153 episodes

Welcome to Hometown History, where the forgotten past comes alive. Our mission? To unearth the hidden gems of history that do not make it into the textbooks. Whether it's a local legend that's been overlooked, a historical event that shaped a small town, or a mysterious occurrence lost in the annals of time, we dig deep to bring you the untold stories that deserve to be heard.

Tune in as we travel back in time, uncovering the history you thought you knew and introducing you to the stories you never knew existed. Let's rewrite history, one hometown at a time.

Hometown History Black Label

    • History

Listen on Apple Podcasts
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Welcome to Hometown History, where the forgotten past comes alive. Our mission? To unearth the hidden gems of history that do not make it into the textbooks. Whether it's a local legend that's been overlooked, a historical event that shaped a small town, or a mysterious occurrence lost in the annals of time, we dig deep to bring you the untold stories that deserve to be heard.

Tune in as we travel back in time, uncovering the history you thought you knew and introducing you to the stories you never knew existed. Let's rewrite history, one hometown at a time.

Listen on Apple Podcasts
Requires subscription and macOS 11.4 or higher

    142: Lewis Howard Latimer

    142: Lewis Howard Latimer

    In today's episode of Hometown History, we delve into the life of Lewis Howard Latimer, an unsung hero whose inventions and technical skills significantly influenced the development of electric lighting and telecommunications. Despite his crucial work with Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison, Latimer's contributions have often been overshadowed. His innovations in improving lightbulb filament durability and efficiency changed how we light our world, yet his name remains lesser-known.
    Lewis Latimer's story is remarkable not only for his scientific achievements but also for his perseverance against racial prejudice. From humble beginnings as the son of escaped slaves to becoming Edison's trusted chief draftsman and a pioneer in electrical engineering, Latimer broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Join us on Hometown History as we celebrate Latimer's legacy, a testament to the enduring power of innovation and courage in the face of adversity.
    Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com
    Episode Sponsor:
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    Our Sponsors:
    * Go to badlandsfood.com/HOMETOWN to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!


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    • 24 min
    141: The Truth about Movie Censorships

    141: The Truth about Movie Censorships

    In this Hometown History episode, we explore the transformative Fatty Arbuckle scandal of the 1920s, which led to a critical examination of movie censorship. Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle's rise from adversity to comedy stardom and his subsequent fall following Virginia Rappe's death spotlighted Hollywood's darker aspects. Despite his acquittal, Arbuckle's career never recovered, underscoring the scandal's lasting impact on his life and the film industry.
    The aftermath of the scandal saw the introduction of the Motion Picture Production Code, establishing moral guidelines for film content. This code, an effort by Hollywood to self-regulate and avoid external censorship, dictated the portrayal of topics ranging from sexuality to crime, significantly influencing American cinema for decades. Tune into Hometown History as we uncover how Arbuckle's scandal reshaped Hollywood, illustrating the enduring influence of public perception and media power on the entertainment industry.
    Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com


    Our Sponsors:
    * Go to badlandsfood.com/HOMETOWN to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 22 min
    140: The First Light: Charles Brush's Lighting System

    140: The First Light: Charles Brush's Lighting System

    In this episode of Hometown History, we explore the legacy of Charles Brush, a pioneering inventor whose contributions predate even Edison's lightbulb. Brush's work with arc lighting and dynamos in the late 19th century brought electric light to city streets, laying the groundwork for the widespread use of electricity. From his childhood experiments on a farm in Ohio to revolutionizing public lighting, Brush's journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and innovation.
    Despite not being as celebrated as Thomas Edison, Charles Brush's impact resonates through today's technology, from lighting to welding. His development of arc lamps and the dynamo system marked a significant leap forward in electric power utilization, illustrating how visionary ideas can illuminate the world. This Hometown History episode shines a light on Charles Brush, an unsung hero whose contributions continue to brighten our lives, highlighting the importance of innovation and persistence.
    Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com


    Our Sponsors:
    * Go to badlandsfood.com/HOMETOWN to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 23 min
    139: The Truth About May Day

    139: The Truth About May Day

    In today's Hometown History episode, we explore the true essence of May Day, an emblem of workers' rights and social justice, born from the strife of the late 19th-century Industrial Revolution. Workers faced daunting challenges: grueling hours, meager pay, and hazardous conditions. This episode dives into the labor movement's rise, galvanized by dire need for change, and the crucial Haymarket Affair of 1886, which became a watershed moment for labor rights.
    Following the Haymarket Affair's fallout—marked by tragedy, trials, and global solidarity—May Day emerged as a powerful symbol of unity and the struggle for equitable labor practices. This episode highlights how May Day transcends mere celebration, embodying the resilience and collective strength of workers worldwide. Join us on Hometown History as we uncover the enduring legacy of May Day, a reminder of the labor movement's impact and the continuous journey towards a just society.
    Magic Mind: They have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code HOMETOWNHISTORY20 at checkout.
    You can claim it at: https://www.magicmind.com/hometownhistory
    Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com


    Our Sponsors:
    * Go to badlandsfood.com/HOMETOWN to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 24 min
    138: America's Greatest Conspiracy Theory: The Disappearing Ship

    138: America's Greatest Conspiracy Theory: The Disappearing Ship

    In this episode of Hometown History, we unravel the enigma of The Philadelphia Experiment, a story shrouded in mystery and conspiracy against the backdrop of World War II. At the center is the USS Eldridge, alleged to possess invisibility amidst a top-secret operation. Through stormy nights and clandestine experiments, we explore the boundaries between ambitious scientific endeavors and their unforeseen consequences, delving into a narrative where technology meets the unknown.
    As the saga of the USS Eldridge unfolds, from supposed teleportation to its crew's harrowing ordeal, skepticism meets intrigue. This episode challenges listeners to sift through history, eyewitness accounts, and scientific rationale. We examine the human intrigue with the unexplained, presenting a story that oscillates between military secrets, potential hoaxes, and legends. Tune into Hometown History as we navigate the murky waters of one of America's most captivating conspiracy theories, prompting reflection on the distinction between fact and fiction in the annals of history.
    Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com
    Episode Sponsor:
    Head to http://FACTORMEALS.com/hometownhistory50 and use code hometownhistory50 to get 50% off!

    Our Sponsors:
    * Go to badlandsfood.com/HOMETOWN to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 27 min
    137: Battle of Alcatraz

    137: Battle of Alcatraz

    In today's episode of Hometown History, we dive deep into the turbulent waters surrounding Alcatraz Island, unearthing the harrowing saga of the Battle of Alcatraz. This tale, far removed from its Hollywood depictions and video game incarnations, reveals the true face of what was considered the most secure prison in America. With its iron-clad security measures, from guard towers armed to the teeth to the remote-operated steel cell locks, Alcatraz was a fortress designed to quell the faintest hopes of escape.
    Yet, the indomitable spirit of its inmates led to one of the most intense and dramatic uprisings in American penal history. Join us as we peel back the layers of this impenetrable fortress, exploring the meticulous planning and desperate courage that fueled an escape attempt turning into an all-out battle for freedom.
    Visit me online at itshometownhistory.com


    Our Sponsors:
    * Go to badlandsfood.com/HOMETOWN to learn how you can see incredible changes in your dog’s health!


    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

    Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

    • 25 min

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