Toys
For Christmastime, a talk with professor Gary Cross of Penn State University. Cross is the author of Kids’ Stuff: Toys and the Changing World of American Childhood.
Airdate: December 25, 2000
Run Time: 26 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by professor Don Foster about the real authorship of the poem “Visit From St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “The Night Before Christmas”). Foster is the author of Author Unknown: On the Trail of Anonymous.
The Transcontinental Railroad
A talk with historian Stephen Ambrose, author of Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, 1863–1869.
Airdate: December 18, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Gary Marks of the University of North Carolina, co-author of It Didn’t Happen Here: Why Socialism Failed in the United States.
Lithuania
A talk with two principal figures in Lithuania’s independence movement in 1990: Valdas Adamkus, elected President of the Republic of Lithuania in 1998; and professor Vytautus Landisbergis, who helped lead the independence movement.
Airdate: December 11, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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(This program contains no op-ed.)
Library of Congress
For the 200th birthday of our nation’s largest library, a talk with James Conaway, author of America’s Library: The Story of the Library of Congress, 1800–2000.
Airdate: December 4, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Nancy Kranich, President of the American Library Association, paying tribute to the Library of Congress.
Tears
A talk with professor Tom Lutz about why we cry, and society’s attitudes toward it. Lutz is the author of Crying: The Natural and Cultural History of Tears.
Airdate: November 27, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by historian Jill Lepore of Boston University about the PBS program The 1900 House.
Plymouth Rock
A talk with professor Robert Arner about the history of Plymouth Rock and its meaning to generations of Americans.
Airdate: November 20, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Rutgers professor Norman Markowitz, about testing standards for U.S. history.
Robert Kennedy
For the 75th anniversary of RFK’s birth, a talk with Ronald Steel, author of In Love With Night: The American Romance with Robert Kennedy.
Airdate: November 13, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Mark Juergensmeyer of the University of California, Santa Barbara. He’s the author of Terror in the Mind of God: The Global Rise of Religious Violence.
The Boats That Won World War II
A talk with author Jerry Strahan about boatbuilder Andrew Jackson Higgins, whom Dwight Eisenhower credited with winning the Second World War.
Airdate: November 6, 2000
Run Time: 25 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by professor Ira Chernus, about how modern nationalist sentiment has contributed to the Palestinian/Israeli struggle over Jerusalem.
Election Wrap-Up
Concluding our series on presidential elections, a talk with presidential scholar Fred Greenstein, author of The Presidential Difference: Leadership Style from FDR to Clinton.
Airdate: October 30, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains op-eds by University of Arizona professor Leonard Dinnerstein about the vice-presidential nomination of Joseph Lieberman; and by Stephen Hess of the Brookings Institute in Washington DC about the presidency of Jimmy Carter.
Ronald Reagan
In part 4 of our series on presidential elections, a talk with professor Gil Troy of McGill University, author of See How They Ran: The Changing Role of the Presidential Candidate.
Airdate: October 23, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by Wayne State University professor Melvin Small about the presidency of Richard Nixon.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
In part 3 of our series on presidential elections, a talk with professor William E. Leuchtenburg, author of The FDR Years: On Roosevelt and His Legacy.
Airdate: October 16, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by professor Bruce Schulman, author of Lyndon B. Johnson and American Liberalism.
1860 Election
A talk with historian Matthew Pinsker, author of The Race of Ambition: Abraham Lincoln and the Pursuit of Power, 1832–1864.
Airdate: October 9, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Princeton University professor Fred Greenstein about president Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In the first program of our month-long series about presidential elections, we’ll talk with professor Paul Finkelman of the University of Tulsa College of Law.
Airdate: October 2, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Alonzo Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University about Harry S. Truman.
Raising Cain
A talk with professor William Lhamon about the history of American blackface minstrel performances.
Airdate: September 25, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed about the racist statements of William Hannibal Thomas, by John David Smith, author of Black Judas: William Hannibal Thomas and “The American Negro”.
Dr. Seuss Goes To War
A talk with historian Richard Minear about the political cartoons of Dr. Seuss during World War II.
Airdate: September 18, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by professor M. Thomas Inge about the exceptional talent of “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles M. Schultz.
The Olympics
A talk with Jeffrey Segrave, professor of physical education at Skidmore College and co-editor of the book The Olympic Games In Transition.
Airdate: September 11, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by historian Stephen Allen about morality in Presidential elections.
Affirmative Action
A talk with Todd Jones, philosophy professor at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and co-editor of the book Affirmative Action: Social Justice or Reverse Discriminaton?.
Airdate: September 4, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed about welfare by professor Linda Gordon.
Gas Stations
A talk with historian Keith Scully, co-author of The Gas Station In America.
Airdate: August 28, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by Richard Jensen which compares Bill Gates’ Microsoft woes to the experiences of Ford and Rockefeller.
Waste
A talk with historian Susan Strasser, history professor at the University of Delaware about American attitudes toward throw-aways.
Airdate: August 21, 2000
Run Time: 26 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Gregory Kaster about the movie, The Patriot.
Vacations
A talk with historian Cindy Aron about the evolution of vacations and why we have to work at leisure. Aron is the author of Working at Play: A History of Vacations in the United States.
Airdate: August 14, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by by Dwight Picaithly of the National Park Service, talking about the new interpretations presented by the Park Service at Civil War sites.
Harley-Davidson
A talk with Brock Yates, editor-at-large for Car and Driver magazine, about the appeal and history of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Yates is the author of Outlaw Machine: Harley-Davidson and the Search for the American Soul.
Airdate: August 7, 2000
Run Time: 26 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Melissa Holbrook Pierson, author of The Perfect Vehicle: What it is About Motorcycles.
Beaches
A talk with author Lena Lencek about why we love the beach and how the image of the sea and sand has changed over the years.
Airdate: July 31, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Januarye Kay Holtz which looks at the automobile and its impact on our nation. She is the author of Asphalt Nation: How the Automobile Took Over America and How We Can Take it Back.
Vikings
A talk with archeologist William Fitzhugh about the legendary seafaring people, the Vikings. Fitzhugh is located at the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Airdate: July 24, 2000
Run Time: 26 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Nikolas Gvosdev comparing Russian leader Vladmir Putin to American leaders.
The Great Shame
A talk with the Thomas Keneally, author of Schindler’s List, about his newest best seller, The Great Shame and the Triumph of the Irish in the English Speaking World.
Airdate: July 17, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains a reading by poet and author Eamonn Wall from his most recent book, From the Sin-E to the Black Hills.
Scopes Monkey Trial
A talk with historian Edward Larson, author of Summer for the Gods, The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion. Dr. Larson is a professor of history and law at the University of Georgia.
Airdate: July 10, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Neil Jumonville looks at the continuing debate over creationism and evolution.
Declaration of Independence
A talk with historian Pauline Maier, author of American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence. Maier is the William R. Keenan, Jr. Professor of American History at MIT.
Airdate: July 3, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by James Martin Kirby on whether Benedict Arnold was a hero. Dr. Martin is the author of Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered, and is a history professor at the University of Houston.
Bullfighting
A talk with historian Adrian Shubert on the origins of Bullfighting. Shubert, from York University in Toronto, is the author of a series of books and articles in Spanish history including the recent Death and Money in the Afternoon: A History of the Spanish Bullfight.
Airdate: June 26, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Stephen Allen on the history of antisemitism in the U.S.
Korea 50 Years Later: A talk with Miami of Ohio University history Professor Burton Kaufman on his book, The Korean War: Challenges in Crises, Identity and Command.
Airdate: June 19, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Bruce Cummings on the unresolved problems that remain in Korea. Dr. Cumings is a Norman and Edna Freehling Professor of International History and East Asian Political Economy at the University of Chicago and author of The Origins of the Korean War.
Father’s Day
A talk with Michael Kimmel about his book Manhood in America: A Cultural History. Dr. Kimmel is a professor of sociology at State University of New York at StonyBrook.
Airdate: June 12, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by Daniel Szechi on apologies by large coporations and governments for offenses committed in the past. Dr. Szechi is a professor of history at Auburn University.
Women in Baseball
A talk with Gai Berlage, author of Women in Baseball: The Forgotten History. Berlage is a professor of sociology at Iona College.
Airdate: June 5, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by author David McGimpsey which looks at the place of American baseball in popular culture.
Vietnam
A talk with Andrew Rotter, author of Light at the End of the Tunnel: A Vietnam War Anthology. Rotter is the chairman of the Department of History at Colgate University.
Airdate: May 29, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by conscientious objector Joe Volk, who refused to fight in Vietnam, on what Memorial Day means to him. Volk is the executive secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
Pets
A talk with Katherine Macdonogh, author of the book Reigning Cats and Dogs: A History of Pets at Court Since the Renaissance.
Airdate: May 22, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Mathew Redinger, professor of history at Montana State University, which takes a historical look at the “Catholic” vote in the United States.
Peace Corps
A talk with Elizabeth Cobbs Hoffman, author of All You Need is Love: The Peace Corps and the Spirit of the 1960s. Dr. Cobbs Hoffman is the Dwight E. Stanford Professor of American Foreign Relations at San Diego State University.
Airdate: May 15, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by the new director of the Peace Corps, Mark Schneider, on the legacy of the Peace Corps.
Mother’s Day
A talk with Julia Grant, a social relations professor at Michigan State University about the history of parenting manuals.
