In the Archives

After a long hiatus, In the Archives returns with the story of one of the most famous letters in American history. In this episode, “Dear Listener, America Is Free,” we explore John Adams’s July 3, 1776 letter to Abigail Adams, written just after the vote for independence. From the failures of the Revolutionary War to Adams’s vision for future Fourth of July celebrations, this episode examines the...

Dive down deep into the depths of Loch Ness in Scotland, as we explore on of the most infamous sea monsters in existence. So, jump in with this special Halloween edition of In the Archives! #History #podcast #Lochness #monster #halloween #spooky

In the finale of our Made in America series, we return to the War of 1812 and the night Francis Scott Key watched Fort McHenry under fire. From rockets’ red glare to the dawn’s first light, discover how a poem scribbled on the back of a letter became our national anthem— The Star-Spangled Banner.

In this episode of In the Archives , we dive into Article II, Section 1, Clauses 1–4 of the U.S. Constitution—the foundation of the Electoral College. From its creation during the Constitutional Convention to the elections of 1796 and 1800, we explore how and why this system was designed, how it functions today, and why it continues to spark fierce debate. Is it outdated, or is it one of the endur...

What came first—the chicken or the egg? In Revolutionary America, the nation was the egg—waiting to hatch into a glorious bald eagle. After the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers entered an experimental era of governing and building a lasting union. One document that emerged during this time was the Articles of Confederation —America’s first constitution—the egg befor...

On May 7, 1915, at 2:10 PM off the coast of Ireland, tragedy struck as the passenger liner Lusitania became caught in the crossfire of Germany's unrestricted submarine warfare. Over 1,100 people died—including 128 Americans. Newspapers quickly sprang into action, and soon headlines about the tragedy echoed across the globe. But for many Americans, an overwhelming sense of dread and anxiety set in,...

Can news stories really shape American identity? Have they left a lasting impact on our culture? Tune in for Part 1 of 2 in The News Stories That Made Us , as I explore the War of 1812—not just through history books, but through the newspapers as the event was happening. Join me, as I dive into the stories that made the War of 1812. #news #Warof1812 #madeinamerica

In 1492, Christopher Columbus set sail into the unknown—and changed the world forever. But who was the man behind the myth? In this episode of In the Archives , we examine Columbus’s life through the lens of primary sources and modern scholarship. From his obscure origins and controversial legacy to the enduring myths that surround his voyages, we uncover a story of ambition, exploration, and unin...

Long before Columbus set sail, a young Venetian named Marco Polo claimed to have traveled to the heart of the Mongol Empire. But how much of his famous journey was real, and how much was rewritten for European audiences? In this episode of In the Archives , we explore the legacy of The Travels of Marco Polo , the blurred lines between fact and fable, and how one prison cell conversation helped sha...

James Armistead Lafayette was the double agent who helped win the Battle of Yorktown—but history almost forgot him. In this episode, we uncover how a man born into slavery became one of the Revolution’s most effective spies, and how a 73-word letter from Marquis de Lafayette became the key to his freedom—and legacy. Retro Rewind Article coming soon! Link to the website: https://inthearchivespodca....

In this Easter bonus episode of Out of the Archives , we take a closer look at the story of Judas Iscariot—the disciple who betrayed Jesus. From the second anointing at Bethany to the kiss in the garden, we walk through the key moments that led to his downfall. Along the way, we explore how prophecy, greed, and spiritual blindness all played a role in his tragic decision. It’s a powerful reminder...

In every war, there are spies lurking in the shadows and traitors who gamble everything—some for glory, others for greed. What drives a person to betray their country? This month on In the Archives , we’re uncovering the Revolutionary War’s spies and traitors, starting with America’s most notorious turncoat—Benedict Arnold. Why did he betray the very cause he once fought for? Find out in this epis...

In the exciting conclusion to Friends Behind Enemy Lines. We uncover the writings of one German citizen who became the Enemy Within . Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a pastor, theologian, and one of Nazi Germany’s fiercest internal critics. While many in the church bowed to Hitler, Bonhoeffer stood in defiance—risking everything to resist the regime from within and secretly sharing critical information wi...

At the height of World War II, Americans saw anyone serving in Hitler’s army as the enemy—and the feeling was mutual in Germany. Yet, in the middle of fear, hatred, and war, one German pilot rose above it all. Ignoring his orders and risking everything, Franz Stigler made a choice that would save lives and forge an unlikely, lasting friendship. This is the remarkable story of Franz Stigler’s decis...

In this episode of In the Archives , we explore the Taiwan Question and China’s push for reunification under the “one country, two systems” policy. Using a 1995 speech by Jiang Zemin, we break down China’s historical claims, its proposed reunification plan, and the promises made to Taiwan. We also examine why Taiwan has resisted, especially after witnessing the fate of Hong Kong under the same pol...

This month, In the Archives travels to 20th-century China, where the Communist regime tightens its grip on power and seeks reunification with all its territories. However, resistance emerges, and in response, the government turns to one of its most powerful tools—censorship. Our theme this month is "The T’s Never to Utter in China." In this episode, we explore the first of these forbidden topics a...

In this episode of In the Archives , we explore the fascinating role of dogs in ancient Roman society through the writings of Pliny the Elder. Dogs were more than just pets—they were hunters, guardians, warriors, and even symbols of loyalty and heroism. Pliny provides vivid anecdotes of dogs defending their masters, uncovering murderers, and even participating in battle. We also examine myths, his...

Have you ever tried to power through a cold using sheer willpower? Well, one Roman philosopher actually advised his friend to do just that. Join us on this episode of In the Archives as we dive into the voices of ancient Rome and uncover how the Romans dealt with something all too familiar in our world today—a common cold! Website: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives

The dawn of a New Year brings the promise of fresh beginnings, but true change often requires us to reflect on the past. The traditional New Year's anthem, Auld Lang Syne , invites us to do just that—bridging nostalgia and renewal as we step into the future. More than just a melody to mark the occasion, this song carries profound historical significance. In this episode of In the Archives , we’ll...

Every year, stores fill with plastic Santas and Nutcrackers, but where are the Nativity scenes? When was the last time you saw the story of Christmas truly celebrated? Have we forgotten the real reason for the season? On this episode of Out of the Archives , we explore how and why we’ve strayed so far from the true message of Christmas. Retro Rewind: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-a...

Songs are often looked over as primary sources, but they are some of the most powerful sources historians have. Songs describe a time period better than other sources. For this Civil War era Carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" captures the feelings of despair... but also hope? Listen to find out more! Editor: Georgia Website: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives

This episode explores the Mayflower Compact, highlighting its significance as a covenant rooted in the Pilgrims' faith rather than a secular social contract. Its legacy laid the groundwork for American principles of democracy, influencing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The episode also reflects on the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving, made possible with the help of the Wampanoag...

This episode of In the Archives explores Charles Lightoller’s Senate testimony on the Titanic disaster. As Second Officer, Lightoller oversaw lifeboat loading, adhering to a "women and children first" rule. Despite this, many lifeboats were underfilled, and he noted a surprising calm among passengers. Lightoller’s own survival was harrowing—he was sucked underwater by an explosion and resurfaced n...

Join us as we step away from the Archives for bit, and dive into other sources. In this spooky bonus episode the myth continues with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow!

Join us in this episode as we continue the conversation on myths, as we dive into Paul Revere's famous ride. In this episode, we debunk the popular myths surrounding Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride to Lexington during the American Revolution. We explore how the legend, immortalized by Longfellow’s poem, has overshadowed key facts, such as Revere not riding alone and failing to complete his miss...