Talking Hoosier History

You may know that Abraham Lincoln spent fourteen formative years in Indiana. But what part of this oft-told story is fact and what part is fiction? Did Indiana shape Lincoln into the man who would become one of the greatest U.S. presidents? Or did he achieve greatness despite his Indiana roots? This episode of Talking Hoosier History explores Lincoln the man, Lincoln the myth, and the grey area in between.

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The Senate Avenue YMCA provided a gathering place and rallying point for the African American residents of Indianapolis, who faced prejudice and discrimination in the segregated city. The Y's "Monster Meetings" brought nationally renown speakers such as Martin Luther King Jr. and their messages of hope for equal rights, love for their oppressors, and resistance to the hate of racism. (Guest: Dr. Frank Thomas, Director of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis)

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Zerelda Wallace became politically active late in her life, after she raised several children and lost her husband. She made up for lost time, however, becoming a leader in the temperance and suffrage movements in Indiana and nationally. Her strong belief in Christian moral principles and ideas about women as the moral compass of humanity inspired her work to bring women the vote.

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In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we're doing something a little different. Instead of our usual story-telling format, we're interviewing author and historian Wendy Gamber about her tale of one nineteenth century woman's dubious money-making schemes, alleged murder plot, and ensuing five court trials. Meet the Notorious Mrs. Clem.

With the rise of spiritualism in the late nineteenth century, Hoosiers began gathering in dimly lit rooms to contact the spirits of the departed. Others didn't go looking at all, but restless ghosts found them nonetheless. Some of these terrifying tales ended up in the pages of Indiana newspapers. Join us as we journey through these eerie encounters . . . if you dare.

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Spanish Influenza hit Indiana in September of 1918. While the virus was killing soldiers and civilians affected by WWI around the world, most Hoosiers assumed they were safe that fall. Unfortunately, the mysterious flu was already on their doorstep. On this episode of Talking Hoosier History we examine the havoc caused by the dread malady and the brave nurses and regular Hoosiers who battled the epidemic.

Read the show notes here.