Airdate: May 8, 2000
Run Time: 26 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Joseph Gonzales on why the case of Elian Gonzales (no relation) can be tied to the Haitians. Joseph Gonzales is currently writing his dissertation on United States-Cuban relations in the 20th century.
Radio Voices
A talk with Communication Arts Professor Michele Hilmes, author of Radio Voices: American Broadcasting, 1922–1952.
Airdate: May 1, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Judith Jackson Fossett who talks about the connection between the radio program, The Shadow and American imperialism.
Quiz Shows
A talk with William Boddy, professor in the speech department at Baruch, City University of New York, author of Fifties Television, about the popularity of game shows.
Airdate: April 24, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Alvin Finkel on which of the presidential hopefuls would provide the greatest continuity with the foreign policy course that typified Western diplomacy in the 20th century.
Eve
A talk with literary scholar Pamela Norris about her book, Eve: A Biography.
Airdate: April 17, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Robert Pennock on the debate about creationism and evolution.
Golf
A talk with golf historian and Golf Channel talk show host Peter Kessler about the Masters Tournament.
Airdate: April 10, 2000
Run Time: 29 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by former PGA pro Tom Sieckmann looking back at his memories of the Masters Championship.
Austria’s Freedom Party
A talk with historian Anson Rabinbach about the historical roots behind the controversy concerning Austria and the extreme right Freedom Party. Rabinbach is the director of the program in European cultural studies at Princeton University.
Airdate: April 3, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Edward O’Donnell on the calls for immigration reform throughout history.
Beer
A talk with historian Judith Bennett about the brewing of beer in Medieval England.
Airdate: March 27, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Catherine Murdock which looks at the public consumption of alcohol by men and women. Murdock is the author of Domesticating Drink: Women, Men and Alcohol in America, 1870-1940.
Pre-Code Hollywood
A talk with historian Thomas Doherty about the sexual and violent content of 1930’s American film. Doherty is the author of Pre-Code Hollywood: Sex, Immorality and Insurrection in American Cinema, 1930-1934.
Airdate: March 20, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Robert Sickels which looks at the post-code era of Hollywood.
Atomic Bomb Cinema
A talk with historian Jerome Shapiro on the use of the Atomic Bomb as the central theme for movies. Shapiro is the resident Cinema Studies scholar at Hiroshima University in Japan.
Airdate: March 13, 2000
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The program contains an op-ed by author Kevin Baker on a riot in New York City 100 years ago that involved Irish immigrants. Baker is the author of the historical novel Dreamland.
Debutantes and Delinquents
A talk with English Professor Sherrie Innes editor of Debutantes and Delinquents: 20th Century American Girls Cultures, on the socialization of young girls in American society.
Airdate: March 6, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Thomas Hine on how the concept of the teenage years is a fairly recent one. Hine is the author of The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager.
Rhythm and Blues
A talk with historian Brian Ward about his book, Just My Soul Responding: Rhythm and Blues, Black Consciousness and Race Relations.
Airdate: February 28, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by sociologist Jon Cruz on the discovery of black music by 19th century elites and how that shaped 19th and 20th century American attitudes toward black music and culture.
10 Worst Presidents
A talk with author Nathan Miller about his book, Star Spangled Men: America’s 10 Worst Presidents.
Airdate: February 21, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Susan Rosenfeld on the myths surrounding the FBI’s J. Edgar Hoover. Rosenfeld was the official historian for the FBI for almost nine years.
Runaway Slaves
A talk with historians John Hope Franklin and Loren Schweninger about their book Runaway Slaves: Rebels on the Plantation. This program contains no op-ed.
Airdate: February 14, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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McCarthy
A talk with author and historian Ellen Schrecker.
Airdate: February 7, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by historian Richard Fried, author of Nightmare in Red: McCarthyism in Perspective.
Diet
A talk with Joan Jacobs Brumberg, author of Fasting Girls: A History of Anorexia.
Airdate: January 31, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by William Gary, editor of the magazine Bon Appetit, on the connection between history and food.
Paris Noir
A talk with author Tyler Stovall.
Airdate: January 24, 2000
Run Time: 28 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Peter Braunstein on the origins of disco.
Martin Luther King Day
A talk with Clayborne Carson, director of the Martin Luther King Papers Project and editor of The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Airdate: January 17, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by James Farrell on the religious roots of the Civil Rights movement.
History of the Bathroom
A talk with American Heritage Magazine‘s Merritt Ireley.
Airdate: January 10, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Ross Collins on gun control.
Elvis Culture
A talk with author Erika Doss on Elvis Culture: Fans, Faith and Image.
Airdate: January 3, 2000
Run Time: 27 minutes
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The program contains an op-ed by Krin Gabbard on the recent popularity of Jazz in film.