Curious Minds: American History

Episode 2

Washington's Whisky

Eleanor Breen, Deputy Director for Archeology at Mt. Vernon, describes how slave labor operated Washington's distillery.

Episode 3

The Ladies Of Mount Vernon

Eleanor Breen, Deputy Director for Archeology at Mt. Vernon, details how Mt. Vernon came to be owned by a private association that pioneered the role of individuals in preserving places of historic significance.

Episode 4

Father Abraham

Alan Kraut, Professor of History at American University, details how Lincoln overcame personal tragedy and existential doubts to complete his mission of uniting the Union.

Episode 5

Soldiers Blue & Gray

Alan Kraut, Professor of History at American University, describes the powerful bond shared by soldiers North and South in the Civil War.

Episode 6

He Belongs To The Ages

Alan Kraut, University Professor of History at American University, recounts the shock and grief Americans felt when Lincoln was struck down at the moment of victory.

Episode 7

Lincoln The Racist

Alan Kraut, University Professor of History at American University, explains that Lincoln's close relationship with Frederick Douglass helped change the course of history.

Episode 8

Abraham Lincoln Vs Jefferson Davis

Alan Kraut, University Professor of History at American University, describes how Lincoln's common touch made him a more effective war-time leader than Jefferson Davis.

Episode 9

A Nation Of Immigrants

Europeans pouring into America at the dawn of the 20th century comprised the greatest migration of human beings ever, recounts Alan Kraut, University Professor of History at American University. But not everyone who journeyed to the new world saw it as the promised land.