Saint John: Nothing Happened Here

Mark Allan Greene - History Author; Valerie Emerson - History Academic
  • 5.0 (1)
  • History
  • Updated Biweekly

Many people think that nothing significant ever really happened in Saint John, New Brunswick. This history podcast challenges those thoughts by uncovering little known tales from the city and providing fresh perspectives on the people, places and events of the past.

  1. 1d ago

    Except for Our Live Show - Harry Houdini

    On October 10, 2026, prepare to be mystified as Mark and Valerie hit the stage for our first live show/recording. We will take you on a journey through Harry Houdini's trip to Saint John in 1896. As a relatively unknown magician at the time, Houdini had little impact on Saint John; but Saint John had a life changing impact on Houdini. Venue: The Write Cup Bookstore Cafe - 1 Market Square Time: 7pm - 8:30pm, Saturday, October 10th Admission is free but seat are limited. Come early and bring your curiosity! Mark's new book, Discovering Historic Saint John, is available at Chapters/Indigo/Coles throughout Canada and at Amazon.com for our American friends.

  2. Sep 29

    Except for Francoise Marie Jacquelin and the Battle of Fort LaTour

    Francoise Marie Jacquelin arrived in Acadia expecting a marriage and instead found herself at the center of a civil war. She was thrown in a dungeon, sailed the Atlantic several times to secure aid, and ultimately led the defence of Fort La Tour. It is no wonder she is known as the Lioness of Acadia. In this episode, we explore how a young woman from France became one of the most formidable figures in early history of what would become Canada, and why her story still resonates today. Show Notes: https://www.nothinghappenedhere.ca/post/except-for-francoise-marie-jacquelin-and-the-battle-of-fort-latour

  3. Sep 15

    Except for Season 3 Promo

    Season 3! Coming on September 29, 2026.

  4. May 26

    Except for the Sinking of the Loyalist Ship Martha

    At the end of the American Revolutionary War, tens of thousands of Loyalists were evacuated by the British from New York City. The flight ended in disaster for one vessel headed to the Saint John Harbour. Andrew MacLean from Backyard History joins us as a co-host for this episode as we look at one of the worst maritime disasters in an area that is known for maritime disasters.  Show Notes: https://www.nothinghappenedhere.ca/post/except-for-the-sinking-of-the-loyalist-ship-martha

  5. May 12

    Except for the Pirates of the Chesapeake 1863

    In 1863, during the American Civil War, a group of Saint Johners were recruited by men professing to be representatives of the Confederate States of America to seize control of a civilian vessel in the United States. The men successfully hijacked the ship and brought it to British North American waters with the United States Navy in hot pursuit. In this episode, we are joined by guest co-host, Troy Middleton, to discuss this incident and its fallout, which risked drawing the British Empire into the American Civil War. Show Notes: https://www.nothinghappenedhere.ca/post/except-for-the-pirates-of-the-chesapeake

  6. Apr 28

    Except for Bootlegging, Rum-Running and Drinking During Prohibition

    Saint John is known for its love of hard beverages, so it is no wonder the city was quick to get behind bootlegging, rum-running and drinking during prohibition in New Brunswick (1917-1927) and supplying the Americans during their prohibition (1920-1933).  In this episode, we are joined by guest co-host, Valerie Emerson, to discuss all the ways the city entered the illicit liquor trade and conducted business. As well, we discuss the evolution of the temperance movement and the social ills caused not only by alcohol abuse, but by prohibition itself. Ultimately, the “noble experiment” failed, but not before ushering in many societal and cultural changes: some good, some not so good. Show Notes: https://www.nothinghappenedhere.ca/post/except-for-bootlegging-rum-running-and-drinking-during-prohibition

  7. Apr 14

    Except for the American Privateer Raid of 1775

    In this episode, we are joined by guest co-host, Peter Gillies, to chat about the 1775 American Privateer Raid on Saint John Harbour.  At the start of the American Revolution, privateers were used to disrupt British supply lines, especially to the besiege soldiers who were trying to hold Boston. Before Saint John was Saint John, there were two small settlements around the harbour: Portland Point and Conway. In August of 1775, a British ship named the Loyal Briton arrived at Portland Point and began loading supplies bound for Boston. The Americans caught wind of this and sent a 4-gun sloop with 40 armed men to capture the vessel. Portland Point and Conway were virtually unprotected, making it easy for the Americans to seize the ship. While they were at, they also pillaged and burned down Fort Frederick and took 12 people prisoner.  In response to the raid, the British sent warships to the Bay of Fundy, Annapolis Royal, and Halifax. They did not, however, commit any resources to defending Portland Point and Conway. These communities would remain sitting ducks, and the Americans would return. Show Notes: https://www.nothinghappenedhere.ca/post/except-for-the-raid-of-1775

  8. 04/15/2025

    Except for Farewell... For Now

    Unfortunately, Season 1 of the podcast is coming to an abrupt end. Greg is unable to continue with the show. As we said in the last episode, there is a lot of work that goes behind the podcast. If you know Greg, he is very active in the Saint John community through music and volunteer organizations, as well as being a busy academic at the University of New Brunswick. He took some time to evaluate his workload and priorities, and came to the conclusion that the podcast was proving to be a bit too much. I am sure all our listeners will join me in thanking Greg for all his hard work on the show in the last year and wish him well in all his endeavours. We learned a lot from him, and he will be missed.  I would like to thank you, our listeners, for your support of the podcast. Your message was received loud and clear that you would like a Second Season. I’ll do my best to bring back the show in September 2025. Stay tuned to our website or Facebook page for updates.  As I’ve said before, I believe it is important to have a local history podcast. I, for one, require more proof that Saint John: Nothing Happened Here.

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About

Many people think that nothing significant ever really happened in Saint John, New Brunswick. This history podcast challenges those thoughts by uncovering little known tales from the city and providing fresh perspectives on the people, places and events of the past.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Allan Greene - History Author; Valerie Emerson - History Academic
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Saint John: Nothing Happened Here
  • Show Website
    Saint John: Nothing Happened Here

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