business titan whose Prohibition-era adventures still linger in the home's aura. As we reveal the storied past of these walls, you'll hear about the high-profile guests, the whispers of undercover liquor trade, and the curious mysteries left behind, culminating in our annual fundraiser that draws inspiration from these Prohibition tales.
🏛️🔍 From Cane Chronicles to Prohibition Tales: Unveiling the Legacy of John L. Lewis
Closing our exploration, we delve into the complex persona of John L. Lewis, the final private owner of the house, whose leadership in the labor movement left an indelible mark on American history. His intriguing cane collection offers a physical connection to the past, with each piece holding its own hidden narrative, including a cane with a secret message that sheds light on the intimate bond between historic figures and their cherished possessions. Prepare to connect with history in a way you've never experienced before, as these artifacts bridge the gap between yesterday's stories and today's reflections.
🔗 Episode Links:
Lee-Fendall House Gardens & Museum: https://leefendallhouse.org/
The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion, (1861-65): https://archive.org/details/b21934629_0003
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Step into the glittering past of Las Vegas and discover how the city's infamous mobsters played a pivotal role in its rise to fame. Our journey chronicles the visionaries like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel, who laid the foundations of modern Vegas, and the likes of Moe Dalitz and Benny Binion, who left indelible marks on the city's landscape. Listen to the tales of ambition, power, and downfall that encapsulate the era when the mob ran the roost - a time that forever changed the face of this desert oasis and turned it into an international haven for entertainment and sin.
🔒 Unlocking America's Criminal Underbelly
This episode offers a rare glimpse into Al Capone's empire-building tactics, where talent trumped ethnicity and law enforcement's battle against the cunning of organized crime led to monumental advancements in policing. We don't just recount these tales; we dissect the symbiotic evolution of criminal enterprises and crime-fighting techniques that have shaped American society. Join us for a narrative that juxtaposes the mob's ruthless reality with its glamorized pop culture image, revealing the true cost of crime.
🔗 Episode Links:
Mob Museumhttps://themobmuseum.org/
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Step into the quirky and captivating realm of the Poozeum, where fossilized feces are not only objects of curiosity but also a cultural phenomenon reshaping our understanding of natural history. Guiding you through this journey is your host Ayla Sparks and Coprolite Captain George Frandsen, who boasts an extraordinary repository of over 8,000 coprolites and holds two Guinness World records.
💩 Unveiling the Secrets of Fossilized Droppings
These coprolites aren't your garden-variety rocks; they're fossilized droppings that offer a unique glimpse into the diets and lifestyles of ancient earthlings. In this episode, we delve into George's remarkable journey—from his first encounter with a coprolite to his ascent as a world record holder.
🦕 VIP's (Very Important Poops)
Witness the transformation of this unparalleled collection from a digital marvel to a dynamic traveling exhibit, breathing new life into museum halls and captivating audiences of all ages. Prepare to be amazed by the tales of these fossil VIPs (Very Important Poops), from specimens bearing evidence of shark bites to the largest coprolite fossil in the world.
🏆 Securing a Guinness World Record...of Feces!
George shares the meticulous process behind earning a coveted spot in the Guinness World Records and extends an open invitation to explore the Poozeum's offerings. Whether you're a seasoned natural history enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the educational and unconventional, this episode promises a story unlike any other.
Episode Links
Poozeum website: https://poozeum.com
Turtle Shell Impression in a Coprolite by Godfrey, Weems, and Palmer: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10420940.2017.1386662?scroll=top&needAccess=true
Poozeum Etsy Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Poozeum
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Step aboard a journey through time as we illuminate the remarkable tale of the Drum Point Lighthouse! Your host Ayla Sparks and guest Kevin Allor guide you through the immersive chronicles of this iconic beacon and the dedicated souls who tended to its flame. From guiding vessels through the Chesapeake Bay's misty waters in the 1800s to its triumphant resurgence following years of neglect, the Drum Point Lighthouse's saga is as captivating as the resilient keepers who ensured its luminance never dimmed.
🏡 Cottage-Style Design and Daily Keeper Lives
Step into the quaint quarters of the Drum Point Lighthouse and explore the ingenious screw pile cottage-style design that anchored it in the soft silt of the Chesapeake Bay. Experience the daily challenges of isolation faced by the keepers and delve into their captivating stories forever etched in lighthouse logbooks.
📚 U.S. Lighthouse Service Library Box
Explore the day-to-day life of the Weems and Yeatman families who made it their home. Their narratives, marked by ingenuity and resilience, reveal the reality of living in isolation, relying on innovative solutions for supply deliveries, and the comfort brought by the US Lighthouse Service Library boxes – a fascinating traveling library that brought literary treasures to the keepers and their families.
📜 A Legacy Preserved
Through meticulous record-keeping and relics from the Drum Point Lighthouse, this episode pieces together a life of reliance on the Chesapeake's bounty, the innovative use of fog warning systems, and the personal triumphs amidst societal upheavals, including Prohibition and World War II. Heartwarming heroics and lively tales of illicit activities color the history of these guardians of the light.
Episode Links
Calvert Marine Museum: https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Discover a treasure trove of history as your host Ayla Sparks, along with guest Jess Cragg, take you through the industrial evolution of Pensacola, Florida. Our episode unearths how the Industrial Revolution reshaped a fort town into a center of progress, revealing the ingenuity behind Snapper Smacks and the monumental role of trains like the T.R. Miller Mill Company Steam Engine #12. As we walk through time, you'll be captivated by the narratives of industries, from timber to turpentine, that left an indelible mark on the Gulf Coast.
🌊 Maritime Saga: Red Snapper Industry
Step into the past with vibrant tales of Pensacola's maritime saga, where the red snapper industry reigned supreme before succumbing to overfishing and ecological challenges. We canvas the transformative impact of trains on the local economy and share the poignant history of brick making in a sandy region. The rise of the Pensacola Ice Company and its revolutionary fish preservation methods unfold, painting a picture of innovation amidst adversity. The Museum of Industry stands as a testament to these stories, with artifacts that connect you to a time of bustling industry and cultural richness.
☠️ Pirate Archaeology and Turpentine?
Shift to the darker side of the Gulf of Mexico as we explore pirate archaeology and the turpentine industry's reliance on penal labor. Discover the realities of the pirate's life beyond romanticized tales through the co-authored book "Deadman's Chest." Jess Cragg's insights provide a unique lens into the past that continues to shape the present and future of this coastal gem.
Episode Links:
"Dead Man's Chest: Exploring the Archaeology of Piracy" Co-authored by Jess Cragg: https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/227/edited_volume/book/111420
Guest:
Jessie Cragg earned her Bachelors in History, with a minor in Archaeology, from the University of Georgia. She earned her Master's in History/Public History from the University of West Florida, focusing on colonial and early republic maritime history. She has previously worked for Gulf Islands National Seashore, the Pensacola Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, and Emerald Coast Tours but is currently the Curator of Exhibits at the UWF Historic Trust. She also serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Pensacola History Illustrated, a publication of the Historic Trust. She is currently the Vice President of the Northwest Florida Maritime Landscape Alliance for Preservation, and recently co-authored a book chapter with Mike Thomin on identifying pirates in the archaeological record. Jessie is also a certified SCUBA diver, and is about to start the Heritage Awareness Diver specialty course, so while not at work she spends most of her spare time under the water.
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Curator’s Choice is back and better than ever! We're thrilled to unveil a fresh design, upgraded mic equipment, and an array of new museums and artifacts to share with you. Get ready for some upcoming highlights, including a visit to the Poozeum – yes, you heard that right! We'll also be exploring the enchanting Drum Point Lighthouse, the delectable Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and so much more. Could an interview with the Smithsonian Museum be in the cards? From ancient relics to modern marvels, brace yourself for a season filled with exhilarating artifacts and captivating guest interviews!
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
On today’s episode, join host Ayla Sparks as she embarks on a captivating journey through the evolution of roadway travel at the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum in Luray, Virginia. Our guest, Rod Graves, takes us on a tour of this remarkable institution, showcasing over 140 items that paint a vivid picture of transportation history. From the opulent mid-18th century Berlin Coup de Gala, emblematic of Portuguese nobility's grandeur, to the utilitarian charm of horsehair blankets and coal boxes that tell tales of early travelers' resourcefulness—this episode is a treasure trove for aficionados of motion and mechanics. Rod illuminates how the humble pursuits of the common man have propelled society forward, with artifacts that echo the cultural reverberations of their era.
🕰️ Uncovering History: The 1898 Benz Vis a Vis
Dive into the intriguing story behind the 1898 Benz Vis a Vis, a vehicle with roots tracing back to Carl Benz, often regarded as the father of the modern automobile. Learn how the Vis a Vis, meaning "face to face" in French, reflects the evolution of the automobile industry from horse-drawn carriages to the front-facing designs we know today. Explore the unique features that make this vehicle a timeless piece of automotive history.
🏰 Opulence Among Nobility: The Berlin Coupe de Gala
Switching gears (pun intended), we unravel the fascinating history of the mid-18th-century gilded coach—the Berlin Coupe de Gala. This opulent Berlin Carriage revolutionized travel for Portuguese nobility, incorporating a leather strap suspension system Remarkably, this carriage stands as one of the oldest on permanent display in the United States!
#CuratorsChoice #RoadwayTravel #TransportationHistory #CarMuseum #ArtOnWheels #BenzVisaVis #BerlinCoupeDeGala #PortugueseNobility #GildedCoach #PodcastJourney
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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers
Continuing our trek in Luray, Virginia, I meet with Isabela Graves from the Shenandoah Heritage Village Museum. She shares the incredible work she and her husband have been doing to preserve the history of the valley, and some truly spectacular artifacts housed there.
Shenandoah Heritage Village
The Shenandoah Heritage Village is a seven-acre re-creation of a small 19th century farming community made up of restored historic buildings, cottage style gardens, and a small vineyard with a scenic mountain backdrop. They even have a cafe and gem mining sluice!
Iron Stoves
It was a very complicated process, creating the highly decorated iron stoves. The artists would have to carve their design to create a wooden mold. Then that carving would be pressed into very hard sand, so molten iron could be poured in. These different plates of iron would then be assembled into a stove that could replace large, dangerous hearths. They were safer, easier to cook with, and really revolutionized kitchen life for colonials. And they were made with incredibly elaborate designs.
1539 Bible
This bible was not only an important religious relic, but also a catalog of historic events. It was printed in Zurich, Switzerland in 1536 by a Christopher Froschauer who was a printer of the Swiss Reformation. It has illustrations painted by Hans Holbein the Younger, the King's Painter to Henry VIII of England.
Episode Links:
- Shenandoah Heritage Village website: https://luraycaverns.com/attractions/shenandoah-heritage-village/
If you would like to see photos of this episode, click here.
This week we head to Virginia to visit Luray Caverns, the most highly decorated caverns in the world according to the Smithsonian. In this episode, we hear from three professionals who share the history of the caverns, the science behind the decorating formations, and how The Great Stalacpipe Organ creates music.
Phantom ChasersLuray Caverns was discovered on August 13th, 1878 by three local men: Andrew J. Campbell (a local tinsmith), William Campbell, and local photographer Benton Stebbins. These fellows were prospecting for a show cave as they knew of a cave in southern Virginia that was open and giving tours. If they could find a cave, they too could make some money.
They spent a whole summer looking at every sinkhole on every farmer's land, all around town. The townspeople thought they were crazy, calling them “Phantom Chasers”. Eventually, the group came across one particular sinkhole. When they put their hands down, they felt cool air coming out of a quarter-size hole in the ground. They enlarged the hole enough for one man, Andrew Campbell, to slide down on a rope with a candle in hand. They discovered what they were looking for, one of the largest caverns in the world.
The Science of Cavern DecorCavern formations are created when water on the surface infiltrates into the ground. It picks up minerals that are in the soil and rock as it seeps into the earth.
Eventually, it enters the cavern system through microscopic pores in the rock. As the water drips and flows in, it deposits those minerals along the ceilings, walls, and floors. And over many, many years those minerals build up and reconstitute into these larger formations.
On average, scientists estimate that formations at Luray take around 120 years to grow one cubic inch. The largest formation in the cavern system is 40 feet tall, 120 feet in circumference at the base, and is an estimated seven and a half million years old. It’s called the Giant Redwood Tree as it resembles the trunk of a giant Sequoia.
The Great Stalacpipe OrganMr. Leland Sprinkles brought his son to Luray Caverns for his fifth birthday. At the time, tour guides would play a tune on the stalactites and stalagmites by striking them with a mallet. This gave Mr. Sprinkles, an engineer and organist, the idea to create a playable organ using the cave’s formations. With an agreement over a handshake, Sprinkles began developing the organ.
He would scout for tones by striking the formations and pick those that were closest. Then he would tune them to concert pitch by sanding them down. It was first played in 1957 and is still in use today. It covers three and a half acres, making it the world’s largest natural musical instrument!
Episode Links:
- Luray Caverns webpage: https://luraycaverns.com/
- Discovery of Luray Caverns, Virginia by Russell H. Gurneebook: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/discovery-of-luray-caverns-virginia_russell-h-gurnee/1801668/item/8715266/#edition=727824&idiq=32909429
Episode 8: Marietta House Museum
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Julia Rose at the Marietta House Museum.
“Marietta House Museum houses the histories of multiple generations of families, free and enslaved, who lived and labored on the roughly 600 acres that made up Marietta Manor. The historic site holds the stories of how life was lived in agricultural Maryland from the Federal Era, Antebellum years, Civil War period, Jim Crow and Reconstruction through to the rise of the modern Civil Rights era in the early 20th century.”
The work done at the house primarily focuses on the slavery era and understanding the mechanics of that system, and the paradox of the legal language of Liberty. Silenced stories of enslaved individuals are shared, as well as the different avenues (legal and illegal at the time) that they used to pursue their freedom.
Gabriel Duval’s Law OfficeGabriel Duval was a very successful lawyer for enslaved people and their families who were filing petitions for freedom, freeing over 100 individuals throughout his career. He became a Supreme court associate justice during the time of President Madison, and his law office is found next to the Marietta House. It had contained a library of over 500 books and by examining the language of these texts, and comparing them to influential writings of the time, we can better understand the legal language and the definition of Liberty. However: “All men are created equal” did not apply to all men, and even Duval himself was dichotomous in this nature.
The Butler family, who Gabriel Duval enslaved in 1805, sued for their freedom in 1828. Though Duval was a lawyer for enslaved people who were filing petitions for freedom, he fought the Butler family in court for over three years. Though they were eventually successful, the legality of freedom was anything but simplistic.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
— second paragraph of the United States Declaration of Independence
Episode Links:
- Marietta House Museum: https://www.pgparks.com/3072/Marietta-House-Museum
- Slavery Inventory Database: https://slaveryinventorydatabase.com/
- Duval Family Association: https://www.duvalfamilyassociation.org/
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Robert Hicks, the previous Director of the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia. The Museum contains a collection of anatomical and pathological specimens, wax models, and antique medical equipment, and is part of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. Along with the many preserved specimens in the macabre repository, you can find the liver of conjoined twins Chang and Eng Bunker, a 40 lb colon, and anthropodermic books (or books bound in human skin).
Robert shares with us the history of some radioactive artifacts used by Marie Curie, including the Piezoelectric Quartz Electrometer, which is the oldest extant device for measuring radioactivity. We also learn about a very rare disorder called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), and an incredible individual who not only lived with the disorder but thrived through adversity and even donated her skeleton to be displayed at the Mutter (along with her jewelry, of course!).
CAROL ANN ORZEL
Carol Ann Orzel, born on April 20, 1959, was diagnosed with FOP as a child. When she was 23, she moved to a long-term care facility and spent the rest of her life there. Though her muscles were slowly turning to bone, she was a strong voice in disability activism, established communication networks with other individuals suffering from FOP, and advocated for more research into the disease (of which there currently is no cure). She was also quite the social butterfly, charming many with her bright personality and colorful jewelry. Upon her death, Carol wished for her skeleton to be displayed at the Mutter Museum, alongside the skeleton of Harry Raymond Eastlack Jr, who also suffered from FOP. She did have one condition, her jewelry must also be displayed next to her.
MARIE CURIE
Marie is best known for her pioneering research on radioactivity. She was a Polish and naturalized-French physicist and chemist who was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, the only woman to win the Nobel Prize twice, and the first person to win the Nobel Prize in two scientific fields.
Episode Links:
- Mutter Museum webpage: https://muttermuseum.org/
- Carol and Harry, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), Mutter Museum: https://muttermuseum.org/exhibitions/harry-and-carol
- Harry Eastlack with FOP, Mutter online exhibit: http://memento.muttermuseum.org/detail/fibrodysplasia-ossificans-progressiva
- The glowing graphic novel "Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie, A Tale of Love and Fallout" by Lauren Redniss: http://laurenredniss.com/radioactive/
- Dog Edition Conservation Canines: https://shows.dogpodcastnetwork.com/show/dog-edition/conservation-canines-dog-edition-51/
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Kristin DeGrace at the Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum in Maryland. She shares with us the incredible dream behind a vacation paradise destination, getting buried alive to make a living during the Great Depression, and about a railway trying to stay relevant in a changing world.
“In the late 1800s, a group of Colorado railroad men shared a dream to build a world-class seaside destination on the shores of the Chesapeake and a railroad to connect it to Washington, D.C. The official opening ceremony for the railway took place on June 9, 1900, and the last train departed on April 15, 1935. The amusements continued until the 1970s, evolving with the times. During its heyday, the Chesapeake Beach Resort attracted tens of thousands of people. However, changing tastes, wars, damaging storms, the great depression—experiences that are familiar to us today – all conspired to bring this enterprise to a close. The town created by this grand endeavor lives on, and the traces of its beginnings are evident everywhere. The Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum (CBRM) tells the story of these men, the dream they built, and the town that continues to redefine the story.”
-Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum
Episode Links:
- Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum webpage: https://chesapeakebeachrailwaymuseum.com/
For pictures of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Robert Emerson at Old Fort Niagara in New York. The first fortified structure on the area was built in 1678 and has a few rebuilds and remodeling done since. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the roads were abysmal and the best way to travel was by water. And the great lakes created this water superhighway, so the location of the Fort at the mouth of the Niagara River was coveted by the French, British, and Americans.
