Exploring History

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 short story "The Great Stone Face" is the fictional account of how the geological formation of the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire inspired a boy to pursue the worthy and noble things of life. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how the story is also a reminder to Christians to "fix our eyes on Jesus," and he read...

During World War II, over a million soldiers trained for combat in Europe by taking part in maneuvers in Tennessee. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses how the maneuvers took place and what they meant for the soldiers and for the residents of the counties and towns of Tennessee where they happened. Read a transcript and get links to more resources on our website: https://shop.notgrass.co...

Following World War II, the nations of Europe lay devastated. The threat of Communist invasion was real. Just as the United States came to the aid of Europe during World War II, the U.S. provided assistance to the Europeans after the war to help them rebuild and maintain their freedom. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass describes how the Marshall Plan benefited Europe and the U....

God places a beautiful young woman in a position of influence. She risks her own life to save her entire people group from merciless execution. The book of Esther in the Old Testament gives the background for the Jewish feast of Purim, which takes place later this month. In this Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of Esther and reminds us that we have been called to live for Go...

In a time and place where racial tensions were high, one woman followed her faith in Jesus and made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of people. In this podcast, Ray Notgrass tells about this woman and how she impacted his life and how her legacy continues to change people's lives. Read the transcript and explore more resources: https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-po...

On December 1, 1955, the courageous act by a simple, quiet, private citizen changed America. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of Rosa Parks, including many details you might not have heard before. Listen to learn about the person many have called the mother of the modern civil rights movement. Read the transcript and explore more resources: https://shop.notgras...

Congress is the branch of the federal government that enacts the laws of our land. The House and the Senate follow Constitutional guidelines, laws that Congress itself has passed, and rules and traditions that have developed over many years. On this 50th Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the inner workings of our national legislature. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all age...

The relationship between Christians and the secular government has been filled with tension since the early days of the church. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass examines Paul's teaching in Romans 13 to see what Scripture says about the issue. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: http...

The story of the birth of Jesus that the Bible tells is a story of God's plan, His intervention in our world, and the lives of those involved who, like us, were forever changed. In this episode, Ray Notgrass considers the meaning of the birth of Christ, how it impacted those who were directly affected by it, and how it continues to impact the world today. Homeschool curriculum and resources f...

In an election, voters are deluged with candidates' biographies and their positions on multiple issues. But one characteristic stands out as more important than any of that. In this episode, Ray Notgrass shares some Biblical principles about character that should influence whom we support in next year's election. Find more resources at Homeschool History: https://notgrass.com/EHP047 Home...

The Thanksgiving holiday encourages us to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his personal story about his health challenges this year and why he is especially thankful at Thanksgiving. Explore More Resources https://notgrass.com/EHP046 Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, a...

How can high school students be motivated to learn about government and to help make our country more just? On the latest Exploring History podcast, author Ray Notgrass talks about his long standing interest in government and politics and discusses the Exploring Government curriculum from Notgrass. Learn more about Exploring Government: https://notgrass.com/learn-more-high-school-using-exploring-g...

We hear a lot of economic numbers in the news: inflation rises, unemployment falls, the stock market goes up and down, and more. What does it all mean? In this episode, Ray Notgrass takes a look at some of the most important economic indicators to help you understand what you're hearing in the news. Find resources for further study at Homeschool History: https://notgrass.com/K800O Homeschool...

A big reason behind the economic world in which we live is international trade. On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass examines the development and international impact of the humble sea container, otherwise known as the Box. Watch a video of a container ship transiting the Suez Canal and learn more about international trade at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/sear...

Can science and faith coexist? On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass looks at the remarkable life, work, and faith of internationally-renowned transplant surgeon, Nobel Prize recipient, and man of humble Christian faith, Dr. Joseph Murray. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhi...

Of all the books you might read and study, the Bible is the most important. Ray Notgrass shares perspectives on the inspiration and authority of the Bible and why it is the most powerful book you can ever read. Find more resources at Homeschool History: https://notgrass.com/2JKJC Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other res...

An old saying goes, "The child is father to the man." In other words, childhood experiences influence who adults are and what they do. In this episode, producer Titus Anderson interviews Ray and Charlene Notgrass about how their childhoods in the 1950s and 1960s influenced how and why they became writers of history curriculum. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://not...

Every parent is strongly influenced by his or her own childhood. In this episode, producer Titus Anderson interviews Ray and Charlene Notgrass about how their childhoods in the 1950s and 1960s influenced how they homeschooled their children  in the 1990s. Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP039&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x48270076727...

Life in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s had its share of blessings and challenges. On the next Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass interviews his wife, Charlene Notgrass, about her experience growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/ En...

What was life like for a child growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in small town America? In this Exploring History podcast episode, Ray Notgrass shares some memories from his growing up years. Take a trip down Memory Lane to those thrilling days of yesteryear to realize what we have lost, and what we have gained. Explore more resources about the 1950s and 1960s at Homeschool History: https://app.ho...

Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person who became a leading spokesman for the abolition of slavery before the Civil War. In a speech Douglass delivered in 1852, he challenged Americans to think about the inconsistency of being the land of the free while practicing slavery. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the life of Frederick Douglass and discusses this eloq...

Jerry Locke was the high school history teacher who had a major influence on Ray Notgrass. Mr. Locke recently passed away. On today's Exploring History podcast, Ray offers a tribute to the man who taught him how to teach history. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/ Encoura...

Immigration is a difficult issue to sort out. It has numerous aspects and affects many people. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the history of immigration in America and discusses some of the current difficulties we face in our country. He also tells why immigration holds special meaning for him. Explore resources related to immigration at Homeschool History: https://...

The latest Exploring History podcast features encouraging talks by Ray and Charlene Notgrass for homeschool graduates. Congratulations, grads and parents! Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP033&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760 Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos,...

It's the time of year when parents are deciding what their children's education will look like in the next school year. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his thoughts about homeschooling, especially for dads. Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP032&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760 Ho...