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

Send us a text

Support the show

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

Remick Podcast:
www.remickmuseum.org/exhibits/podcast

Send us a text

Support the show

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

Bjarnarhöfn Shark Museum in Snæfellsnes:
https://www.icelandtravel.is/attractions/shark-museum/

Send us a text

Support the show

Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers