Curator's Choice

What was the Underground Railroad, really? Beyond the imagery of secret routes and hidden safe houses, it was a complex network of people, places, and powerful codes—codes in words, songs, and even the stars. Join us in today's episode at the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center in Cambridge, MD.    🌊 Moses of Her People 💪🏾 In this episode, we delve into the stories of Harriet Tubman, known as the Moses of her people, and explore how faith, resilience, and ingenuity helped guide countless individuals to freedom. We'll uncover the meaning behind songs like "Go Down Moses" and "Follow the Drinking Gourd", the significance of safe house signals, and the inspiring legacy of a woman whose courage knew no bounds. 🔗 Episode Links: Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center: www.harriettubmanmuseumcenter.org [https://www.harriettubmanmuseumcenter.org/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1285394/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1285394/support] Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

What if you could step back in time to a farm where history, medicine, and agriculture intertwine? Join us as we uncover the remarkable legacy of the Remick family, who have tended their northern New England farm since 1790. Through stories of resilience and dedication, we spotlight Edwin Remick and his son, Edwin Crafts Remick, the country doctors who served their community for nearly a century, adapting to the challenges of rural healthcare while embracing the spirit of innovation and care.  🌾 Where History, Medicine, and Agriculture Meet ✨ We'll journey through rooms that once buzzed with the activity of patients seeking homemade remedies crafted with care. This episode captures the fascinating transition from these traditional practices to modern pharmaceuticals, spurred by scientific advancements and regulatory milestones that revolutionized the medical landscape. From hand-mixed concoctions to strictly regulated drugs, explore how these changes have shaped the way we understand and utilize medicine today. 🔗 Episode Links Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm: www.remickmuseum.org [http://www.remickmuseum.org/] Remick Podcast: www.remickmuseum.org/exhibits/podcast [http://www.remickmuseum.org/exhibits/podcast] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1285394/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1285394/support] Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Join us as we journey to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, a relatively young museum founded in 2004, yet one that preserves the centuries-old lifeline of Icelandic fishing. Discover how this unique museum showcases Iceland's deep connection to the sea and the essential role of fishing in the country’s survival and prosperity.  🐟  From Cod to Commerce 💰  Explore the historical significance of cod, Iceland’s economic mainstay, and learn how the museum’s immersive exhibits depict the fascinating “from sea to plate” journey. Walking through spaces designed to mirror a fish processing plant, visitors experience the scale and importance of Iceland’s fishing industry. 🧴 Nothing Wasted: A Creative Approach to Fish Byproducts Our guide Ingiborg introduces the “Nothing Wasted” exhibit, celebrating Iceland’s resourcefulness by repurposing fish byproducts. Discover how fish skin is used in medical plasters for burn victims, and fish collagen has found its way into everything from leather products to health supplements. 🦈 Fermented Shark & The Cod Wars ⚔️ Uncover the story behind Iceland’s infamous fermented shark, hákarl, once essential to Iceland’s diet and now a delicacy with a distinct place in Icelandic culture. Learn about the Cod Wars, a series of intense confrontations with the UK, that underscored Iceland’s fierce independence and commitment to its fishing territory.  🦺  Safety at Sea: A Matter of Life and Legacy 🌊 The museum also highlights the vital role of safety in Icelandic fishing culture, sharing stories of those who risked—and often lost—their lives at sea. From a unique exhibit on fishermen’s safety to the revolutionary strides that made Iceland's waters safer, the museum emphasizes the courage and resilience of Iceland’s seafaring communities. Whether you’re intrigued by maritime history, fascinated by Iceland’s inventive spirit, or curious about the cultural traditions shaped by the ocean, this episode offers a rich dive into Iceland’s maritime legacy.  🔗 Episode Links Reyk­javík Mari­time Mu­seum: https://borgarsogusafn.is/en/reykjavik-maritime-museum [https://borgarsogusafn.is/en/reykjavik-maritime-museum] Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum in Snæfellsnes: https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/shark-museum/ [https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/shark-museum/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1285394/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1285394/support] Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Join us as we step into the rich history of the Seashore Trolley Museum, celebrating 85 years of preserving trolley heritage with Phil Morse, a devoted leader and long-time member. Phil's passion for keeping trolley history alive is evident as he shares his personal connection with the museum. Set against the backdrop of the 1930s Depression and the transition from trolleys to buses, discover how a group of young, visionary men laid the foundation for what would become a pivotal institution in transportation history.  🎓  From Harvard Dreams to Historic Rails  🚋  Dive into the captivating story of Car 31's dramatic rescue, a mission that tested the resolve and creativity of a small group of trolley enthusiasts. Learn how their dedication and community support saved this historic trolley from being scrapped, securing its place as a cherished piece of the museum’s collection. As you explore the museum’s treasures, you'll encounter the luxurious Narcissus trolley from the Portland-Lewiston interurban line, an icon of early 20th-century elegance in travel. Experience the nostalgia and wonder of trolleys like never before. Whether you're a seasoned trolley aficionado or just discovering the charm of electric railways, this episode will spark your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary vehicles and the stories they tell.  📚  Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride  🚎  Millie Thayer is a headstrong farmer's daughter who chases her dreams in a way you would expect a little girl nicknamed "Spitfire" would-running full tilt and with her eyes on the stars. Dreaming of leaving the farm life, working in the city, and fighting for women's right to vote, Millie imagines flying away on a magic carpet. One day, that flying carpet shows up in the form of an electric trolley that cuts across her farm. A fortune-teller predicts that Millie's path will cross that of someone famous. Suddenly, she finds herself caught up in events that shake the nation, Maine, and her family. Despairing that her dreams may be shattered, Millie learns, in an unexpected way, that dreams can be shared. This book is a fund-raiser for the Seashore Trolley Museum Narcissus Renovation Project.   Link to Purchase This Book from the Museum: https://store.trolleymuseum.org/teddy-roosevelt-millie-and-the-elegant-ride.html [https://store.trolleymuseum.org/teddy-roosevelt-millie-and-the-elegant-ride.html] 🔗 Episode Links Phil's Blog: https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/ [https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/] Seashore Trolley Museum: https://trolleymuseum.org/ [https://trolleymuseum.org/] The Biddeford and Saco Railroad by Osmond Richard Cummings: https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/books_pubs/31/ [https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/books_pubs/31/] Biddeford & Saco Railroad Co. 31 Car: https://collections.trolleymuseum.org/items/14 [https://collections.trolleymuseum.org/items/14] Narcissus 1912 Renovation Project: https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/p/about.html [https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/p/about.html] Virtual Tour of the Narcissus: https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/2020/06/virtual-tour-narcissus-3-d.html [https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/2020/06/virtual-tour-narcissus-3-d.html] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1285394/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1285394/support] Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Explore the profound journey of funeral practices through the ages. Discover how embalming has evolved from its origins in ancient Egypt to contemporary times, and how societal involvement in death rituals has transformed along the way. Our guide Genevieve Keeney Vasquez provides a thoughtful analysis of modern detachment from death rituals, examining its potential impact on grieving processes and the portrayal of death in media today.  💐 Honoring the Past: Cemeteries, Iconic Funerals, and the Evolution of Funeral Traditions 📸⚰️ Join us on a heartfelt exploration of personalized memorialization and funeral ceremonies. Learn how cemeteries serve as reservoirs of meaning and explore exhibits like the Funerals of the Famous, which provide unique connections to history. Delve into the technological advancements that have revolutionized funeral traditions, such as the brownie camera's impact on mortuary photography. And don't miss the intriguing story of a triple casket from the 1940s, a poignant reflection on shifting perceptions of grief and mental health over the years. 🔗  Episode Links: National Museum of Funeral History https://www.nmfh.org/the-museum/ [https://www.nmfh.org/the-museum/] NMFH Podcast Series https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/ [https://www.nmfh.org/haunting-stories-of-the-museums-hometown/] Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/1285394/open_sms] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1285394/support] Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers