Curator's Choice

Join us for an enlightening journey through the rich history and diverse ecosystems of the White Mountains, also known as the "Switzerland of America." Discover the ancient origins of the Appalachian Mountains and their profound geological and cultural significance. We'll highlight the invaluable contributions of Indigenous Abenaki communities, whose enduring legacy is under threat from an invasive insect species.

🧺 Of Baskets and Borers: Abenaki Basketry and Conservation Efforts  🌲
At the Museum of the White Mountains, we delve into the “Of Baskets and Borers” exhibit, exploring the severe threat posed by the Emerald Ash Borer to ash trees, disrupting delicate ecosystems and endangering the tradition of Abenaki basketry. Discover the natural history of ash trees that makes them a favorite among these skilled basket weavers and learn how the Emerald Ash Borer is decimating these vital trees. The exhibit also highlights promising conservation efforts, including naturally resistant ash trees, the use of parasitoid wasps to control the borer population, and protective insecticide injections.

🔗  Episode Links
Museum of the White Mountains (MWM): https://www.plymouth.edu/mwm/

MWM Youtube lecture series: https://www.youtube.com/@mwmpsu

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

📅 A Date Which Will Live in Infamy
Today, we reflect on December 7, 1941—a date that will live in infamy. On this day, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. With Amanda Sheley as our guide, we delve into the attack on Pearl Harbor at the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum in Hawaii.  Join us as we uncover the reality of the attack, which extended beyond Pearl Harbor to multiple airfields on Oahu. We examine the circumstances that both aided and hindered the response of U.S. forces, including chaotic communication efforts, technological limitations, and human errors. 

 🤝 Unsung Heroes
Amidst this chaos, unsung heroes emerge, such as in the Niʻihau Incident where a native Hawaiian woman played a crucial role in what became the first battle of WWII.  We also highlight the rallying of local communities to support the war effort, exemplified by the model airplane project in which students meticulously crafted 500,000 exact models to train soldiers in field identification.  Additionally, we discuss the tragic fate of three men who were trapped underwater with no hope of rescue for over two weeks aboard the sunken USS West Virginia. 

🎖️ Heroism and Impact
This episode delves into stories of true heroism in the face of adversity and explores the profound and lasting impact Pearl Harbor had on world history. Please note, this episode contains depictions of death and may not be suitable for all listeners.

 🔗  Episode Links
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum: https://www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org

Day of Infamy Speech: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_Infamy_speech

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

This week we head to Virginia to visit Luray Caverns, the most highly decorated caverns in the world according to the Smithsonian. In this episode, we hear from three professionals who share the history of the caverns, the science behind the decorating formations, and how The Great Stalacpipe Organ creates music.

Luray Caverns was discovered on August 13th, 1878 by three local men: Andrew J. Campbell (a local tinsmith), William Campbell, and local photographer Benton Stebbins. These fellows were prospecting for a show cave as they knew of a cave in southern Virginia that was open and giving tours. If they could find a cave, they too could make some money.  

They spent a whole summer looking at every sinkhole on every farmer's land, all around town. The townspeople thought they were crazy, calling them “Phantom Chasers”. Eventually, the group came across one particular sinkhole. When they put their hands down, they felt cool air coming out of a quarter-size hole in the ground. They enlarged the hole enough for one man, Andrew Campbell, to slide down on a rope with a candle in hand. They discovered what they were looking for, one of the largest caverns in the world.

Cavern formations are created when water on the surface infiltrates into the ground. It picks up minerals that are in the soil and rock as it seeps into the earth. 

Eventually, it enters the cavern system through microscopic pores in the rock. As the water drips and flows in, it deposits those minerals along the ceilings, walls, and floors. And over many, many years those minerals build up and reconstitute into these larger formations.

On average, scientists estimate that formations at Luray take around 120 years to grow one cubic inch. The largest formation in the cavern system is 40 feet tall, 120 feet in circumference at the base, and is an estimated seven and a half million years old. It’s called the Giant Redwood Tree as it resembles the trunk of a giant Sequoia.

Mr. Leland Sprinkles brought his son to Luray Caverns for his fifth birthday. At the time, tour guides would play a tune on the stalactites and stalagmites by striking them with a mallet. This gave Mr. Sprinkles, an engineer and organist, the idea to create a playable organ using the cave’s formations. With an agreement over a handshake, Sprinkles began developing the organ.

He would scout for tones by striking the formations and pick those that were closest. Then he would tune them to concert pitch by sanding them down. It was first played in 1957  and is still in use today. It covers three and a half acres, making it the world’s largest natural musical instrument!

Episode Links:

• Luray Caverns webpage: https://luraycaverns.com/

• Discovery of Luray Caverns, Virginia by Russell H. Gurneebook: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/discovery-of-luray-caverns-virginia_russell-h-gurnee/1801668/item/8715266/#edition=727824&idiq=32909429

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Join us as we delve into the tragic and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe, one of literature's most intriguing figures. Discover his legacy and unravel the secrets of his life at the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland. 

