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 fears, hopes, and patriotism surrounding America’s birth.

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 Is it outdated, or is it one of the enduring principles that keeps America’s republic in balance?

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 before the eagle took flight.

In this episode of In the Archives, we continue our Made in America series with the documents that shaped our identity. Join us as we explore the rise, fall, and legacy of the Articles of Confederation.

Contains music from 1776: "The Egg"

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, as the possibility of war loomed large.

Join me as I uncover one of the most monumental moments in early 20th-century American history—through the headlines that told the story.

This is Made in America: The Sinking of the Lusitania.

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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 unintended consequences.

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 shape the West’s view of the East for centuries.

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.wixsite.com/in-the-archives/blog/categories/retro-rewind