Exploring History

Acts chapter 17 tells us about Paul's sermon before the Areopagus in Athens, Greece. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how that sermon explained to the Athenians the God whom they did not know, and how knowing Him could help them understand the world He had made and His plan for salvation in Jesus Christ. Find more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homesch...

On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the single most important event in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The resurrection is the culmination of what God had done throughout the history of Israel. It gives meaning and purpose and hope to every one who believes in this truth. Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/s...

The world into which Jesus came is vastly different from the world in which we live today. The main reason for this difference is the way that followers of Christ have changed the world because of the way Jesus has changed them. This episode looks at how followers of the Christian faith have transformed the world. Find resources for further study at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistor...

Many people know the verse "to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). But what does living out that verse look like in dealing with a convicted murderer who has turned her life around? In this episode, Ray Notgrass discusses a real-life case when a state governor tried to apply that verse in one of the most difficult situations of his administration....

George Washington Carver was a man of remarkable talents, a continuing drive always to learn more, and a deep Christian faith. On the latest Exploring History with Ray Notgrass podcast, we'll survey the life, accomplishments, and influence of this man of God. Find resources for further study at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP027 Homeschool curriculum and res...

Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog is a homeschool dad who has used Notgrass History curriculum in his family. In this conversation with John Notgrass, he shares ideas about how to teach history to our children and how to prepare them for studying history in college and beyond. Dr. Den Hartog is Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Samford University. He went to Samford in 2019, after having p...

The events of a single year can have a profound impact in history. In this episode, Ray Notgrass reviews the dramatic events of 1968 and tells how those events impacted American history. Find videos and other resources related to this episode at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP025 Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental...

Galatians 4:4-5 says that Jesus was born "in the fullness of time." Several streams of history came together when Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. The latest Exploring History podcast explains how Jesus came "in the fullness of time." Find resources for further study at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP024 Homeschool curriculum and resou...

After the Civil War, Fisk University offered formerly enslaved persons the opportunity for an education to help them have productive lives as free citizens. The Fisk Jubilee Singers showcased the students' talent and spread a message of faith and hope around the country and around the world. Over 150 years later, the university and the Singers are still going strong. Hear their story on this...

You’ve probably heard a lot about the historic origins of the American Thanksgiving observance. It’s a story our country can be proud of, and a tradition we should honor and support. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass shares some amazing true stories that remind us to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day but to be thankful always. Visit our website to find resources about Th...

The Berlin Wall came down in early November of 1989. Many people have discussed the political and economic factors involved in what happened, but in this podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the role that prayer played in that dramatic event. Listen and find supplemental links at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/berlin-wall-and-prayer Homeschool curriculum and resources fo...

Religious faith is vitally important in our country’s history. The desire for the freedom of religious expression was the motivation for the founding of several of the English colonies. Founding Father John Adams said about the new Constitution, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." In this episode, Ray...

Pierre Boucher was a leading citizen of the colony of New France. At one point, he was credited with saving the colony. His great-grandson, Timothy Demonbreun, was a leading citizen of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn their stories and more about the French presence in North America in this episode. Find more resources about New France at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/g...

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history. In this episode, Ray Notgrass discusses her life and reign and shares his personal connections with Her Majesty's Britain. Find links to more resources about Queen Elizabeth II at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/tribute-to-queen-elizabeth-ii Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages:...

In this podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the dramatic story of Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol and their recovery from the Ebola virus in 2014. It's a story of faith, courage, selfless service, and answered prayer. Kent Brantly Interview https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/kent-brantly-interview 10 Questions with Kent Brantly, M.D. https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/10-questions...

In this podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his love of reading and how books have enriched his life. He talks about what books do for us and encourages students and adults to be lifetime readers. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/ Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenen...

Sir Douglas Nicholls was a leader among the aboriginal people of Australia in the 20th century. He was a star athlete, devoted Christian, leader in the campaign for civil rights, and the first member of the first nations of Australia to be appointed governor of a state. Sir Douglas Nicholls only stood 5 feet 2 inches tall, but in athletics, faith, civil rights, and politics, he was a giant of a ma...

In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass takes on the process of reapportionment of the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the mysterious, sometimes comical, often frustrating, deeply political process known as redistricting of electoral districts. If you need a bit more light on these subjects, listen to Exploring History with Ray Notgrass. Find more resources about redis...

In 1958 the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S. Navy's Nautilus , made a daring journey underwater at the North Pole. That journey, led by Captain William Anderson, demonstrated American technology and boosted American prestige around the world. Hear the story of this history-making event. Find more resources about the Nautilus : https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/1...

The Declaration of Independence and the American revolutionary movement began a story that is still being written. It’s a work in progress and likely always will be, just as we all are. Even so, the United States is unlike any other country in the history of the world. This country has enabled greater political, personal, economic, and religious freedom and opportunity than any other country ever...

Do you want to face today and tomorrow with hope? Then study the past. The way to where we are hasn’t come without a price, and there has certainly been loss, but much has happened that is right and good. We see countless examples of this in history, and we have a promise of the ultimate victory of right from the One who put this world into motion in the beginning. You need to know history, and yo...

Do you wonder if homeschooled children can succeed? Two parents who homeschooled their four lively children prove that they can succeed. They can even soar. One of them might even become president of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and his wife, Martha, made a conscious decision to homeschool their children in the middle of the 19th century. They faced issues that parents face today. The...

On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass discusses some of the factors in our current economic situation: how we got here, where we are, and what might happen in the future. We hope to shed some light on a confusing and highly unusual situation. Find videos about inflation, unemployment, and money at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHECON22 Homeschool curri...

On this episode of Exploring History , we talk about the U.S. Supreme Court: what the Constitution says about it, the meaning of judicial review, and the debate between originalism and the idea of a living Constitution that changes meaning over time. We also talk about the importance of every American understanding what the Constitution actually says and what it doesn't say. Alexis de Tocquev...

It was the day the world turned upside down. Why did the leaders of God’s people spit on the Son of God? What was the Son of God doing standing bound, being lied about by religious leaders, and facing interrogation by a pagan governor? Why was the Son of God hanging on a cross? What happened that day had to happen. It had to happen because God in His power and mercy was making right all the things...