Everyone loves cartoons! So we’re taking an unusual look at two big moments in cartoon history – when a vaudeville performer and comic-strip writer made animation history on a cold Chicago night, and also the time a cheeky political cartoonist brought down one of the most crooked politicians in history.

Gertie the Dinosaur and Winsor McCay read by Amber Estes-Thieneman

Thomas Nast and Boss Tweed read by Jason Lawrence

On the Sunny Side of the Street performed by Mick Sullivan

The Past and the Curious is a history podcast for kids, families and adults created by a professional museum educator with the help of brilliant friends. We are a proud Kids Listen member and dedicated to nurturing curiosity of the past in everyone.

Written and produced by Mick Sullivan. Don’t steal things you didn’t create.