Rebecca Smith Pollard, aka Kate Harrington

Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin’s Crystalline Chemistry, Part 1

Jul 6, 202638 minSummary

In this two-part series, the hosts explore the life and scientific contributions of Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin, a pioneering chemist and Nobel laureate. This first installment focuses on her formative years and the early influences that sparked her lifelong passion for science. Born into a family with strong ties to colonial administration in Egypt and Sudan, Dorothy experienced a childhood marked by both international travel and long periods of separation from her parents. These experiences fostered a deep sense of independence and intellectual determination. The episode highlights how early exposure to chemistry—specifically growing crystals—captured Dorothy’s imagination as a young child. Her intellectual development was further shaped by the support of progressive parents, exposure to international politics at the League of Nations, and the inspirational writing of Sir William Henry Bragg on the potential of X-ray crystallography to visualize the atomic structure of molecules. Through these stories, the hosts illustrate how Dorothy’s early curiosity and rigorous approach to learning laid the groundwork for her groundbreaking career, which would eventually lead to the structural mapping of vital biochemical substances like penicillin, insulin, and Vitamin B12.

SYMHC Classics: Sarah Bradlee Fulton

Jul 4, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, the hosts delve into the life and legacy of Sarah Bradley Fulton, a figure frequently celebrated as the Mother of the Boston Tea Party. The discussion centers on the challenge of historical verification, as much of what is known about Fulton stems from nineteenth-century anecdotes and local lore rather than primary documentation from the Revolutionary era. The hosts examine the primary sources of Fulton’s narrative, specifically the writings of Eliza M. Gill and Helen T. Wilde, who were active in the Daughters of the American Revolution during the late 1800s. While these accounts suggest that Fulton and her sister-in-law assisted the Sons of Liberty by preparing disguises—specifically costumes resembling Indigenous people—at her brother’s carpenter shop, there is little direct evidence to corroborate these claims. The episode provides vital context on the political climate of the 1770s, the role of the Daughters of Liberty in organizing boycotts and spinning bees, and the symbolic, albeit ironic, use of Indigenous imagery by colonial protesters. Ultimately, the episode serves as a thoughtful exploration of how local legends are constructed and preserved over time.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Stairs and Trains

Jul 3, 202629 minSummary

In this behind-the-scenes installment of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Fry share personal anecdotes from their recent travels, reflecting on how their experiences influence their historical research. Tracy recounts her physically demanding climb to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument, discussing the monument's historical significance, its ongoing efforts to contextualize the concept of liberty, and the recent legal discussions surrounding historical signage. She highlights the importance of visiting sites in person to better understand their context, noting how her field trip sparked new thoughts on historical narratives and the accessibility of such landmarks. Meanwhile, Holly describes her own travel adventures, specifically a whirlwind tour of museums in Oxford, England. She touches on a fascinating exhibition about the evolution of botanical knowledge and its ties to colonialism, as well as an unexpected emotional encounter at the Story Museum. The hosts use these travel stories to explore themes of historical interpretation, the challenges of making public history accessible, and the value of engaging with history beyond the textbook, illustrating how personal discovery often drives the depth of their storytelling.

Elizabeth Blackwell's Curious Herbal

Jul 1, 202634 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Fry explore the life and work of the 18th-century botanical illustrator Elizabeth Blackwell. Often confused with the later, famous American physician of the same name, this Elizabeth Blackwell is best known for her monumental work, A Curious Herbal. The hosts discuss the challenges researchers faced in uncovering her true biography, noting that errors regarding her birthplace and marriage persisted for centuries until recent academic work by Dr. Janet Styles Tyson clarified her origins as a Londoner. The episode delves into how Blackwell undertook this massive artistic and scientific project to support her family after her husband, Alexander, faced severe financial and legal troubles. By drawing medicinal plants from life at the Chelsea Physic Garden, Blackwell created an invaluable reference for apothecaries and physicians. The hosts highlight her technical skill in etching, engraving, and hand-coloring, as well as her persistence in producing high-quality work amidst personal tragedy and financial instability. This episode serves as an insightful look at a pioneering woman whose botanical illustrations made medical knowledge significantly more accessible to her contemporaries.

The Many Meanings of the Bunker Hill Monument

Jun 29, 202645 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, the hosts explore the complex history and evolving legacy of the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston. Triggered by recent news regarding the removal of interpretive panels at the site, the hosts delve into why the monument serves as a canvas for broader American ideals rather than just a memorial to a single 1775 battle. The discussion provides a fascinating overview of the Battle of Bunker Hill, clarifying historical misconceptions—such as the famous "whites of their eyes" quote—while highlighting the architectural journey of the monument itself. Completed in 1842 after years of financial struggle and groundbreaking fundraising efforts by women like Sarah Josepha Hale, the obelisk was intended to be more than a static tribute. Using Daniel Webster’s dedication speech as a primary lens, the hosts explain how the site was quickly transformed into a "shrine to liberty," symbolizing ongoing American values. The episode underscores how, from its inception, the monument was designed to spark dialogue about patriotism, unity, and civil responsibility, proving that its significance has always been intended to shift alongside the nation's own changing history.

SYMHC Classics: Four Paperclippers

Jun 27, 202636 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, the hosts explore the controversial legacy of Operation Paperclip, a post-WWII U.S. government program that brought over 1,600 German scientists, engineers, and specialists into the country. While the program was officially intended to recruit non-ardent Nazis, the hosts explain how intelligence agencies frequently obscured the backgrounds of high-value targets to secure their expertise for the Cold War arms and space race. The discussion centers on key figures like Wernher von Braun and Arthur Rudolph, both of whom held leadership roles in the development of the V-2 rocket. The hosts examine the harrowing human cost of these technological advancements, specifically the use of enslaved labor at the Mittelbau-Dora concentration camp complex. While von Braun is often celebrated for his pivotal contributions to NASA and the moon landing, the episode details his documented knowledge of, and complicity in, the brutal conditions under which his weapons were produced. By contrasting these scientific achievements with the dark history of the program's recruits, the episode provides a nuanced look at the ethical compromises made in the name of national security.

Behind the Scenes Minis: Pacts and Facts

Jun 26, 202625 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson dive into the fascinating history of the catacombs of Rome. While acknowledging the sheer volume of scholarship on the subject, the hosts focus on a specific, modern development: the Pact of the Catacombs. This 1965 agreement, signed by forty bishops during the Second Vatican Council, saw clergy members commit to a life of simplicity, renouncing wealth and privilege to better serve their communities. The hosts explore why this movement initially gained traction before fading, only to be revisited by Pope Francis in recent years. Beyond the religious history, the conversation highlights the transition from Roman paganism to Christianity, noting how quickly this shift occurred within the empire. The hosts also discuss the logistics of historical record-keeping, comparing the hidden contents of the Vatican’s vast holdings to the complexities of library archives. Blending historical analysis with personal reflections, the episode offers a contemplative look at how power, faith, and the mysteries of the past continue to intersect in the modern world.

Louis Le Prince, the Missing Inventor of Motion Pictures

Jun 24, 202648 minSummary

The podcast hosts explore the life, career, and mysterious disappearance of Louis Le Prince, often cited as a pioneer in the history of motion pictures. While he is most famous for vanishing without a trace on a train in 1890, the hosts emphasize that his life prior to that event was remarkably full and varied. Born in France, Le Prince was an educated man with a deep background in physics, chemistry, and art, which fueled his later technical innovations. The episode tracks his transition from working in a brass foundry in Leeds, England, to establishing a successful private art school with his wife, Lizzie. His creative ingenuity led to developments in porcelain decoration and photo-transfer techniques, which eventually piqued his interest in cinematography. The hosts also touch upon the significant impact of the Franco-Prussian War on his life, noting how his experiences during the conflict profoundly affected his demeanor and future ambitions. Ultimately, the discussion balances Le Prince’s groundbreaking contributions to early film technology with the human side of his story, including his family life and the persistent, unanswered questions surrounding his final, fateful journey.

Catacombs of Rome

Jun 22, 202640 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson explore the origins, mechanics, and historical significance of the Roman catacombs. Unlike the Parisian catacombs, which were created to address a public health crisis in the 18th century, the Roman catacombs were established as early as the first or second century. The hosts explain that Roman law—specifically the Twelve Tables—forbade burying the dead within the city, necessitating underground burial sites for those who required intact bodies for religious reasons, such as Jewish and Christian communities. The discussion highlights the shifting religious landscape of ancient Rome, tracking the complex history of Jewish and Christian populations as they navigated cycles of persecution and temporary acceptance. While these subterranean labyrinths served as vital burial grounds for centuries, their prominence eventually declined following the Edict of Milan, which allowed for burial within city limits. Over time, the sites were largely looted for relics and subsequently forgotten as the city expanded above them. The episode offers a fascinating look into these underground networks, focusing on the historical and legal contexts that necessitated their creation.

SYMHC Classics: Operation Paperclip

Jun 20, 202638 minSummary

In this episode of Stuff You Missed in History Class, the hosts explore the controversial history of Operation Paperclip, a secret United States program initiated at the end of World War II. Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, Allied nations raced to secure German scientific advancements, technology, and, most importantly, the minds behind them. While the program initially focused on exploiting research for the ongoing war against Japan and preventing Soviet access to German expertise, it evolved into a long-term effort to bring over 1,600 German and Austrian scientists, engineers, and specialists to the United States. The hosts discuss the ethical tensions surrounding the project, particularly the U.S. government’s recruitment of individuals with deep ties to the Nazi Party and those implicated in war crimes. Although initial mandates claimed to exclude ardent Nazis, officials frequently bypassed these requirements by whitewashing security dossiers to secure personnel deemed essential for military and civilian progress. The episode traces the transformation of the project from temporary interrogations to permanent residency, highlighting how the onset of the Cold War prioritized technological supremacy over accountability.