 🕯️ Melancholy and Masterpieces  🎭
Explore how Poe's tumultuous adolescence, marked by loss and upheaval, fostered a sense of melancholy that permeated his future works, including "The Masque of the Red Death," "The Raven," and my personal favorite, "The Tell-Tale Heart." Discover often overlooked aspects of Poe's life, such as his career as a book critic, his role as the inventor of the detective story, and his fascination with the cosmos.

🔍 Unveiling Poe's Life, Death, and Legacy  ⚰️
Even in death, Poe remains shrouded in intrigue, with his body being reburied no less than three times in the same cemetery. We'll also examine the legend of the Poe Toaster, a mysterious cloaked figure who sneaked into the cemetery and left a tribute for Poe on his birthday until 2009.

 🔗  Episode Links

• Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum: https://www.poeinbaltimore.org/
• Complete Works of Poe: https://poemuseum.org/poes-complete-works/

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Ever wondered how a humble canned meat could become a cultural icon? Join us as we uncover the rich history and global legacy of Spam. We'll take you back to its origins in Austin, Minnesota, where Jay Hormel's quest for a fully cooked ham led to the creation of Spam 87 years ago. Discover how this innovative product became a vital food source for soldiers during World War II and evolved into a beloved household staple in the post-war era. Our journey will take us around the globe, highlighting Spam's immense popularity in South Korea, the Philippines, and Japan.

🐖 From Humble Origins to Global Culinary Icon 🥫
Get ready to be enthralled by the stories, traditions, and crazy recipes that surround Spam. We'll debunk some common misconceptions about Spam, delve into its 6 ingredient recipe, and explore how its formulation has evolved over the years. From unique culinary creations like Spam Musubi to the vibrant Spam Jam celebration in Hawaii, this episode is packed with delicious inspiration. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Spam phenomenon, you'll leave with a newfound appreciation and perhaps even a few ideas for your next meal.

🧀  SPAM Species  🧄
Classic Spam
Spam Lite
Spam Less Sodium
Spam with Real Hormel Bacon
Spam Hickory Smoke
Spam Hot & Spicy
Spam Jalapeño
Spam Black Pepper
Spam Teriyaki
Spam Oven Roasted Turkey
Spam Garlic
Spam Tocino
Spam Portuguese Sausage
Spam Chorizo
Spam Cheese
Spam Single Classic
Spam Single Lite
Spam Single Hickory Smoke
Spam Single Hot & Spicy 
Spam Spread
Spam Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice

🔗 Episode Links

SPAM Museum: https://www.spam.com/museum

Spam Recipies: https://tinyurl.com/yh37capm

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Step behind the neon glow with me as we venture into a radiant corner of Las Vegas history at the Neon Sign Museum. With Aaron Berger as our guide, we delve into a treasure trove of glowing lights that tell the story of Sin City.

🎰 Illuminating Las Vegas's Past and Preserving Its Glow 💡
Las Vegas's neon signs are more than just advertisements; they're historical landmarks that reveal the city's (dark and light) past. In this episode, you'll learn the ins and outs of neon sign restoration and how unique leasing arrangements inadvertently became a lifeline for preserving these glowing artifacts. Among the stories highlighted is that of the Moulin Rouge sign, which marked the first integrated casino in the United States and was created by a rarity in the sign industry, Betty Willis.

🎲 Weaving Neon into the Heartbeat of Las Vegas 💖
We'll also delve into the city's mission to weave these signs into the community's heartbeat, installing them in public spaces, and even enshrining their maintenance in law — exemplified by the legendary cowboy Vegas Vic. Whether you are looking for free aspirin, tender sympathies, or the brightest lights in town, the city that never sleeps has something for everyone.

🔗 Episode Links
Neon Sign Museum: https://neonmuseum.org/

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Embark on a captivating journey through the life of the legendary Babe Ruth, from his humble beginnings in Pig Town to his towering fame in American baseball. Dive deep into the story behind his iconic status, dispelling myths and revealing the influences that shaped him early on. Explore the man behind the legend, tracing his roots from Pig Town to the pivotal moment he signed his first professional contract.

🌟Babe Ruth: The Man. The Myth. The Legend⚾️
Our narrative delves into the gritty world of early 20th-century baseball, uncovering the forces that propelled Ruth from the minor leagues to the Yankees. Discover intimate details of his life, including his unconventional wedding and his affection for children, offering a glimpse into the private side of this public figure.

⚾️A Legend's Lasting Impact on Baseball History🏆
Concluding our journey, we reflect on Babe Ruth's monumental impact, from the frenzy of his fame to his lasting influence on the Yankees and the sport itself. Through personal stories and historical insights, we paint a vivid picture of Ruth's enduring legacy, echoing through the annals of baseball history.

🔗Episode Links
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum: https://baberuthmuseum.org/

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

All aboard as we delve into Maryland's captivating trolley history at the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum. Uncover how these transport marvels transformed rural connections, surprising even in funeral processions. With Reuben Moss leading the way, we unravel the intricate impact of trolleys on local trade, education, and the agricultural economy.

💡 Boonesboro's Trolley Tales: Cantaloupes, Power Plants, and Electric Parks! 🎡
This episode delves into the history of Boonesboro, famed for its juicy cantaloupes and bustling trolley system—one of the nation's largest rural-urban networks. Experience the thrill of riding these trolleys and discover the Frederick Company's entrepreneurial zeal as it powered beyond transportation, electrifying rural Maryland with power plants and vibrant electric parks that became community hubs of leisure and excitement.

🎶 Trolley's Last Stand: From Wheels to Wisdom! 📚
Discover the fate of the final four trolleys, some transformed into vibrant libraries! Finally, we share the story of a Washington D.C. DJ who had a dual passion for Beatles tunes and trolley lore, whose efforts have preserved the echoes of the trolley bells in a museum that stands as a testament to this bygone but never-dimming era of transportation's enchanting past.

The Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society
Oral History Project
This Society is collecting visual and audio records of individuals with stories of the trolley line. These records are added to the Society's archives where they can be used for education and research. If you have a story you would like to share, reach out to Reuben at [email protected] or write to:

H&FRHS Inc.
P.O. Box 1314
Frederick, MD 21702

www.hfrhs.org/oralhistory

🔗 Episode Links

National Road Museum: NationalRDFoundation.org

Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society: https://hfrhs.org 

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Embark with us on a highway through history as we unravel the fabric of America's love affair with her roads. From the meticulous preservation efforts of past pathways in Frederick County to the lonely stretches of Nevada's Route 50, this episode is a true homage to the arteries that have shaped our nation. With guest Bob Savitt, we witness the celebratory opening of a museum dedicated to the National Road, the very first highway funded by the federal government. Join us as we discuss its evolution from trade route to leisure destination.

🚦 Road Evolution 🚗

Discover the various innovations in road development, from ancient Macadam techniques to modern paving, and how these advancements reflect America's cultural and infrastructural growth. The conversation also highlights the Good Roads Movement and the advent of automobiles, mapping out how these critical shifts influenced the way we experience road travel today.

🛣️ Time Traveler's Rest 🕰️
Finally, take a brief respite at some historical mile markers, the original rest stops that offered sanctuary for weary travelers and their steeds. So tune in, fasten your seatbelt, and prepare for a ride through time on the fascinating roads of America's past.

The open houses we will be holding for the National Road Museum will be:

• Saturday April 27, 9am - 5pm during the Boonsboro Spring Jubilee.  A townwide spring festival with activities at several local businesses, all of the museums and in the park.  The town is also planning to have carriage rides available!
• Sunday May 19, 11am - 4pm, during the arrival of the National Road Wagon Train, a collection of horse-drawn wagons that makes the three-day journey on the National Pike from Clear Spring just west of the city, through Hagerstown and Funkstown and ending their trip in Boonsboro.
• Saturday June 1, hours TBD.  The peak date of the National Road Yard Sale where people along the road from Baltimore to St. Louis set up yard sales on the same weekend, and the last Saturday of the Boonsboro Fire Department Carnival in the park just behind the museums.

🔗 Episode Links
National Road Heritage Foundation https://nationalrdfoundation.org/national-road-museum/

Direct donation link for the National Road Museum to make sure we can get several of the exhibits completed before the opening in October: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=pywWjsWVvmG2SuAg8IrmK7rK62NUPn0mHW_QGTVedC8mMCisLKz-X9P1XaQR1byC58M8LvdV8eCZLiH9

Maryland Byways tour information for people who want to do a roadtrip on the Maryland segment of the road: https://www.visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/historic-national-road

Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Historical Society (for the trolley history): https://hfrhs.org 

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Embark on a journey into the heart of Baltimore where the first dental school took root, revolutionizing oral health care. We'll reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the dire need for dental regulation, from sideshow jaw hackers to educated dentistry professionals.

🔧 From Baltimore's Roots to Regal Dentures 🦷
With Scott Swank as our guide, we reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the need for regulation, professional associations, and medical journals, transforming the landscape of dentistry.  From extracting teeth from the mouths of the city's poorest to showcasing the most luxurious dental tools fit for royalty, we delve into the stark contrast between the struggles of early dental care and the opulence of elite dentistry.

😁 Teeth, Technology, and Oral Narratives 🧚‍♂️
Hear the captivating truth behind George Washington's dentures, a tale far removed from the myth of wooden chompers. Get the inside scoop on the intricate craftsmanship of these dental devices, made from materials like hippopotamus ivory, and the exclusive nature of dentures in the 18th century. We pay homage to John Greenwood, Washington's trusted dentist, whose skill with dentures proved indispensable to our nation's first president. Join us as we sift through the complex layers of this historic dental story, from the origins of oral folklore to stem cell innovations in tooth replacement.

🔗 Episode Links:
The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry: www.dentalmuseum.com

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers