“Justice and the Square Deal:” The Political Alliance of Mother Jones and John W. Kern
In this 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.
Nixon’s Favorite Mayor: The Early Career of Richard Lugar
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.
“Ambassadors of Goodwill:” Mexican Bracero Workers during WWII
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.
Singing Hate “Off the Monument Steps:” LGBTQ Pride & Patriotism
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!
Dissent & Patriotism in the Terre Haute Hungarian Community
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.
Hook’s Drug Stores: The Community-Conscious Pharmacy
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!
George Ade, President Taft, and the Modern Political Campaign
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.
“Disguised As A Doughboy:” The Frontline War Work of Sarah M. Wilmer
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.
A Joyous Resistance: Fox Lake and Black Community Building
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.
Lesson Plan: Debs’ Campaign for Socialism
Hoosier native Eugene Debs exploded onto the national stage at the head of one of the largest railroad strikes in American history – the Pullman Strike. He would go on to run for President on the Socialist Party of America ticket five times. In this episode, students will follow Debs’ progress from Democratic booster to labor activist to Socialist leader.