This episode of "Behind the Headlines of History" delves into two curious tales from the past. An 1840 newspaper report on a tragic construction accident seems straightforward enough, but it holds a shocking secret. Follow a genealogical trail that uncovers an unbelievable link between one of the injured workers and a modern-day Hollywood A-lister you would never expect. Then, step into the curious world of Victorian spiritualism, where a con-artist's séance goes disastrously wrong. When the "spectral visitor" makes its grand entrance, the results are more comical than cosmic. Finally, stick around for a jaw-dropping "news in brief" involving a baby, a coffin (just trust us), and a cry that defied all logic!

All newspaper articles referenced in this episode were sourced on Newspapers.com, with additional research conducted by Brad and Michala using Ancestry® and other resources.