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Chicago History Podcast Blogs

March 19, 2023

Episode 611 - Frances Glessner Lee, The Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, and Crime Scene Investigation

You can view a full-sized model of Frances Glessner Lee's "Dark Bathroom" nutshell for free on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00am to 4:00pm through Friday, April 14, 2023 at Glessner House. Details here: https://www.glessnerhouse.org/ For more abou…

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Feb. 18, 2023

Episode 608 - Sundown Towns of Chicago

Honestly, I have enough to do a second and possibly a third episode addressing the many areas in and around Chicago that tried their hardest (and often succeeded) in keeping Black American families from settling there. Here's more from my guest host…

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Nov. 24, 2022

New Episodes Coming Soon!

I neglected to mention at the end of season five of the Chicago History Podcast that I would be taking a little break. The good news is I'll be back soon with new stories about the Greatest City in The World. Thanks for listening, for your support,…

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Aug. 24, 2022

Portland Syrups - So Good!

Hey, if you're a fan of craft cocktails or have a SodaStream and want a better selection of flavors than those you find at Target, check out Portland Syrups. Not only do they have straightforward flavors (ginger, root beer, true cola), they also o…

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July 23, 2022

Chicago History Podcast Trivia Night!

Do you love Chicago history? How about trivia nights? You can test your knowledge of the Greatest City in the World at the first-ever Chicago History Podcast Trivia night on Tuesday, August 2nd, at 8pm at: Lizard’s Liquid Lounge 3058 W. Irv…

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July 9, 2022

Episode 511 - Chicago's World's Fair of 1992

People ask me to what era of Chicago's history I'd like to travel, and my answer is often the late 1800s. The city was still rebuilding after the fire, and the World's Fair of 1893 must have been mind-blowing. Here are a few things that get you abou…

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May 22, 2022

Episode 504 - Chicago Baseball: Rube Foster and the American Giants

There are many great books written about the Negro Baseball Leagues and how Chicago was central to their efforts. Here are links to some of the books used for reference in episode 504. First Negro League Champions, The: The 1920 Chicago American Gi…

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Feb. 19, 2022

Episode 416 - Chicago's Black-Owned Record Labels (Part Two) Notes

Here are some of the songs mentioned and/or played in episode 416 of the podcast and a few others you should check out. Many are available on various streaming services (Amazon links below) or on the YouTubes.   T-Bone Walker – I’…

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Feb. 12, 2022

Episode 415 - Chicago's Black-Owned Record Labels (Part One) Notes

Here are some of the songs included in episode 415 of the podcast and a few not included you should check out. Many are available on various streaming services (Amazon links below) or on the YouTubes. Ethel Waters - Down Home Blues (https://music.a…

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