Author Andrew Smith gives a quick primer on the history of the 'American' turkey as well as a quick review of the validity of story of the First Thanksgiving.

Monticello guide Kyle Chattleton discusses one of the most memorable objects at Monticello today — the fossilized remains of an American mastodon. During his retirement years, Thomas Jefferson converted the entrance hall of his home into a private museum, and shared items such as these with his visitors in the hope of sharing knowledge and instilling national pride.

Thomas Jefferson’s historic home has hosted numerous visitors over the centuries. In this episode, Monticello guide Sam Riggs shares the story of George Ticknor’s 1815 visit. While Ticknor was not especially famous when he traveled to Monticello, his later writings about his trip have become an invaluable resource for historians eager to learn more about the Monticello home during Jefferson’s retirement years.

In 1923, the newly created Thomas Jefferson Foundation fulfilled its primary purpose by acquiring Monticello to preserve it in Jefferson’s memory. But now it had another problem: money. Faced with a large mortgage and impending repairs to the main house, the new owners had to move fast to hire staff and find novel ways to pay for it all. Along the way, the Foundation would employ ingenious fundraising, stage some very unusual publicity stunts, and in the end, help restore not only Jefferson’s home but his reputation as one of America’s Founders.