Talking Hoosier History

Why would an average Hoosier leave his family and friends, his hometown and farm, not to mention comfort and safety, to answer President Lincoln’s call for troops in 1861? What would inspire a citizen soldier to risk making the ultimate sacrifice?   The battlefield letters of Ossian (Wells County, Indiana) farmer-turned-Lieutenant-Colonel William Swaim to his beloved wife Hannah address those questions. And the answer may come as a surprise to those who have argued that the average Hoosier soldier did not understand the ideological causes of the Civil War.   Learn about Swaim’s leadership of the 34th Regiment Indiana Volunteers (“Morton’s Rifles”), as well as his sacrifice for his moral convictions through the latest episode of Talking Hoosier History.   Written by Jill Weiss Simins, voiced by Justin Clark, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, shownotes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. 

In September of 1903, Fred Rohrer and his family awoke to the sound of explosions in their living room, as an unknown figured attempted to kill them by dynamiting the residence. Instantly, Rohrer knew that his leadership role within Berne, Indiana’s Temperance campaign was the assailant’s motive.. With the use of the Berne Witness, Rohrer helped solidify Indiana’s role in the national fight for Prohibition. In this new episode of Talking Hoosier History, learn about the way the Temperance Movement shaped grassroots organizing within Indiana as we discuss Rohrer’s unwavering commitment to the cause through the lens of his newspaper. Written by Emily McGuire, hosted by Justin Clark, and produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. 

In 2015, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend announced in a South Bend Tribune op-ed that he was gay, making him Indiana’s first openly gay mayor. Four decades before Buttigieg’s announcement, the city reportedly outlawed same-sex dancing. In 1974, Gloria Frankel and her gay club, The Seahorse Cabaret, withstood police harassment, challenged regulations against LGBT individuals, and endured a firebombing. In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we explore the fight for gay rights in the Michiana area and the intrepid woman who lead the charge. Written by Nicole Poletika and voiced by Justin Clark. Produced by A.J. Chrapliwy. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/.  

As we pass the elusive Telsa Cybertruck, we’re reminded of Studebaker’s innovative electric cars produced in the early 20th century.   The South Bend manufacturer’s electric cars became a mainstay of the company, providing vehicles for personal use as well as transport. They were also marketed in a unique way. Studebaker focused on city businessmen, and especially society women, as the premier customers for electric cars. While gas-powered cars became the company’s focus by 1912, Studebaker’s innovative designs and skillful presentation nevertheless made their electric cars more than a mere fad. They showed the country that electric cars could be made cost-effectively and provide customers with a reliable, affordable means of personal transportation.   Written and voiced by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript, show notes, and more information on this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. 

The P-47 Thunderbolt is considered one of the most important fighter-bombers used by Allied Forces in World War II. Thunderbolts flew over half a million missions and are renowned by pilots for their durability and reliability.  Over one-third of all Thunderbolts were built at the Republic Aviation plant in Evansville. Notably, nearly half of the plant’s employees were women. Known as “Raiderettes,” they worked alongside male workers and boasted a variety of jobs including on the assembly lines, in the administrative offices, and even as test pilots. Many of the women were “two-job workers,” balancing 14-hour shifts at Republic with raising children while their partners fought overseas. Our new blog post examines the lived experiences of the Raiderettes and how they navigated being women workers in a “man’s” world, pushing against and often breaking the glass ceiling in the process. This episode was written by Kelsey Green, produced by Jill Weiss Simins, and performed by Justin Clark. For show notes, sourc

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll meet radical organizer Theodore Luesse, who agitated for relief measures during the Great Depressions. His actions culminated in a sentence at the notorious State Penal Farm in Putnamville, where he ran for governor on the Communist ticket. Luesse’s sentence increased Hoosiers’ interest in communist ideals and ignited a series of social protests, ultimately modernizing Indiana government and cultivating a new generation of organizers, who demanded more from their government. Written by Nicole Poletika. Performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/the-agitator-theodore-luesse-takes-on-the-great-depression/ Images accessed Newspapers.com.

In this short episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll learn about Hoosier fighter Ray Bronson, who rocked the boxing world during the early 20th century. A horseshoe fitter-turned-welterweight champion, Bronson's considerable wins, international bouts, and successful management of other boxers put him a cut above most fighters. Written and performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/the-agitator-theodore-luesse-takes-on-the-great-depression/. Image courtesy Library of Congress.  

In this short episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll learn about labor organizer Mary "Mother" Jones's political partnership with John W. Kern, the U.S. Senator from Indiana, and how their alliance represented a real shift in attitudes regarding organized labor during the Progressive Era. Written and Performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/the-guardian-angel-and-the-hoosier-senator-the-political-alliance-of-mother-jones-and-john-w-kern/ Images courtesy Library of Congress.

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll explore the mayoral career of “Nixon’s Favorite Mayor,” future U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar. Learn more about Mayor Lugar’s controversial city-consolidation plan known as Unigov, how Lugar attracted the attention of the sitting president, and how Nixon’s 1972 visit to Indiana jumpstarted Lugar’s national career. Written by Kelsey Green and performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. 

In this short episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll discuss the Mexican bracero workers who came to Indiana during WWII, how Hoosiers welcomed them (or didn’t), and how the braceros helped the U.S. meet wartime agricultural needs. We’ll also get a glimpse of how the Bracero Program established immigration patterns that remain relevant today. Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/braceros-in-the-corn-belt-part-two/. Image: Dorthea Lange, Braceros, photograph, ca. 1942, accessed Online Archive of California.

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll explore how patriotism comes in different forms through a proud moment in Indiana queer history. At the 1991 Gay Pride Celebration on the Circle, protestors stormed the stage just as the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus was getting ready to perform. Join us to learn how the Men’s Chorus defused the tension using only their voices! Written by Dr. Michella Marino and performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://bit.ly/2KzYzbt.

In this episode of THH, we’ll meet the Hungarian immigrants who created a thriving community in Terre Haute. Forced to take low paying and dangerous jobs, they unionized to improve conditions. Designated “alien enemies” during WWI, these newcomers worked for citizenship in the face of persecution. Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark. Transcript available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://bit.ly/3LlzcrC.

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we’ll learn about the German-immigrant roots of Hook’s Drug Stores, the company’s early policy of desegregation and advancement of Black employees, and how the company aimed to protect its customers through drug awareness campaigns. We’ve also got some fun soundbites from 1980s Hook's commercials that might bring you back! Written and performed by Justin Clark. Produced by Jill Weiss Simins. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://bit.ly/45t59pN  

In this episode of Talking Hoosier History, we visit the estate of writer George Ade where William Howard Taft launched his presidential campaign and changed politics forever. Learn about how campaigning has evolved, the origin of the “sound bite,” and Hoosier politician Samuel M. Ralston. Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark. Transcript available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://blog.history.in.gov/1908-taft-rally/.

Welcome to the first episode of the 2023 season of Talking Hoosier History. This is also our first short episode, the perfect length for classroom use. You’ll learn about the frontline efforts of Sarah M. Wilmer in WWI, how we do history with primary sources, and a related historical marker. Written and produced by Jill Weiss Simins. Performed by Justin Clark. A transcript of this episode is available at the THH website: https://podcast.history.in.gov/. Notes and sources: https://bit.ly/3Ozpp3a.

The Indiana Historical Bureau is excited to announce a BRAND NEW season of our award-winning Talking Hoosier History podcast. We have a new host, new stories, and a new format. We’ll still be bringing you exciting and lesser-known tales from Indiana’s past, but we’ll also be talking about how we do history. And we’re serving up some shorter episodes in response to requests from teachers who want to use THH in the classroom. Find us wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe now. New season begins August 1!

Fox Lake Resort provided Black Midwesterners with a refuge from the daily reality of living in a country gripped by Jim Crow. In this episode, we explore how Fox Lakers built their community and how they now are working to preserve it. Find a transcript and show notes for this episode at podcast.history.in.gov.

In this episode, we skate through the history of the Roller Derby, and one Indianapolis woman's stand out career as she and her family stage a strike at the height of her game. Find a transcript and show notes for this episode at podcast.history.in.gov. 

In this episode, we explore how Crispus Attucks High School went from being excluded from the Indiana High School Athletics Association to being the first all-Black school to win a high school state basketball championship in the nation. 

“Nestled in the wooded hills of southern Indiana, lies a land of fantasy...where it’s Christmas every day.” That place is Santa Claus, Indiana. On this episode, we take a tour of the oddly named Indiana town that embraces the holiday spirit all year round. Join us! Find a transcript and show notes for this episode here!