It's a History Podcast

Madison Schmidt
It's a History Podcast

Join me as we take a look at all things history! Whether it be a person, a place, event, or just something really interesting, we will cover many stories our past has to offer.

  1. 20H AGO

    042: Frederick Douglas: The face of many men: how Frederick Douglas's Image Came to Represent Denmark Vesey and Nat Turner

    Hello! In This weeks epsiode, though short, we look at why Fredereick Douglas's image is used to represent both Denmark Vesey and Nat Turner. Due to an error on my part, I was made aware of this issue and started to look into why. This epsiode highlights the "Reclaiming Black Faces" Project which is linked below. If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!  https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/commonwealth-museum/exhibits/online/reclaiming/reclaiming-black-faces.htm

    6 min

  2. MAR 26

    041: The History of the Sewing Machine: From Clunky to Functional: How the Early Sewing Machines Evolved

    Hello! In this episode of It's a History podcast, We dives into the fascinating history of the sewing machine. Join me as we look at the history of sewing machines from hand-sewing with bone needles to the complex inventions of the 19th century that paved the way for modern sewing machines. Learn about key figures like Barthelemy Timmonnier, Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, Isaac Singer, and Allen Wilson who all played crucial roles in the development and commercialization of the sewing machine. Sources include the Windham Textile and History Museum and an article titled 'Sewing Revolution: The Machine That Changed America.'  If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!

    13 min

  3. MAR 19

    040: The Happy Birthday Song: From Origins to Copyright Controversies

    Hello! In this week's episode of It's a History Podcast, join me as we delve into the fascinating history of the Happy Birthday song. In this epsiode we discover the origins of the melody in a song called 'Good Morning to All,' composed by sisters Mildred and Patty Hill. We then learn about the transformation of this simple tune into the globally recognized birthday anthem, 'Happy Birthday to You.' The episode will explore various accounts of the song's evolution, significant copyright disputes, and legal battles that eventually led to the song entering the public domain. Listen now to uncover the lore, mysteries, and controversies surrounding one of the most recognized pieces of music in the English language.   Sources for todays episode include: an article by Lily Rothman for Time Magazine,  https://time.com/3976577/happy-birthday-copyright-history/ and article from Billboard by Paul Grein https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/happy-birthday-to-you-history-hand-washing-song-9335034/ And an article detailing the court proceedings from the Berkeley Technical Law Journal https://btlj.org/2015/12/original-happy-song-now-free/   If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!

    11 min

  4. MAR 12

    039: The History of Arsenic Green and Poisonous Books

    Hello! Welcome to another episode of It's a History podcast! In this episode, we dive into the dark history of arsenic green during the Victorian Age, also known as Paris Green, and how it led to the creation of poisonous books. Starting with the origins and popularity of this bright green color, we explore its widespread use in clothing, wallpaper, and book covers, despite its well-known lethal effects. Learn about the severe health issues it caused, the delayed regulations, and the ultimate decline in its use. We also discuss the modern-day Poison Book Project which seeks to identify toxic books still in circulation. Join me as we unravel the past and discover why these poisonous books have become coveted collectibles today.   Sources include: An article form the public domain review by adam green https://publicdomainreview.org/collection/the-art-of-book-covers-1820-1914/ An article from rare book school that was curated by Vincent Golden https://rarebookschool.org/all-programs/exhibitions/boundtoplease/#:~:text=In%20the%201820s%2C%20British%20and,and%20much%20cheaper%20than%20leather.&text=Cloth%20bindings%20employ%20smooth%20(or,colors%20tend%20to%20be%20dark. An article titled the history of green dye is a history of death by Jennifer Wright. https://www.racked.com/2017/3/17/14914840/green-dye-history-death The national library of medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3179678/ If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!

    9 min

  5. MAR 5

    038: The Legacy of Denmark Vesey Part 3: The Rebellion, the Betrayal, and the Aftermath

    Hello! In this week's episode we conclude the riveting story of Denmark Vesey, a free black man who planned one of the largest slave rebellions in United States history. We delve deep into Vesey's meticulous planning, the eventual collapse of the rebellion, and the severe repercussions for those involved. We explore the societal context, the complexities of loyalty and betrayal, and the shocking reactions of Charleston's white populace. Join me as we uncover this powerful and dramatic historical narrative that deserves more recognition. Sources include: He Shall Go Free: The Lives of Denmark Vesey by Douglas R Egerton If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!

    22 min

  6. FEB 26

    037: The Legacy of Denmark Vesey Part 2: Life After Freedom, Charleston Class Structure, and Religion

    Hello! In this episode of It's a History Podcast, we continue our exploration of Denmark Vesey's life, focusing on his experiences post-freedom. We look into Vesey's attempts to free his wife and start a business in Charleston, South Carolina, revealing the societal challenges and racial hierarchies he faced. We will also discover how Vesey's relationship with religion fueled his thoughts on rebellion and mass exodus. We also uncover the complex social structure of Charleston, the significant role of religion, and Vesey's radical preachings on liberty. Join me as we set the stage for Vesey's rebellion and the broader implications of his struggle for freedom. Sources include: He Shall Go Out Free: The lives of Denmark Vesey by Douglas R. Egerton.

    18 min

  7. FEB 19

    036: The Legacy of Denmark Vesey Part 1: Early Life and Revolutionary Influence

    Hello! In this episode I delve into the life of Denmark Vesey, an enslaved man who planned one of the largest slave rebellions in the United States. We'll explore Vesey's early life, his experiences in the harsh conditions of St. Thomas and St. Domingue, and the impact of the North Atlantic slave trade. Learn how these experiences and the age of revolution, including the Haitian Revolution, influenced Vesey. This episode covers Vesey's transition to urban life in Charleston, South Carolina, his relationships, and his eventual purchase of his own freedom. This  look at Vesey's formative years sets the stage for understanding his later actions and the elaborate conspiracy he would devise. Note: This episode contains discussions of slavery and the brutality associated with it. Sources for todays epsiode include: He Shall Go Free: The Lives of Denmark Vesey by Douglas R. Egerton and the National Park Service If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!

    18 min

  8. FEB 12

    035: The Complex History of Romance Novels: What is a Romance Novel, Their Criticism, and Their Popularity

    In this episode of It's a History Podcast, I delve into the intricate history of romance novels. We explore the controversies surrounding the genre, from accusations of being 'wrong or dirty' to criticisms of anti-feminism. We first covers the origins of the romance genre. Then we discusses how romance novels have primarily been written by women, about women, and for women, and touch on their overwhelming popularity, noting that romance books made up over a third of book sales in 2021. I also address the criticism faced by the genre, including negative stereotypes and their exclusion from prominent reviews. Additionally, this episode goes into the subgenre of romantasy, and concludes with a look at one of the first romance novels, 'Pamela.' Tune in for a deep dive into the genre that has captivated readers for decades. Sources today include: A natural History of the Romance Novels by Pamela Regis, The Washington College Review, and The Guardian  If you would like to send me any questions, comments, or ideas for future podcast episodes please email me at itsahistorypodcast@gmail.com. You can also find me on Instagram and Threads @itsahistorypodcast Thank you for listening!

    16 min
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    About

    Join me as we take a look at all things history! Whether it be a person, a place, event, or just something really interesting, we will cover many stories our past has to offer.

    Information

    • Creator
      Madison Schmidt
    • Years Active
      2024 - 2025
    • Episodes
      43
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2024
    • Show Website
      It's a History Podcast

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