Curious Minds: American History

Eleanor Breen Deputy Director for Archaeology at Mt. Vernon talks about the significance of analyzing trash at Mount Vernon dig sites.

Eleanor Breen Deputy Director for Archeology at Mt. Vernon describes how slave labor operated Washington's distillery.

Eleanor Breen Deputy Director for Archeology at Mt. Vernon details how Mt. Vernon came to be owned by a private association that pioneered the role of individuals in preserving places of historic significance.

Alan Kraut Professor of History at American University details how Lincoln overcame personal tragedy and existential doubts to complete his mission of uniting the Union.

Alan Kraut Professor of History at American University describes the powerful bond shared by soldiers North and South in the Civil War.

Alan Kraut University Professor of History at American University recounts the shock and grief Americans felt when Lincoln was struck down at the moment of victory.

Alan Kraut University Professor of History at American University explains that Lincoln's close relationship with Frederick Douglass helped change the course of history.

Alan Kraut University Professor of History at American University describes how Lincoln's common touch made him a more effective war-time leader than Jefferson Davis.

Europeans pouring into America at the dawn of the 20th century comprised the greatest migration of human beings ever recounts Alan Kraut University Professor of History at American University. But not everyone who journeyed to the new world saw it as the promised land.