Also situated in the fort, is the French Castle, built in 1726. We learn why this castle was meant to look like a peaceful place of business rather than the fortification it was, who occupied the fort throughout its lifetime, and the Star-Spangled Banner’s older sister flag, the 1813 Garrison flag.
Episode Links:
-
Fort Niagara website: https://www.oldfortniagara.org/
-
Dog Edition episode I produced: https://shows.dogpodcastnetwork.com/show/dog-edition/conservation-canines-dog-edition-51/
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Laura Scharle at the Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Life saving stations were erected along the Eastern coastline, at about 5 - 7 mile intervals. The purpose of these stations was to offer rescue and first aid to victims of shipwrecks. A precursor to today’s U.S. Coast Guard, the United States Lifesaving Service staffed these stations with trained servicemen who practiced drills during the day, and conducted beach-patrols at night. The station at Indian River was originally in 1876, but was moved to its present location in 1877 due to a sand dune building up around the station. It has since been restored to it’s 1905 appearance.
Breeches BuoyA lyle gun was used to deploy the breeches buoy: a gun and carriage of solid bronze weighing 186 pounds would fire a 17 pound steel projectile with a line attached. Once this whip line was secured to the mast of the ship in distress, the hozer line would be strung up. Hanging from the hozer line was a life ring with a pair of pants sewn to it. Using the system as a zip-line, sailors could be pulled from the sinking vessel to safety on shore.
Beach PatrolsBeach patrols were a daily part of life for the men working the stations, and between nightly patrols and daily drills, there may have been a man or two who would rather take a quick nap than complete their patrol. With the life saving stations only about 5 to 7 miles apart from each other, the men walking the patrols would meet in the middle, one heading South, the other North) and exchange surfman’s checks with their corresponding identification information. This ensured no one skipped out on doing their portion of the patrol! If a water source like a river inlet blocked the path to next station, a patrol clock would be installed. This clock would punch out a time on a piece of paper (effectively acting as the first punch clock) to show the guard completed his route.
Episode Links:
- Indian River Life Saving Station webpage: https://destateparks.com/History/IRLifeSavingStation
- U.S. Life-saving Station Service Heritage Association: https://uslife-savingservice.org/station/locate-a-station/
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Bob Beggs, co-founder of the American Helicopter Museum and Education Center in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He shares with us the process of establishing a museum and what progressive programs have been developed there. We discuss rotor heads, whirly girls, and the impressive ingenuity of rotary flight, as well as Harold Pitcairn and his Collier Award for his development of the autogyro and the human-powered, award-winning Aerovelo Atlas helicopter.
Whirly-GirlsThe Whirly-Girls are an international organization of women helicopter pilots that was developed “in hopes of sharing information and camaraderie regardless of country, race, religion or politics”-Jean Ross Howard Phelan, founder and first president of the organization. The first Whirly Girl, Hanna Reistch (WG#1) was the first woman in the world to fly a helicopter, an FW-61 Focke-Achegelis. She also holds the world record for sustained flight and altitude in gliders, flew horizontal bombers, dive-bombers, fighter planes, and a ME 163 rocket plane. She was the only person, male or female to ever successfully fly the V-1 rocket.
Harold Frederick PitcairnHarold is credited with developing the autogyro, the precursor to rotary-wing helicopters. For this, he won the Collier Award, which is a prestigious award given to someone in the aviation industry for the most significant accomplishment in aviation that year. The Collier Award trophy is kept at the National Air and Space Museum in D.C., but each winner is given a personal, mini replica. Harold’s trophy is now on display at the American Helicopter Museum.
Find a list of all the Collier Award Winners, click here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/collier-trophy-award-winners
Aerovelo AtlasThe Aerovelo Atlas is the first human-powered helicopter that achieved the goals of the American Helicopter Society International’s Igor I. Sikorsky Human Powered Helicopter Competition. It was designed by Dr. Todd Reichert and Dr. Cameron Robertson of the University of Toronto and constructed with the help of students and graduates of the University. Steering was accomplished by leaning the bicycle to tilt the rotor axes. On June 13, 2013, the Aerovelo team flew the Atlas for 64 seconds and achieved an altitude of 3.3 meters (11 feet) in a Toronto area arena, and captured the $250,000 prize.
Episode Links:
- American Helicopter Museum and Education Center webpage: https://americanhelicopter.museum/
- Whirly-Girls International Women Helicopter Pilots webpage: https://whirlygirls.org/history/
- Aerovelo website: http://www.aerovelo.com/
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Tim Baxter at the Oakwood Cemetery in Niagara Falls, New York. Historic Oakwood Cemetery was founded in 1852 on land donated by Lavinia Porter, daughter of Judge Augustus Porter (who is also one of the acknowledged founders of Niagara Falls). The Oakwood landscape we know today dates from an original design drawn in 1852 by noted civil engineer T.D. Judah. Drake Whitney, and consists of 18.5 acres of land in downtown Niagara Falls. Oakwood today contains many outstanding examples of funerary art including obelisks, sarcophagi, and beautiful statuary. Additionally, the landscape is lush with mature plantings and trees, many dating from the earliest time of the cemetery.
Annie Taylor
Among those buried at Oakwood Cemetery is Annie Taylor, the first person to travel over the falls in a barrel. Annie wrote a book about her trip and in it she describes her inspiration for making the dangerous ride over the Falls:
“For two years I had been constantly studying, when not occupied in teaching, what I could do to make money-to make it honestly and quickly. All kinds of schemes ran riot through my brain. Reading in a New York paper about people going to the Pan-American Exposition, and from there to Niagara Falls, the idea came to me like a flash of light, “Go over the Niagara Falls in a barrel. No one has ever accomplished this feat.” -Over the Falls: Annie Taylor’s story of her trip Homan Walsh
Also laid to rest at Oakwood is Homan Walsh, the young kite flyer whose kite and progressively larger ropes sent the cable across the gorge for the suspension bridge.
In the mid 1800’s, the area around Niagara Falls was growing in terms of population and recognition as a tourist destination. To increase the opportunities of travel for the Niagara area, a bridge was needed to connect the Canada side of the Gorge with the United States side. The Niagara Gorge is 800 feet across and up to 200 feet deep, and many ideas were concocted to complete this challenging task. However, a kite competition in 1848 proved successful! With an award of $10 (or $5, depending on your source) for the first person to fly their kite across the Gorge, Homan Walsh entered the competition with his kit ‘Union’, and won! Using his kite’s string, stronger string was attached an pulled across, followed with steel cables, until a small cable car could be ridden across the Gorge. This process created the foundation for the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge, which stood from 1855 to 1897 and played an important role not only in tourist activity and everyday transportation between two countries, but also as an important escape route of the Underground Railroad.
Episode Links:
- Niagara Falls Oakwood Cemetery: https://oakwoodniagara.org/
- “Over the Falls”, written by Annie Taylor in 1902 about her trip over Horseshoe Falls : https://archive.org/details/overfallsannieed00tayluoft/page/n3/mode/2up
- “The Kite that Bridged a River” article from Kit History: http://www.kitehistory.com/Miscellaneous/Homan_Walsh.htm
- The Kite That Bridged Two Nations – The Musical: https://thekitemusical.com/
For pictures of this episode, click here.
Starting off the new year and season two, we meet at Historic Sotterley and speak with Katherine Humphries, who is the Education Coordinator, and Jeanne Pirtle, who is the Director of Educational Programming and Partnerships. Sotterley is a historic plantation, with parts of the house dating back to 1703. It has survived 3 major wars, hurricanes, lightning strikes, and numerous renovations, and today is an interpretive site comprised of 94 acres of land, over 20 authentic historical structures, and a sustainable farm that donates food to local pantries. For this episode, we focus on the Chinese Chippendale Banister, which was constructed ~1780, and the portrait of Sarah Satterlee, whose artist was a mystery until a curator from the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery visited and thought the style looked familiar!
Episode Links:
- Official Historic Sotterley webpage: https://www.sotterley.org/
- Met Museum’s artifact “The Gentleman and Cabinet-maker's Director: Being a Large Collection of Designs of Household Furniture in the Gothic, Chinese and Modern Taste 1754”: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/591840
- Seth Cheney’s painting of James Jackosn, circa 1842, at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery: https://npg.si.edu/object/npg_NPG.98.126?destination=edan-search/default_search%3Fedan_local%3D1%26edan_q%3Dseth%252Bcheney%26edan_fq%255B0%255D%3Donline_visual_material%253Atrue
Sotterleys Recognitions and Awards
2012 Designated a Middle Passage Ceremonies and Port Marker’s Project Site
2017 Maryland Sustainable Growth Award for Preservation & Conservation
2018 Maryland Preservation Award for Slave Cabin Exhibit dedicated to Agnes Kane Callum
2019 Designated a UNESCO Site of Memory for the Slave Route Project
2020 Maryland Preservation Award for Excellence in Public Programming for Common Ground
Happy New Year!
And welcome to Season 2 of Curator's Choice! So, for today's episode, I thought it could be fun to do a year review of the podcast, talk about some of the success, some of the not-so-great moments, and give you a sneak peek of what the next year will look like and what goals I have for the podcast.
