Mainely History

Being Catholic in Colonial Maine with Laura Chmielewski

Laura Chmielewski talks about colonial Maine's earliest Catholics, including Indigenous converts, secret faithful in English towns, and loud, proud Jesuit missionaries.

First In our Hearts, Third in the Polls: Ross Perot’s 1992 Presidential Campaign with Amy Fried

Amy Fried discusses Ross Perot's history making independent bid for the presidency in 1992, and why Mainers were so receptive to the Texas billionaire's message. 

The Maine Law and Rum Riot with Kyle Volk

Kyle Volk discusses Maine's pioneering foray into prohibition in the 19th century.

Christmas Movies and Maine with Vaughn Joy

Vaughn Joy stops by to talk about the emergence of Christmas films as a genre, and to analyze several notable movies with a Maine connection.

The Plymouth Colonists in Maine with David Silverman

David Silverman talks with Ian about what the Plymouth Colonists of Thanksgiving fame were doing in Maine during the 17th Century.

George Burroughs, the Condemned Minister of Salem with Emerson Baker: Part 2

The conclusion of Emerson Baker's discussion of George Burroughs and the Salem Witch Trials

George Burroughs, Condemned Minister of Salem with Emerson Baker: Part 1

Emerson Baker discusses the curious case of George Burroughs, a Harvard educated minister on the Maine frontier who found himself among the accused--and executed--in the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. Part One

John Adams, Attorney at Law with Sara Georgini

Sara Georgini discusses John Adams's formative years as a young attorney, including his experiences riding the circuit through Maine, and how the legal system operated in the years just before the American Revolution.

John Neal and Writing New England Identity with Keri Holt

Keri Holt discusses John Neal, an 19th century writer, activist, and literary influencer, who helped shape an emerging New England "Yankee" character, even while trying to challenge it.

Right Whales with Gina Lonati

Gina Lonati spouts off about North Atlantic Right Whales, answering Ian's questions about whale sounds and personalities, while explaining scientists' role in efforts to save this critically endangered species.