History with Mark Bielski

In this episode, guest George Luz, Jr. talks about his father's experiences in WWII as a soldier in Easy Company, the Band of Brothers. We discuss the training, toil, camaraderie and sacrifices of the men in E Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

General Parker Hills joins Mark to discuss the monuments at the Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi. Gen. Hills' book Art of Commemoration catalogues and details the magnificent sculpture, architecture, the artists and interpretations that memorialize the Park.

In 1861, the City of New Orleans prepared for an imminent invasion by Union forces after Louisiana joined the Confederacy. As a crisis loomed, leadership, politics and military shortcomings become evident.

Professor Laver returns to review the Vicksburg Campaign, Grant's rise to General-in-Chief of the Union Army, the Chattanooga campaign and his campaigns in Virginia.

Harry Laver, Professor of History at the US Army Command and General Staff College will discuss Grant's early career and his leadership in the Western Theatre of the War up to the Vicksburg Campaign.

Professor Bill Robison joins Mark to discuss Tudor England and its portrayal in film and TV—especially the series The Tudors and the interpretations of key characters such as Henry VIII, Ann Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon, Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey.

The beginning of a new year has often seen major developments in U.S. history. We review some of the key events such as the Battle of New Orleans and the Emancipation Proclamation.

Spring Lineup by History with Mark Bielski

In this episode, Mark reviews some of the happenings that American and Allied soldiers experienced during WWII. There are a few items from the home front and some from where the fighting occurred, as well as a few segments from POWs.

War brings few joyous moments. Over the years, Christmas time has provided a few glimmers of warmth. From a surprise victory for George Washington, to mules masquerading as reindeer in the Civil War, to a flare-lit soccer game between Brits and Germans in WWI, Mark shares some wartime Christmas memories.