- 31 regular episodes
- 5 bonus episodes
- 3,143 downloads
- 26 different museums and historical places
- 36 different people interviewed
- 12 different states and territories
- Over 57 artifacts, historic people, exhibits, or fossils featured
What a year! Thank you so much for your support and for listening to Curator's Choice!
Cheers!
Ayla
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Heather Stapleton, who is the Executive Director at The Heritage Center and Indian River Citrus Museum in Vero Beach, Florida. She shares with us the amazing story of their Micro and Mighty Museum, and what makes the citrus from the Indian River District so special (it is the only district in Florida whose name is protected by the Federal Trade Commission).
Sour OrangesThough Florida’s state flower is the orange blossom, citrus is not native to the Sunshine State and was introduced by the Spanish explorers. It was known by sailors in the 1700s that oranges prevented scurvy on the long ocean voyages, and Queen Isabella required that each Spanish sailor takes with them 100 sour orange seeds and “plant” them along the southern coast. Then, years later, they would have fresh fruit to stave off Vitamin C deficiency on their return journey. These seeds were probably transported in olive jars, like the one recovered by famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher from the 1715 Spanish Plate Fleet Wreck.
Episode Links:
- Indian River Citrus Museum: https://www.veroheritage.org/citrus-museum/
- Indian River Citrus Museum’s Oral Histories: “Stories from the Grove” https://www.veroheritage.org/-stories-from-the-groves/
- Florida Cowboy’s article: https://www.flamingomag.com/2021/10/18/how-these-ranchers-are-carrying-on-the-little-known-legacy-of-florida-cowboys/
For photos of this episode, click here.
Part 3 of 3This week, for our third and final installment of the American Civil War Museum series, we meet with Robert Hancock, who is a Senior Curator and Director of Collections. The museum manages over 15,000 artifacts and over 150,000 manuscript items, and we talk to Robert about just a few of them. Though many items have been a part of the museum’s collection since the beginning, such as Robert E. Lee’s colt revolver, other items are new acquisitions that are to be preserved for future generations who wish to learn more about history.
Changing Signs and StatuesBelow is an embedded presentation from the online exhibit: Birth of Monument Avenue. It discusses the origins of Richmond’s most contested and beloved boulevard, and features objects from the American Civil War Museum, the Library of Virginia, The Valentine, and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.
Episode Links:
- American Civil War Museum webpage: https://acwm.org/
- On Monument Avenue online exhibits: https://onmonumentave.com/
- American Civil War Museum online collections database: https://acwm.pastperfectonline.com/
- General Robert E. Lee's Parole and Citizenship article from the National Archives: https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/2005/spring/piece-lee
Hello everyone! I am so excited to announce that Curator’s Choice Patreon is live!
Visit it here: https://www.patreon.com/curatorschoice
If you would like to support this podcast by becoming a Patron, I have a couple of different affordable options and support tiers. You can choose to become a “historian” supporter for $2 a month, which will come with my sincere gratitude and early episode access, or you can choose to become a “curator” supporter for $5 a month, which will also come with my sincere gratitude, early episode access, and a monthly Patron-exclusive bonus episode!
Thank you all so much for listening and for joining me on each new museum adventure!
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Ana Edwards for our second installment of a three-part series featuring the American Civil War Museum in Richmond, Virginia. Ana tells us about the history of Jefferson Davis, the President of the Confederate States, and home life in the “White House of the Confederacy” during his Presidency. We also discuss the complex relationships between enslavers, free blacks, and the enslaved, and the vision of the Confederacy as displayed in the museum’s Southern Ambitions exhibit.
GasoliersJust prior to the Civil War, Lewis Crenshaw completed a glamorous renovation on the “house with many names”, aimed at making the house a showcase of the prestigious neighborhood. Along with adding a 3rd story, he also purchased exquisite gasoliers that tapped into a local coal gas plant. With this modernization, the lights in the home were fueled with gas instead of coal and were much more energy-intensive to use, requiring each lamp to be individually turned on and lit with a match. There were 15 lights in the house, each with 2 to 6 lamps a piece!
Episode Links:
- American Civil War Museum webpage: https://acwm.org/
- The Baltimore Sun article about The Home of Jeff Davis: https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1999-08-08-9908100462-story.html
For photos of this episode, click here.
For the first episode of our three-part series at the American Civil War Museum, we meet with Chris Graham. He is the Curator of Exhibitions and shares with us the history of the Civil War in Richmond and how Tredegar Iron works influenced the location of the Confederate Capital. He also tells us about a map of the Battle of First Mananas etched on a sheet as well as a modern-day relic from the Civil War that can be found in your own pocket (most likely, anyway)!
Episode Links:
- American Civil War Museum webpage: https://acwm.org/
For photos of this episode, click here.
For our second October bonus episode, we speak with Katy Perrine, who is a paranormal tour guide at the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and the co-owner of Appalachian Oddities. During this episode, we cover the tools of the trade for paranormal investigations, stories about the asylum and the infamous lobotomist Walter Freeman, and how Katy’s work at the asylum and knowledge of the macabre led to the establishment of her wild and wonderfully weird business venture.
Appalachian Oddities is a store for the love of all things odd and interesting. They support and encourage talented artisans throughout the Appalachian region and beyond offer an interesting experience for anyone looking for something not always found in stores.
WALTER FREEMAN IIFreeman was an American doctor who developed the “revolutionary” medical procedure called the transorbital lobotomy. Modeled after Dr. Egas Moniz’s leucotomy procedure, Freeman’s "ice pick" lobotomy and was performed by inserting a metal pick near the corner of the eyes and moving the pick in an arc to sever the connections of the prefrontal cortex in the frontal lobe of the brain. Freeman claimed that this severed the bad connections in the brain, which were the cause of melancholy and mental disturbances, and allowed new positive connections to grow that would lead to positive behaviors. Though some lobotomized patients did see improvement, the procedure was vastly traumatic, leading to infection and often times death. Though his career ended in disgrace, Freeman performed an estimated 2,500 ice pick lobotomies in 23 states, including at least 787 lobotomies at the State Hospital (later the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum).
Episode Links:
- Appalachian Oddities webpage: https://www.appalachianodditieswv.com/
- Lunatic: The Rise and Fall of an American Asylum by Edward S. Gleason: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/25954367-lunatic
- “Psychosurgery, ethics, and media: a history of Walter Freeman and the lobotomy”, written by James P. Caruso and Jason P. Sheehan, DOI: 10.3171/2017.6.FOCUS17257: https://thejns.org/focus/view/journals/neurosurg-focus/43/3/article-pE6.xml
For pictures of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Bethany Cutright, Office Manager at the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Though known as one of the most haunted places in North America, it was originally designed to be a place of help and healing for the mentally ill. Bethany shares with us the intent of the Kirkbride plan and architecture of the hospital, the art programs designed to open communication and create a positive outlet for patients, and the exceptional work of the Irish, Scottish, and German immigrant stonemasons with their unique signatures and styles.
Stonemason GargoylesWhen construction began on the Hospital in 1858, many of the stonemasons were immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. They each brought their own styles and skill, and their creativity is displayed in the form of 8 faces located on the original ward of the Hospital. Bethany was able to recover original payroll records from some of these workers: Mr. Wright who was born in Scotland and Mr. May who was born in Germany. To denote which stone block was crafted by which stonemason, they had their own “signatures”, which were series of patterns in hash-marks on the edges of each block.
Art ProgramThe art program at the hospital was designed to give patients the opportunity to express themselves in ways they couldn't otherwise; some individuals may have been unable to speak, but they could paint or draw as a form of expression. It was a creative way to open communications between patients and doctors, and it gave them something fun to do. They could also sell their artwork for some income. The hospital even had its own kiln for pottery projects.
Episode Links:
- Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum webpage: http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/
- Dorothea Dix Biography: https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/dorothea-dix
- Jacks, Kim, "Weston State Hospital" (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 857: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1860&context=etd
- Lunatic: The Rise and Fall of an American Asylum by Edward S. Gleason: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/25954367-lunatic
For pictures of this episode, click here.
For the first bonus episode of October, we meet with Todd Turner at Appalachian Glass. Keeping on with last week’s glass theme, this week we learn from Todd all the tricks of the trade for handmade glass, including what elements are combined to make glass, how it is molded and colored, and the three generations of craftsman that makes Appalachian Glass so special.
Soda Lime Crystal Ingredients
- silica sand
- lyme
- soda ash
- feldspar
- selenium
- cobalt
- urbium
After doing the interview, Todd offered Dakota and me the amazing opportunity to get hands-on with the glass-making process. We made a glass tumbler and a leaf imprinted mug, and they turned out amazing!
For pictures of this episode, click here.
Happy October! For the first episode of our mini-series “October in Weston, West Virginia”, we meet with Larry Woods at the Museum of American Glass. We talk about the impressive history of glass; from glass made in ancient Rome and Egypt, to its production from the late 1700s until after the Civil War, and specifically, the more recent history of glass in the small town of Weston. Though none now remain, at one point in time Weston had 5 glass factories, and the region was considered a global center of glassmaking.
Mini Glass MansionThe astounding Glass Mansion featured at the museum was made with almost 1,200 pieces of glass, has 2 stories, 13 rooms, and the largest section of the dollhouse weighs over 100 lbs. It was created by Linda Young, commissioned by Barbara and Bernie Bischoff as their 50th wedding anniversary present.
Steuben Art Glass CollectionThe museum’s Steuben Glass Collection is comprised of over 200 pieces, with a single piece alone weighing 33.5 pounds! Steuben glass is considered the finest crystal you can find because of its reflective characteristics.
Episode Links:
- Museum of American Glass: http://magwv.com/
- Stueben Glass Company: https://www.steuben.com/
- Journal of Antiques and Collectibles, Building a Glass Museum by the Numbers: https://journalofantiques.com/features/building-glass-museum-numbers/
For photos, click here.
For the second September bonus episode, we meet with my coworker Vincent Turner, an Exhibit Educator at the Calvert Marine Museum. Throughout his land deed research of Calvert County, and his passion for reading about Maryland’s folklore, he has some spooky stories that can connect to real-life places and people (even some items from the museum as well!). Learn about the ghost behind the Mudd House restoration, the haunting of Drum Point Lighthouse, what the witches were doing in the Devil’s Woodyard, and a prank pulled on the crew of the steamboat St. Mary’s that even made an appearance in the local newspaper in 1904.
...For, you must know, along the shore grim coffins strew the sand,
Here you will see a dead man's foot, and there a dead man's hand.
Therefore, should you parade the shore, you must use circumspection,
Or you may tread upon the toes of ghosts who'll take exception.
-Baltimore Sun, "Frightened by a Ghost", Officers of the Steamer St. Mary's Play Practical Joke on Companions", January 31, 1904.
Literary References:
- For the Mudd House: Gallagher, Trish, Ghosts & Haunted House of Maryland, (Centreville: Tidewater Publishers, 1988), 9-13.
- For Drum Point Light House: Okonowicz, Ed, The Big Book of Maryland Ghost Stories, (Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2010), 224-225.
- For the Devil’s Woodyard: Okonowicz, Ed, The Big Book of Maryland Ghost Stories, (Mechanicsburg: Stackpole Books, 2010), 229-230.
- For Steamboat St. Mary’s: Trevor J. Blank and David J. Puglia, Maryland Legends: Folklore From The Old Line State, (Charleston: The History Press, 2014), 63-65.
For pictures of this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Deborah Gangloff, Executive Director of the Captain Avery Museum. The museum is located in the old home of Captain Salem Avery, originally a one-room cabin built-in 1859. Though the house has changed size, hands, and location a few times, it still houses some amazing items that belonged to Avery and his wife Lucretia.
The family bible, published in 1856, was a wedding gift to the captain’s wife and held in it is the family’s chronological history. They also have a banjo owned by the captain, made by William Butcher around 1848, that is one of only two known to exist with a dancing woman on the fretboard. The museum strives to share 3 centuries of history told in one building.
Episode Links:
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Captain Avery Museum webpage: https://captainaverymuseum.org/museum
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Chesapeake Bay Oyster Program: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/oysters
For photos from this episode, click here.
For the first of September’s two bonus episodes, we meet with Kristopher Battles, the Marine Corps Artist in Residence at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. We discuss how the creation of artwork for the Marine Corps includes a whole series of historical illustrations going from post-Vietnam all the way through to the current global war on terror. We talk about a few of Kris’s favorite creations, the stories behind them, and what it takes to be an Artist in Residence for the United States Marine Corps.
The Combat Art Gallery is a changing exhibit that currently features In the Highest Tradition-WWII Medal of Honor Art: paintings created by Col Charles H. Waterhouse. This exhibition highlights 39 World War II United States Marine and Navy Corpsmen who are Medal of Honor recipients. For each recipient highlighted, Waterhouse has created a portrait, a description of their act of heroism, and a painting depicting the moment of their honored acts of bravery and sacrifice.
Episode Links:
- Kristopher Battles-Marine Corps Artist in Residence: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/kris-battles.html
- PBS “They Drew Fire” website: http://www.pbs.org/theydrewfire/
- National Museum of the Marine Corps website: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/
For pictures of this episode, click here.
This week we are in New York speaking with Joseph Malek, the Visitor Experience Specialist at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center. Join us as we talk about the (not so underground) Underground Railroad and the important role Niagara Falls played in the fight for freedom. The Heritage Center focuses on the stories of individual freedom seekers, shining light on the dark history of slavery.
We learn about Nancy Berry, and how she crossed the river to freedom during her enslavers honeymoon at Niagara. Nancy escaped with the help of the black free men working at the infamous Cataract House. The Cataract House only hired black men and was once the premier hotel and dining of Niagara Falls, even serving Abraham Lincoln! It was an important “stop” along the Underground Railroad, with connections in free Canada, just a ferry ride away.
We also talk about the brave men at the Cataract Hotel, who were an integral part of the Underground Railroad, helping men like Patrick Sneed. The Cataract Hotel only hired black men and these workers had a strong network to help people cross the border to Canada.
Episode Links:
- Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center official webpage: https://www.niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org/
- Folklife article about Quilt Codes of the Underground Railroad: https://folklife.si.edu/magazine/underground-railroad-quilt-codes
- The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lucy Delaney’s book “Struggles For Freedom’: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/17
For photos of this episode, click here.
This week we are at the Historic Oakleigh House Museum in Mobile, Alabama. We speak with Marye Newman and Paula Lenor Web and learn about two significant works of art housed at the museum, which was built in 1833 on what was the outskirts of Mobile.
Man in Brown HatThe first artifact is a painting created by Emma Langdon Roche called “Man in Brown Hat”. Much at the name implies, this painting is of a man in a brown hat, but who was he? Mobile was the site of the last known slaving voyage from Africa. It was an illegal voyage in 1860 where 110 West Africans (primarily from Ghana) were smuggled into the South on the vessel Clotilda. They were soon freed when slavery finally became illegal in the States and most stayed in the local area, creating Africa Town. Emma Roche worked closely with these individuals, learning from them and even publishing their story in her book “Historic Sketches of the South”. (Click here to read it online) Roche often interviewed the founder of Africa Town, Cudjo Kazoola Lewis, and it is speculated by many that the “Man in Brown Hat” is actually Cudjo. You can see the comparison below with the painting and the photograph of Abaché and Cudjoe Kazoola Lewis at Africatown in the 1910s.
Miss Octavia Walton of Pensacola, Florida The second artifact is an impressive painting created by Thomas Sully of Miss Octavia. This beautifull painted snapshot shows us but a glimpse of the intriguing and historic life of Madam Octavia Walton LeVert. No one describes her better than Paula Lenor Web, who wrote “Such a Woman-The Life of Madam Octavia Walton LeVert”. Paula shares with us the impact of this iconic Southern Belle and some fun snippets of her life, such as a poem dedicated to her by Edgar Allen Poe!
Episode Links:
- Historic Oakleigh House Museum official webpage: https://www.historicoakleigh.com/
- Africa Town Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africatown
- “Historic Sketches of the South” by Emma Roche, 1914-Book digitized by Google from the library of the New York Public Library and uploaded to the Internet Archive by user tpb: https://archive.org/details/historicsketche00rochgoog/page/n84/mode/2up
- Paula Lenore Webb’s book “Such a Woman-The Life of Madame Octavia Walton LeVert”: https://suchawomanbook.com/
- Octavia Walton Le Vert Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octavia_Walton_Le_Ver
- Historic Mobile Preservation Society: https://www.historicmobile.org/
For photos of this episode, click here.
Today we are back in Nevada at the National Automobile Museum speaking with Jay Hubbard. Bill Harrah was an entrepreneur who created a money making empire in Reno that began with good ol' bingo. He became a very rich man who had the money and the passion to amass one of the largest collections of automobiles in the world. When he died in 1978, 175 of those automobiles was set aside and given to the Museum.
From the Harrah's Collection, we talk about the 1906 Adams Farwell, the only one of it's kind still in existence today, and it's unique rotary engine. Then, we talk about the 1907 Thomas Model 35 Flyer, which was one of six automobiles entered in the New York to Paris race of 1908. This vehicle traveled over 13,000 miles in a worldwide sponsored race (which was meant to increase newspaper sales) and experienced quite an adventure!
Episode Links:
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National Automobile Museum's webpage: https://automuseum.org/
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The Thomas Flyer 1908 New York to Paris Auto Race on This Car Matters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffS8YDFgkTg
For pictures and a demonstration video about this episode, click here.
This week we are at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, Virginia, speaking with Ethan Bullard. We learn all about the wonder woman Maggie Walker: A strong black woman who was the Nation's first black female bank president, a civil rights activist, an advocate for social progress for women, an educator, a philanthropist, and a downright inspiration.
Ever heard of the graphotype, addressograph, or metered mailing machine? I had not, but we learn all about how they function, what they are, and how Maggie utilized them to spread her word. We also discuss the hockey-puck-sized pocket bank used as a fundraising device for loans for black youths seeking education.
Episode Links:
- Official Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site webpage: https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm
- "Maggie L. Walker's story" orientation film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR3CexPZXEk
- Virtual tour of Maggie's Home: https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/in-her-footsteps-a-virtual-tour-of-maggie-l-walker-s-home-maggie-l-walker-national-historic-site/awLS_Z9D-zGYLw?hl=en
For pictures of the episode, click here.
This week we are at the University of Nevada, Reno (my alma mater!) speaking with Garrett Barmore at the W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum. Speaking of mouthfuls, we learn all about the helicoprion with its spiraled jaw, as well as John William Mackay and his spectacular silver collection of over 1,200 pieces, and some giant sloth footprints!
John Mackay was an Irish immigrant that became one of the “Four Bananza Kings” from his success in Nevada silver mining. Though he came from humble beginnings, upon his death he had amassed an immense fortune of $150 million dollars in the 1870s (or around $4.6 billion dollars today). His statue can be found in front of the museum building holding a symbolic pickaxe.
We also talk about the amazing helicoprion spiral jaw fossil, which created quite a stir in the fossil community. They have only been found in Nevada, Arizona, and California. The museum also houses giant sloth tracks from the Carson City Trackway (which are the only giant sloth tracks in North America). These tracks, from around 50,000 years ago, come from the Harlan’s Ground Sloth, which stood about 10 feet tall!
Episode Links:
- W.M. Keck Earth Science and Mineral Engineering Museum’s webpage: https://www.unr.edu/mackay/keck-museum
- Mineral Monday series with Garrett Barmore: https://vimeo.com/showcase/4949353
- Helicoprion article from Scientific American: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/running-ponies/prehistoric-ghost-shark-helicoprions-spiral-toothed-jaw-explained/
For pictures from this episode, click here.
Part 2
For the final installment of our two-part series from the National Museum of the Marine Corps, we meet with Ben Kristy, the Collections Chief and Aviation Curator. We discuss the incredible restoration stories of the World War II Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless dive bomber and the Vietnam-era Sikorsky UH-34D vignette.
It is really remarkable the amount of work that is done at this museum during restoration to make them as historically accurate as possible and we really "dive" into some of the background work done to achieve this accuracy. We even hear about marines being pelted with toilet paper rolls from the sky as they are "doing their business" and a misplaced thumb that causes the breaking and recasting of an exhibit piece.
Episode Links:
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National Museum of the Marine Corps: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/
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Ben Kristy's article about the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/douglas-sbd-3-dauntless.html
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Ben Kristy's article about the Sikorsky UH-24D: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/sikorsky-uh-34d.html
Hello Podcast Family. I am very sorry to announce that this weeks episode will have to be postponed until June 14th. I have learned my lesson from this and will always have another episode ready on the back burner in case I have this issue again, but unfortunately for now, I will just have to postpone.
I really appreciate you as a listener and I will do better next time! Thank you so much for your patience!
Sincerely,
Your Host, Ayla Anderson
Hello everyone! I am terribly sorry but do to a technical difficulty, I am unable to upload the episode today. However; Never Fear! I am working on the problem and will publish the next episode as soon as possible! Thank you so much for your understanding and I am sincerely sorry for the delay!
Ayla
Curator's Choice
For pictures from this episode, click here.
Part 1
This week we meet with Owen Conner for the first in a two-part series at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Conner is the Curator of Uniforms and Heraldry and talks to us about the interactive immersion exhibits in the museum, as well as one of the most iconic photographs in Marine history.
The history of the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising photograph by Joe Rosenthal has a rather tumultuous story. There has been much historical debate on who the soldiers were in the photographs, whether the moment was staged, and how accurate the story of the flag raising was. Owen shares with us the controversy and final Marine Corps conclusion.
We also discussed the reverse scavenger hunt many curators have to do in order to fully understand the amazing stories behind artifacts, including a sweetheart bracelet that was found in a rose garden and the tale of two lovers.
Episode Links:
- National Museum of the Marine Corps: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/
- The Story of a WWII Identification Bracelet: Major L.D. Everton: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/the-story-of-a-wwii-identification-bracelet-major-ld-everton.html
- World War II and the Origins of Diversity by Owen Conner and Charles Grow: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/blog/world-war-ii-and-the-origins-of-diversity
- The Drinks of the Marine Corps: The Bees Need “Martini” Cocktail: https://www.usmcmuseum.com/blog/drinks-of-the-marine-corps-the-bees-nees-martini-cocktail
For pictures from this episode, click here.
This week we meet with Julian Charity in a single room museum entirely dedicated to one amazing woman: Virginia Randolph. Miss Randolph began her young adult life as a teacher and never left that role, developing new curriculum’s for black schools that would be adopted county wide.
" However, this day was of particular importance: Miss Randolph accepted a new position offered by Henrico County School Superintendent Jackson T. Davis to serve as the industrial teacher of all the African-American schools in the county."
Below is a timeline of Virginia Randolph’s Legacy and the work of Henrico County from the Henrico County Virginia Museum’s page:
1892 – Virginia E. Randolph begins her teaching career in Henrico at this location. The Mountain Road School was a one-room African American schoolhouse.
1908 – Miss Randolph becomes one of the first Jeanes Supervising Industrial Workers. These workers were teachers paid with funds established by Anna T. Jeanes specifically for rural African American schools.
1929 – The Virginia Randolph Training Center, later called High School, was built with Rosenwald funds. The Rosenwald fund was established by Julius Rosenwald, CEO of Sears and Roebuck, to improve learning environments for African American schools in the south.
1937 – Built as the Home Economics cottage for the Virginia Randolph Training Center, the structure also served as an office for Miss Randolph.
1950s – Virginia Randolph Foundation is established to perpetuate the legacy of the renowned educator following her retirement in 1948.
1969 – Virginia Randolph High School is closed with the integration of Henrico Schools.
1970 – The Museum in Memory of Virginia Randolph is dedicated. The museum housed in the cottage is dedicated to preserving the work of Miss Randolph.
1974 – Virginia Randolph Museum is designated as a National Historic Landmark, which the highest recognition from the U.S. Department of Interior.
2011 – Henrico County Recreation & Parks takes over management of the museum from Henrico Schools and the interior exhibits are updated.
Episode Links:
- Virginia Randolph Museum’s webpage: https://henrico.us/rec/places/virginia-randolph-museum/
Pictures of today's episode can be found here.
Today we meet with Kaitlyn Dykes to talk about why there is a Dutch museum in the middle of a small town in Delaware. Zwaanendael Museum was built in commemoration of Delaware’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631. The small whaling colony only lasted for a year, when an unfortunate misunderstanding with the native Siconese Indian tribe led to the massacre of the whalers. The only surviving evidence of the colonists’ presence in a tertiary tale written in Captain DeVries’ journal.
The model below shows the DeBraak, an originally Dutch vessel (turned British Navy after capture) that sunk outside Deleware in 1798. Was there Spanish treasure aboard? Unfortunately, no. But there was a ketchup bottle and that, to a historian, is worth more than gold in this case!
Among the many items collected during the salvage mission, one particular glass bottle carries with it an interesting twist of taste. This condiment bottle likely belonged to a higher ranking official on board the British vessel. It was a ketchup bottle, spelled the same way we spell it today, though it tasted vastly different!
By comparing still intact cookbooks from the 1800s, Kaityln was able to discover the recipe for the ketchup that was kept in this bottle and it didn’t contain any tomatoes. Instead, it was made with mushrooms, cinnamon, cloves, onions, and anchovies.
The second item is the famous Fiji Mermaid, a taxidermy monstrosity where a sailor used ship tar to combine the body of a monkey with the tail of a fish. Though many were produced, they were not professionally made so they degraded quickly. This specimen is remarkably preserved (nestled inside two glass cases) and likely was created in the mid-19th century. This “sailor’s art” was made from a fish, monkey, ivory, oak, stain, varnish, glass, rayon, and dye. This Fiji Mermaid has “relatives” in at least six museums across North America and was even displayed by P.T. Barnum as real mermaids.
Episode Links:
- Zwaanendael Museum webpage: https://history.delaware.gov/zwaanendael-museum/
- What Exactly is a Fiji Mermaid? Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: https://www.ripleys.com/weird-news/what-exactly-is-a-fiji-mermaid/
- “The Art Of Cookery Made Plain and Easy” originally published in 1747: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Art_of_Cookery_Made_Plain_and_Easy/BJY58UqSEMUC?hl=en&gbpv=1
For pictures from this episode, click here.
Today we speak with Elizabeth Karcher, the Executive Director at President Woodrow Wilson House. This home, built by architect Waddy Butler Wood, was home to President Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith Wilson until her death. Upon her death, she bequeathed the home to WHERE to be preserved as a historic home. The National Trust For Historic Preservation (and its collection of 27 houses).
President Woodrow Wilson was America’s 28th President and served two terms from 1913-1921). He is well known for leading America into World War I in 1917, being the leading architect of the League of Nations for which he was awarded the Noble Peace Prize, serving as the President of Princeton University, governor of New Jersey, signing the act creating the National Park Service, and his love of baseball.
Episode Links:
- Woodrow Wilson House Website: https://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/
- National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 27 Historic Sites: https://savingplaces.org/collections/historic-sites-collection#.YFvt8K9KiUk
- Woodrow Wilson through Stamps: https://www.woodrowwilsonhouse.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Stamp-Exhibit.pdf
For pictures of this episode, click here.
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is just what its title implies, an old WWI torpedo factory turned into an art center, one with the largest collection of artists under one roof in the country. Today we meet with Alyssa Ross to talk all about this building’s amazing history and transformation from a war equipment producer to a place of creativity and art.
Within the Torpedo Factory Art Center, nestled between artists and creators, is the Alexandria Archeology Museum. Here, we speak with Emma Richardson about the museum’s important role in preserving Alexandria’s history.
Episode Links:
Torpedo Factory Art Center
- Torpedo Factory Art Center webpage: http://torpedofactory.org/
- The Art League online course catalog: https://www.theartleague.org/classes/search/
Alexandria Museum of Archeology
- Alexandria Archeology Museum Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ArchaeologyAlexandriaVA/
- Story of ship removal: https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic/archaeology/default.aspx?id=89681
- Video where Archaeologist Dr. Eleanor Breen explores the history of the program and introduces the protection code that has allowed us to learn so much about our City’s history: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qCV0zJ8Z8I
For pictures and relevant episode links, click here.
Today we meet with a real George Washington expert. Jeremy Ray is the Director of Interpretation at Mount Vernon, which is the former President's 18th century home. It has been fully restored and includes the estate mansion, four separate gardens, both the old and new tomb where George Washington is buried, historic outbuildings including a blacksmith shop and ice house, a farm with interpreters who demonstrate Washinton's farming practices, a distillery, a wharf on the Potomac River, a museum, and an education center!
We discuss how Washington came to live at the mansion and the work he did there before, during, and after the American Revolution. We also highlight a short sword that, according to family, Washington wore during the Braddock campaign in the French and Indian War and a pair of eyeglasses that played a part in confronting a secret petition of mutiny!
Episode Links:
- The official website of George Washington's Mount Vernon: https://www.mountvernon.org/
- Digital encyclopedia of the Newburgh Conspiracy, a plan by the Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the Confederation Congress: https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/newburgh-conspiracy/
- Slavery at Mount Vernon: https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/slavery/
- Be Washington, an interactive experience stepping into the shoes of America's first president: https://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/be-washington/interactive-theater/
For pictures from today's episode, click here.
Yes, that is correct, it’s an entire museum about potatoes and it is absolutely amazing!
In Blackfoot Idaho there lies a little museum with a huge love of potatoes! This episode we speak with Tish Dahmen about the spectacular Idaho Potato Museum. Do you think potatoes came from Ireland? Well do we have some news for you. We learn all about the history of potatoes, machinery that revolutionized the agricultural industry, the Potato God, different types of potatoes, and the Potato Battle.
Episode Links:
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The Idaho Potato Museum website: https://idahopotatomuseum.com/
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The Idaho Potato Commission’s Field Force comic cartoon videos: https://idahopotato.com/video/tag/retail-videos
Part 3 of 3
For pictures of today's episode, click here.
This is the end! Of the three part series I mean. This episode is the last of our time at the Calvert Marine Museum in Southern Maryland. Today I met with the curator of Maritime History, Mark Wilkins, and we talked all about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay in commerce, wartime, and more.
The Chesapeake Bay is an extremely important waterway for much of the East coast. Pertaining to military history, it was a very desirable area for capture; if someone controlled the opening of the bay, they controlled all commerce, industry, and travel. Many battles and skirmishes occurred right on the bay.
There is also a deep history of oyster harvesting, leading even to the Oyster Wars of the 19th century. Yes that is correct, there were actually oyster wars and we tell you all about them.
We also delve into the importance of the tobacco industry and how it changed the economy of Maryland and other surrounding states.
Episode Links:
- Calvert Marine Museum webpage: http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/
Part 2 of 3
For pictures from today's episode, click here.
Today we meet with Stephen Godfrey, the Curator of Paleontology at the Calvert Marine Museum in Southern Maryland. This is the second installment of our three part series featuring the museum, and we are very happy to bring you something a little different! Instead of selecting two items in the museum’s paleontology wing, we talk to Stephen about what a paleontologist does at a museum and we go through an amazing collection of his favorite fossils and the unique stories they tell us!
At one point, Maryland was a place of many different species of mammals such as primitive elephants, peccaries, camels, rhinos, tapirs, and a horse species. Their histories are told through the fossil remains found at the Calvert Cliffs.
The Calvert Cliffs in Maryland is a large contributing source of fossils from the Miocene Epoch (~23 million years ago to ~5 million years ago). The Cliffs are like a giant cake layer of organisms that once lived in the water, died, and sank to the ocean floor where they were covered in sediment. Possibly one of the most infamous creatures roaming the seas at that time was the megladon. It was the dominant marine predator during it’s time, and probably the largest shark that ever lived.
Episode Links:
- The Clavert Marine Museum main webpage: http://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/
- Article announcing the name of the newly discovered Cobia species: “Prehistoric Cobia Named for Local Amateur Paleontologists”: http://calvertmarinemuseum.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=373
- Free download of Stephen Godfrey’s book “The Geology and Vertebrate Paleontology of Calvert Cliffs, Maryland, USA: https://smithsonian.figshare.com/articles/book/The_Geology_and_Vertebrate_Paleontology_of_Calvert_Cliffs_Maryland_USA/9761762
For pictures from this episode, click here.
This week is something really special: our first-ever 3 part special! For the next three weeks, we will be at the Calvert Marine Museum in Southern Maryland featuring an episode for their Estuarine Biology Gallery, Paleontology Gallery, and Maritime History Gallery.
This episode will feature Perry Hampton, the Curator of the Estuarine Biology Gallery. For a neat change of pace, we will actually be discussing live animals this episode!
We start by taking you through the River to Bay portion of their gallery which tells the story of what habitats and species can be found throughout the Chesapeake Bay. We also discuss some eco-invaders that threaten the Bay and fun facts about a key few animals housed at the exhibit (jellyfish, seahorses, lionfish, and even otters!).
Parts 2 and 3 of this series will feature the Paleontology Gallery and Maritime History Gallery at the Calvert Marine Museum, so stay tuned.
Episode Links:
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Calvert Marine Museum’s official webpage: https://www.calvertmarinemuseum.com/
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2020 Shark Week - Ask Me Anything! video from Calvert Marine Museum: https://youtu.be/yexh00dB5SE
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode8
This week we are in Mountain Home, Arkansas meeting with David Benedict at the Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society.
Not only do they house an extensive genealogical reservoir of family history data and multiple history house properties, but their showroom has a truly spectacular soda fountain! It takes up an entire wall and is an original soda fountain from 1950. They have photos of the lovely "Soda Girls" that worked there selling sandwiches, ice cream, and of course soda, and they even have a photo of an original soda girl L. Chloe who revisited the fountain just five years ago to reminisce.
We also discuss the Casey House, which is a property next to the County Fairgrounds managed by the Society. It is the oldest standing house in Mountain Home and is a perfect example of a typical "dog-trot" cabin. This house and the history of Casey have a strong and long-lasting impact on Mountain Home.
Episode Links:
- Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society webpage: http://www.baxtercountyhistory.org/home.aspx
- Quarterly Report featuring Curator's Choice: https://aylaanderson.net/quarterlyreport
- Baxter County Historical and Genealogical Society Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BaxterCountyHistoricalandGenealogicalSocietyInc/
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode7
While visiting with Dorothea Barstow, I record this episode from the Sam Mudd House, known for the location where John Wilkes Booth received medical attention for his broken leg after the Lincoln assassination.
Join us in hearing about the life of Dr. Mudd, before and after that infamous day, while I sit on the very sofa Booth was initially examined on.
We also discuss the family history of the house and the quilt that brings it all together.
Episode Links:
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The original recording of Edwin Booth in 1890 presenting Othello: https://ia801603.us.archive.org/8/items/OthelloByEdwinBooth1890/Othello1890_64kb.mp3
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The cleaned-up version of Edwin Booth's recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mybqvj4wZLA
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Official Facebook page of the Dr. Samuel Mudd House Museum with a virtual tour: https://drmudd.org/virtual-tour/
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode6
Deep within the Land Between Two Lakes, stands the Great Western Iron Works: a short-lived, history-rich iron producer.
Driving through the Land Between Two Lakes (LBL), you drive right past this huge three-story-tall limestone structure. It’s 10 feet wide, 40 feet high, and is an old iron furnace. This is one of only two still intact from the 1800s; there was a total of 18 in production during the iron ore industry era in LBL. This is known as the great western iron furnace and has a very unsuccessful history.
As I said before, they are made from these huge limestone slabs and are rectangular, tapering inwards towards the top, basically just a really huge kiln. Had a chimney running up through it, and was next to a hill with a wooden bridge leading to the top of the furnace.
Men working the furnace would dump charcoal, hematite ore, and limestone would be carted by hand over to the top of the furnace and dumped in. The hematite contained about 60% pure iron; the charcoal provided the heat from burning. Steam pumps at the base of the furnace provided bellows of air to blast the fire, to melt off all the unnecessary stuff as tremendous heat would build up inside the furnace (Temperatures in the ore box reached 3,000 degrees F!).
The molten iron would then pool at the bottom and be funneled through wet sand to produce the iron bars. This is actually where the term "pig iron" came from, the main stream of molten iron would have smaller streams funneling off the sides, looking like a mother pig with her sucking piglets.
The Great Western Furnace began operation in 1855 and during its first 34 weeks, it produced 1,350 tons of high-quality iron. Then its short producing life was over. The furnace owners, William Newell and John Pritchett were heavily in debt over the purchase of ~10 acres of land, acquired for the ore and timber needed to produce iron. Along with mismanagement, limited resources, and a nationwide economic recession spelled doom for the short-lived furnace.
Episode Links:
- Four Rivers Explorer’s article “Great Western Iron Furnace’: www.fourriversexplorer.com/great-western-iron-furnace/
- Four Rivers Explorer’s article “Center Furnace in Land Between the Lakes”: www.fourriversexplorer.com/center-furnace/
- RootsRated article “The Story Behind Land Between the Lakes: America’s Largest Inland Peninsula: rootsrated.com/stories/the-story-behind-land-between-the-lakes-america-s-largest-inland-peninsula
- Forest Service webpage: www.landbetweenthelakes.us/
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode5
This week I met with Director Jan Peterson at the Cowboy Art and Gear Museum in Elko, Nevada. Surrounded by masterfully created saddles, brilliant bits and bridles, and cowboy illustrations, we talk about the history of the brilliant entrepreneur and craftsman G. S. Garcia. Many of the pieces in the museum are Garcia originals!
The saddles created by G. S. Garcia and his family business were hugely popular and became highly sought after for their quality. In 1904, Garcia entered a saddle at the St. Louis World's Fair. The saddle he entered was decorated with precious gems and intricate silverwork and won a gold medal. Garcia had ordered a replica display horse for the fair to showcase his saddle. This same horse replica can be found in the Cowboy Art and Gear Museum, which also happens to be the exact building Garcia had built for his shop in the 1900s.
After discussing the incredible life history of Garcia, his craftsmanship, and his effect on Elko, we also talk about an Edison record player, made in 1917. If you make it to the museum, ask for a demo, It still plays records! Stay tuned after the video and you will hear a recording of the Edison record "When You Were A Tulip And I Wore A Big Red Rose" Jan played for us.
Episode links:
- Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum webpage: https://cowboyartsandgearmuseum.org/about/
- Article in the Northeastern Nevada Historical Society Quarterly published in 1983 discussing G.S. Garcia's world-famous saddle from the 1904 World's Fair: https://www.gbcnv.edu/howh/Garcia.html
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/halloweenbonus
Happy Halloween!
I thought it might be fun to include a short bonus episode in celebration of the spooky holiday!
For this bonus episode, I read a portion of Lynn J. Buonviri’s book which describes the 15 criteria that were used in the investigation of witchcraft in the 17th century.
While doing research for episode 2 about the Old Jail Museum, I bought the book “Moll Dyer and Other Witch Tales of Southern Maryland”, written by Lynn J. Buonviri. In it, she describes a set of recommendations for criteria to be considered when officials were deciding whether or not to pursue an investigation for a witchcraft prosecution. These recommendations were used as a guide in Maryland during the witch trials, and they originally came from the book “Country Justice”, written by Michael Dalton in the 17th century. Though now they seem absolutely ridiculous, they tragically brought the prosecution and death to many women who were charged with witchcraft.
Episode Links:
- Wikipedia article about "Country Justice": https://lawlibrary.wm.edu/wythepedia/index.php/Countrey_Justice
- Link to the scanned original "Country Justice" done by Google, from Ohio State University: https://hdl.handle.net/2027/osu.32437121567206
This episode was done in Carlin, Nevada, which is my hometown! I spoke with Ella Trujillo and Sabra Esparza about their journey in creating the museum, which actually began as a historic building was being destroyed, and the history of Carlin.
From its beginnings as a railroad town to its journey as a mining town, Carlin has an interesting history. Featured first in this episode is a particular concert advertisement that depicts the long-gone "party" days of a booming metropolis. The combination of the two artists is also a little intriguing: Country Western and Swing Judy Lynn (America's Champion Girl Yodeler) and Rock and Roll artist Pat Kelly and the Shamrocks!
We also talk about the amazing story behind a forgotten Chinese graveyard and the journey after the death of the individuals buried there. 13 bodies were accidentally discovered in a backyard property in 1996. The unmarked graveyard became a flurry of activity as archeologists began unearthing the remains and artifacts. The 13 Chinese men were buried in the 1800s and likely were descendants of settlers from the railroad boom or immigrants who settled after the gold rush. Many different artifacts were found, and a choice few are on display at the Carlin Museum, including 3 burial stones, an opium pipe, and coffin handles.
Some 21 years after their discovery, the bodies were at long last laid to rest in the Carlin cemetery with proper Chinese burial practices performed by a local Chinese woman, Lijuchin “Lee” Chin. Finally put to rest and acknowledged by the community, the bodies may now rest in peace.
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://aylaanderson.net/curatorschoice/episode-4-carlin-historical-society-and-museum
Episode links:
- The Carlin Historical Society and Museum webpage: https://carlinhistoricalsociety.com/carlin-historical-society-and-museum/
- Tales of Carlin from the Carlin Historical Society: https://carlinhistoricalsociety.com/
- The Carlin Historical Society Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CarlinHistoricalSociety/
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode3
This week features the Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko, Nevada where I talk with
D'ette Mossin about a very special bald eagle and the tragic City of San Francisco train derailment.
Silver the bald eagle was a rescued eagle from Alaska that had been illegally shot and was sent to the San Francisco Zoo for rehabilitation. After being released in the Ruby Lake Wildlife Refuge, Silver decided to stay in the nearby area and became a common sight for residents living in Elko. He often talked fishers out of their catch and was so accustomed to people he would land feet away from them. As a sort of community mascot, he became much beloved. Tragically, 10 months after his release, Silver was again illegally shot and killed. Silver is now housed at the museum in a community-supported exhibit, with all the bells and whistles of great education and conservation efforts.
The luxurious City of San Francisco train was a cross-country passenger train that ran from Chicago to Oakland. During a trip on August 12, 1939, the train derailed outside of Carlin, Nevada, tragically killing 24 and injuring 121. The derailment was thought to be an act of sabotage after an investigation from the Southern Pacific and FBI. The townspeople of Elko played an important role in the rescue, cleanup, and aid of the dead and injured passengers with local stores donating goods, the local hospital working overtime to cope with the sudden influx of injuries, and the Elko Daily Free Press reporting the news to the world. The local hearse was even put to work as an ambulance (shocking one young woman who woke up during transport and thought herself already dead). The case remains unsolved (with plenty of conspiracy theories and local lore, and the $5,000 reward for information is still available!
Episode links:
- The Northeastern Nevada Museum's webpage: https://www.museumelko.org/
- The Northeastern Nevada Museum's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/nnmuseum
- The Northeastern Nevada Museum's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/museumelko/?hl=en
- Great Basin College article: Recalling and Train Wreck
For pictures from this episode, visit my personal webpage here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode2
Today I traveled to Leonardtown in southern Maryland to talk with Katherine Davis about the town witch and the story behind a very special jar of dirt.
Benjamin Hance is the only documented lynching victim in St. Mary’s County and his story is an important one to tell. We also talk about the Equal Justice Initiative, which participated in the museum’s ceremony to commemorate his life and death. For this ceremony, soil was collected from the area of Benjamin’s lynching and is housed at the museum as a tangible piece of the area’s history and to honor his unjust end.
We also talk about the infamous Moll Dyer witch, her tragic end, and the lasting curse she placed upon the people of Leonardtown! The museum has the actual stone she was found on, frozen to death after an angry mob burned her house down. Legend has it that she not only cursed the townsfolk, but anyone who dares to touch her death stone will also have lifelong misfortune.
Episode links:
- The Equal Justice Initiative's The Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and The National Memorial for Peace and Justice: https://museumandmemorial.eji.org
- The Old Jail Museum's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheOldJailMuseum/
- St. Mary's County Tourism, The Old Jail: https://www.visitstmarysmd.com/directory/old-jail-museum/
- Wayback Wednesday Video Collection on the St. Clements Island Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/watch/SCIMuseum/817869892069064/
- Moll Dyer and Other Witch Tales of Southern Maryland by Lynn Buonviri: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moll-dyer-and-other-witch-tales-of-southern-maryland-lynn-buonviri/1131628006
For pictures from this episode, click here: https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/episodes/episode1
Today I visited the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum in Lexington Park, Maryland.
While interviewing Dan Bramos, we discuss their newest exhibit addition: a moon rock sample! Learn about how these stardust samples are collected, who gets to have them, and a NASA intern who attempted to get rich from black market lunar sales.
We also discuss the X-47A Pegasus mockup and the extensive work behind transporting this "UFO" across the United States, and where it even became part of a Christmas parade during transport!
Episode Links:
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Patuxent River Naval Air Museum webpage: http://www.paxmuseum.com/
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CollectSPACE's news publication and online community: http://www.collectspace.com//
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The International Space Station's orbital location website: http://www.issabove.com/
What is Curator's Choice? Here is a short introduction about what this podcast is all about. Hopefully it encourages you to give my podcast a listen!