Boom Goes the History

On this week's episode of Boom Goes the History we are joined by a very special guest, longtime friend of the American Battlefield Trust Doug Ullman to hear about his experience performing in the show "1776" at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.! Join Chris Mackowski and Andy Poulton. This is episode 16 of Boom Goes the History.

Who were the Union Army of the Potomac’s greatest division commanders? Kris White, Garry Adelman, and Chris Mackowski debate and rank their top three picks, exploring the leadership, battlefield performance, and lasting impact of these often-overlooked commanders. Who makes the list—and who gets left out? Find out on today's episode!

Twenty-five years after  Band of Brothers  first brought the men of Easy Company to the screen, its impact on history, popular culture, and battlefield tourism is stronger than ever. In this episode of  Boom Goes the History , we look back at the landmark HBO series, debate our favorite episodes and characters, share a few personal stories and connections, and explore why the story of Dick Winters...

“In 1814, we took a little trip…” and what followed became one of the most famous American victories of the War of 1812! Dan Davis and Kristopher White head down the Mississippi to explore the Battle of New Orleans—from Andrew Jackson’s eclectic army and the British campaign in Louisiana to the fierce fighting on the Chalmette battlefield. They tackle the personalities, tactics, myths, music, and...

Garry, Kris, Dan, and Andy take you behind the scenes of their epic Texas video swing—from the Alamo and Galveston to San Jacinto and the remarkable John Nau Collection. Hear about the history, road-trip adventures, unexpected moments, and inevitable chaos that unfolded when the cameras weren’t rolling, and Garry forgot to get Dan's coffee. 

When it comes to Civil War History it is hard to find two authors more prolific than Bruce Catton and Shelby Foote. Today on Boom, we react to the words of the men themselves - and debate what is more important when trying to get people interested in history, facts or a good story? Join Garry Adelman, Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski. This is episode 11 of Boom Goes the History.

Today's episode features host, Chris Mackowski, alongside Kate Egner and Dan Davis of the American Battlefield Trust as they explore how the Liberty Trail is transforming the way we experience Revolutionary War history. From overlooked battlefields in South Carolina to immersive apps, virtual tours, and layered storytelling across more than 25 states, the conversation reveals how technology an...

Welcome back for Part 2 of our special LIVE bonus episode of Boom Goes the History , recorded before a packed audience at Gettysburg History, home of the Adams County Historical Society! Co-hosts Kris White and Garry Adelman return with an all-star panel of Gettysburg experts, including Wayne Motts, Jim Hessler, Tim Smith, Sarah Kay Bierle, and Chris Mackowski, for another fast-paced, unpredictabl...

Join us for Part 1 of a special LIVE bonus episode of BoomGoes the History, recorded in front of a live audience at Gettysburg History, home of the Adams County Historical Society! Co-hosts Kris White and Garry Adelman are joined by an all-star lineup of Gettysburg experts, including Tim Smith, Jim Hessler, and Chris Mackowski, for an energetic, unexpected, and unscripted conversation about Americ...

We gave you "Why Gettysburg?" with Garry Adelman and now we present "Why Stonewall?" with our good friend and frequent American Battlefield Trust personality Chris Mackowski. Learn why a proud Upstate New Yorker has such a fascination with the famed Confederate General. Garry and Kris White join him on this week's episode of BOOM Goes the History.

In this episode of Boom Goes the History, hosts Garry Adelman and Kris White dive into Lee's critical decision-making during the failed Maryland Campaign. They explore the context surrounding Lee's actions, the strategic options he considered, and the outcomes of his campaign. What do you think? Was Lee's gamble worth it? Listen in!

What really happened at the Little Bighorn? In this special episode of Boom Goes the History, hosts Garry Adelman and Kris White saddle up with in-house Custer expert Dan Davis to tackle one of the most famous—and debated—battles in American history: The Battle of the Little Bighorn—on its 150th anniversary. From big personalities and battlefield blunders to myths, legends, and last stands, the cr...

What happens when two of America’s biggest revolutionary minds become one of its most famous political rivalries? In this episode of  Boom Goes the History , Kris White, Chris Mackowski, and Dan Davis dive into the fascinating feud between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams—friends, rivals, frenemies, and eventually something more. From politics and personality clashes to the legacy of their remarkab...

In this episode of  Boom Goes the History , historians Tim Smith and Garry Adelman dive into the powerful world of Civil War photography at Gettysburg. This isn’t about how to take a better photo—it’s about the men behind the camera and the haunting, iconic images they left behind. From the work of Alexander Gardner to Mathew Brady, we explore how these early photographers documented the aftermath...

What happens when the capital falls—but the fight is far from over? In this episode of Boom Goes the History , co-host Kris White is joined by historian Dan Davis and producer Andy Poulton to dive into the dramatic Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. From the shock of losing the American capital to the hard lessons learned on the road to Valley Forge, the crew unpacks how setbacks helped shape the Revo...

What happens when modern historians react to historians of the past? In this episode of  Boom Goes the History , Garry Adelman brings a wild idea to the table: watching and reacting to old clips of legendary historians. First up—Douglas Southall Freeman. We dive into Freeman’s thoughts on respecting the enemy, but the real surprise? Hearing his voice! Join us for a fun, slightly stunned, and occas...

Why Gettysburg? What makes one battle capture a lifetime of curiosity? On this episode of Boom Goes the History, we sit down with American Battlefield Trust Chief Historian Garry Adelman to talk about his lifelong obsession with the Battle of Gettysburg. From the dramatic three days of fighting to his love of Civil War photography, Garry shares how he became completely hooked on Gettysburg—and why...

The American Battlefield Trust’s Boom Goes the History podcast is back—and it’s louder, livelier, and more fun than ever. In this reboot of the fan-favorite show, we dive headfirst into the stories, personalities, and surprising moments that shaped American history. From the drama of the Revolutionary War to the high stakes of the War of 1812 and the epic clashes of the Civil War, no battlefield—o...

Join Kris White for this in-depth tour of the Bennett Place State Historic Site in North Carolina, where Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his Confederate forces to William T. Sherman in late April, 1865.

In this episode Chief Historian Garry Adelman is joined by special guests Derrick Brown and Colby Stevens. Stay tuned until the end for an impromptu stop at the Cole Plantation!

After capturing Wilmington, North Carolina in February of 1865, Union forces led by John Schofield moved inland to face Joseph E. Johnston and Braxton Bragg. Kris White gives a breakdown of the battle from the Wyse Fork battle monument in Kinston, NC.

After Fort Fisher fell to Union forces, the Confederates still held powerful Fort Anderson. Could a veteran of Antietam and Franklin compromise the fort? Join Chief Historian, Garry Adelman, historian Chris Fonvielle Jr. and Site Manager Jim McKee at the “best preserved Confederate earthen fort.”

On February 11, 1865, the little known Battle of Sugar Loaf opened up the Wilmington Campaign. Join Chris Fonvielle Jr. for this brief tour of the new Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Civil War Park, dedicated to telling the story of those who fought throughout Wilmington, North Carolina. After Sugar Loaf, we continue onto Forks Road. In 1980, Chris Fonvielle Jr. came across a piece of land that now sits ne...

Kris White and Chris Fonvielle Jr. complete their comprehensive tour of Fort Fisher in North Carolina. This is the second of two episodes. If you have ever wanted an all-encompassing tour of Fort Fisher in North Carolina, then you have found the right podcast episodes.

If you have ever wanted an all-encompassing tour of Fort Fisher in North Carolina, then you have found the right podcast episode! Kris White is joined by Chris Fonvielle Jr. for a walk around the historic fort. This is part one of two episodes.