Every year, stores fill with plastic Santas and Nutcrackers, but where are the Nativity scenes? When was the last time you saw the story of Christmas truly celebrated? Have we forgotten the real reason for the season? On this episode of Out of the Archives, we explore how and why we’ve strayed so far from the true message of Christmas.

Retro Rewind: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives/post/the-rise-and-fall-of-a-christmas-classic

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Songs are often looked over as primary sources, but they are some of the most powerful sources historians have. Songs describe a time period better than other sources. For this Civil War era Carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" captures the feelings of despair... but also hope? Listen to find out more!

Editor: Georgia

Website: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives

This episode explores the Mayflower Compact, highlighting its significance as a covenant rooted in the Pilgrims' faith rather than a secular social contract. Its legacy laid the groundwork for American principles of democracy, influencing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The episode also reflects on the Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving, made possible with the help of the Wampanoag Tribe.

Website: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives

RETRO REWIND: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives/post/the-evolution-of-the-macy-s-thanksgiving-day-parade

This episode of In the Archives explores Charles Lightoller’s Senate testimony on the Titanic disaster. As Second Officer, Lightoller oversaw lifeboat loading, adhering to a "women and children first" rule. Despite this, many lifeboats were underfilled, and he noted a surprising calm among passengers. Lightoller’s own survival was harrowing—he was sucked underwater by an explosion and resurfaced near an upturned lifeboat. His testimony stirred controversy, particularly his insistence that the Titanic did not split in two, conflicting with other survivors’ accounts. The episode questions whether Lightoller’s loyalty to the White Star Line influenced his statements, offering listeners a closer look at how his perspective shaped our understanding of the Titanic tragedy.

Join us as we step away from the Archives for bit, and dive into other sources. In this spooky bonus episode the myth continues with the Legend of Sleepy Hollow!

Join us in this episode as we continue the conversation on myths, as we dive into Paul Revere's famous ride. In this episode, we debunk the popular myths surrounding Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride to Lexington during the American Revolution. We explore how the legend, immortalized by Longfellow’s poem, has overshadowed key facts, such as Revere not riding alone and failing to complete his mission. The episode highlights the contributions of other riders like William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, and examines the broader historical context, shedding light on how the story became mythologized over time.

For more content visit: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives.

In 1492, Columbus set sail for India, but what he found instead was a new world full of people. The Natives of the New World had different cultures and a different worldview than the European explorers. For many of these American civilizations their myths and stories were recorded by the explorers. But on the island of Hispaniola Fray Ramon Pané recorded the customs and myths of the Taino people. One such myth recorded was the Taino creation myth, the topic of today’s episode. Join the host as she breaks down the Taino Creation Myth.

Website: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives.

Unity and disunity are the themes of this month. Last episode, told the story of a nation united in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This week's episode showcases a disunited America as seen through the eye's of a future president. In his speech, Abraham Lincoln expresses his view on where this country is headed. Will America remain divided in slave and free states and fall as a result, or will they stand united.

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Credits

Show produced and written by Katie-Belle

Sound Design and editor: Georgia Claire

This episode dives into three personal accounts from people who lived through the 9/11 attacks. Although, these stories are from people in Georgia, there stories will resonate with the millions of other Americans who watched the attack unfold on their screen.

For a complete timeline of events check out: https://inthearchivespodca.wixsite.com/in-the-archives/post/9-11-timeline.

This episode is a reading of Dr. Harold Baumgarten's experience on OMAHA beach during the first wave of D-Day.

Written and performed by Katie-Belle

Edited and produced by Georgia Claire