Banjo Strings and Drinking Gourds

In this holiday episode, we discuss the myths, misconceptions, and evidence (or lack thereof) surrounding the first Christmas tree. This ubiquitous holiday decoration doesn't have as simple of an origin as you might think. 

Music by Julius_H from Pixabay

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

In this episode, we dramatize a holiday story written in 1883. The adventures of the Peterkin family were chronicled by Lucretia P. Hale throughout the mid to late 19th century. The well-intentioned, but slightly sideways, family tended to create their own obstacles and were usually saved by a "Lady from Philadelphia." This Christmas installment is a perfect case in point!

Voices: 

Mr. Peterkin: Alex Tillen

Mrs. Peterkin: Sally Landes

Agamemnon: Dale Cook

Elizabeth Eliza: Rachel Sites

Solomon John: Mark Mazzochi

Music: Rachel Sites and Zac Bell

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find out more online, on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. 

In this episode, which we recorded outside in August (cicadas, road noise, and all), our guest discusses the vernacular styles of architecture housed at the Frontier Culture Museum. He also discusses how those styles were brought over to America and elements were further blended and cherrypicked, creating new styles of vernacular structures. 

Intro and Transition Music: Zac Bell

End Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us online, on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. Don't forget to check out our new blog!

This episode, we invite the Executive Director of the Frontier Culture Museum, Dr. Megan Newman, to talk about some exciting up-coming projects and improvements to the museum. We also discuss some of the impact COVID-19 has had on the FCM and Dr. Newman's favorite visitor experience.

Intro and Transition Music: Zac Bell

Exit Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us at frontiermuseum.org, Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram

We're back with a new season! And just in time for some chilling local legends and lore from around Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley. Our guests this episode tell some of the creepy stories brought by immigrants into the Valley and some that are more homegrown. Enjoy the spooky kickoff to season two! Also, check out our new blog for more details about each episode and further sources!

Intro Music: Zac Bell

Closing Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us at frontiermuseum.org, on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Ever heard the old chestnut that women in the past often died by flaming petticoat? How about the one that people were shorter in the past? Ever wondered if everything "they say" is true? Then this is the episode for you! We're busting, or not, some of the commonly held perceptions and common wisdom about the past. Be prepared to be surprised!

We're also going to be taking a short hiatus from podcasting during our busy season. Join us again in October for a brand new season of historical content. Please subscribe to get the newest episodes as soon as they drop!

Intro and Transition Music: Zac Bell

End Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us at frontiermuseum.org, on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube

Happy Independence Day! In this episode, we've veered off the traditional focus on the Revolution and the Declaration of Independence to focus on the bigger picture of martial conflicts in the years before 1776. Just what was happening to help form the crucible that would produce open rebellion against England? Our guests detail conflicts you may not have heard of that happened on American soil or involved colonists in wider geopolitical issues.

Music: Zac Bell and Davis Tierney

End Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us at frontiermuseum.org, on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube

You may have heard of Juneteenth, which just became a Virginia state holiday. But what is so special about that date? Join us as we explore the meaning behind the observance of the day, the traditions involved, and some of the music important to the day.

Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana and Mark Mazzochi

           Modified: Work, John Wesley, Fisk University Jubilee Singers, Alfred Garfield King, Noah Walker Ryder, and J. A Myers. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. 1909. Audio. https://www.loc.gov/item/jukebox-128141/. Used under the Fair Use Clause.

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

We went a little overboard with our research into London in 1666 for our Worst Years in History podcast. We didn't want to publish an hour and a half episode, so here's the stuff that didn't make the cut the first time! London in 1665 and 1666 was nobody's idea of a good time, but this episode looks a little closer at just what was going on and gives you some first-hand accounts of fire, warfare, and plague.

Intro and Transition Music: Zac Bell

End Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us at frontiermuseum.org, on Youtube, Instagram, and Facebook

Have you ever wondered how a museum decides what goes into a historic house? Or when to use artifacts or reproductions? Then this is the episode for you! Joining us is our Curator, David Puckett, who will answer our questions about what curation is, how decisions are made, and all the research that goes into every object a visitor sees on site.

Intro and Transition Music: Zac Bell

End Music: Jean Claude Hatungimana

Cover Art: Emily Noble Day

Find us online at frontiermuseum.org, on Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube