Signs of Our Time
Have you ever stopped to read a historical marker as you traveled across the US? Perhaps you’ve wondered if there was more to the story.
This podcast seeks to reveal the story behind the story from America's roadside historical markers. We explore the facts and sometimes quirky and unusual background information making our heritage even more fascinating.
Let me know if you have an unusual historical marker we can explore. americanhistoricalmarkers@gmail.com
Episodes
46 episodes
Kowaliga - The Bridge, Cabin, and the stories Beneath the Surface
Today, we journey into the heart of Alabama, where the waters of Lake Martin flow beneath the shadow of Kowaliga Bridge, a place where steel and timber meet memory and music. For many, it is simply a crossing over beautiful Southern waters. But...
Under Water Historical Marker
Beneath the clear waters of the Florida Keys rests the story of a mighty ship once caught in the fury of nature.In 1733, the San Pedro, part of Spain’s great treasure fleet, was driven onto the reefs by a devastating hurricane, ...
A Name You Won’t Forget, A Story Worth Telling
In this episode I explore the story behind the story of one of America's most unusual named cities. We're going to learn about the story behind the name of the town, Toad Suck, Arkansas. Yes… Toad. Suck.Now before you reach f...
Riding Against Time, The Story of the Pony Express
Before instant messages and smartphones, connection came at a gallop. In this episode of Signs of Our Time, we explore the legendary Pony Express, a daring mail system that carried messages across nearly 2,000 miles in just 10 da...
The Marshall to Shreveport Stagecoach Road
They say if you stand along this old road at dusk… you can still hear it. Hoofbeats. Wheels turning. A stagecoach that never arrived. Today on Signs of Our Time, we explore the mystery, and the message of the Marshall–Shrev...
The First White House of the Confederacy
In this episode we visit the First White House of the Confederacy, a quiet home with a powerful past. Discover how this modest residence became the starting point of a divided nation, the early leadership of Jefferson Davis, and the decisions t...
Bonnie and Clyde Visit Winnsboro, Texas
In this episode of Signs of Our Time, we visit Winnsboro and uncover the quiet story behind a historical marker that remembers the brief passage of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow through East Texas. Though they left no crime scene behi...
Blue Star Memorial Markers
Across highways, parks, and town squares throughout America, Blue Star Memorial markers quietly stand as powerful symbols of gratitude. In this episode, we explore the history and meaning behind these markers originally created to honor World W...
From Blacksmith to Tractors
In this episode I look at the story behind the story of the John Deere company. We look at the humble beginnings on a blacksmith shop to transforming farming world wide. This is a true American success story.References:
The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde
During the Great Depression of the 1930's times were hard for most of our nation. Jobs were scarce, families were devestated, and there seemed little hope for recovery. During that time an infamous couple, Bonnie and Clyde emerged t...
The First Cheeseburger - A Slice of American History
We take the lowly cheeseburger for granted. In fact, I rarely have just a hamburger. Without cheese it just feels naked. An no one want to eat a naked sandwich...just doesn't seem right.In today's episode I look at the ...
The Erie Canal - Connecting America
In modern times we are used to major events that amaze us with their size and scope. We marvel at how we are able to bring incredible resources to bear. And, we live in a time where we expect instant results from our efforts....
The Gettysburg Address
In our American history, probably no speech is well known and powerful as the Gettysburg Address. The time of its delivery, the presence of President Lincoln, and the field upon which it was delivered all point to an incredible historical...
A Conversation With Todd Kent about Historical Markers
I'm fascinated by the many individuals involved with historical markers. When I began my interest in historical markers I soon learned there was a culture surrounding them.In today's episode I have a conversation with Todd Kent.&nb...
Radical Abolitionist John Brown
Among the many individuals associated with America's Civil War, perhaps among the best known is the radical abolitionist, John Brown. Whether you agree or disagree with his views and actions, he had a lasting impact on the rich heritage o...
Groundhog Day
We all have favorite holidays. It seems that each month has its own signature holiday. One of the favorite for many is Groundhog Day. In this episode we'll look at the origin of this day and the story behind the story.<...
The Baby Head Cemetery
Throughout the United States you will find communities with strange names. Perhaps the strangest is found in the hill country of Texas. Texas is a wonderful place to travel to enjoy beautiful scenery, the famous blue bo...
A Conversation With Harry Lee Chester ~ Southwell Company
There are many things we take for granted or don’t think about what goes in to bringing something in front of us. Historical markers fits in that category. We drive past, perhaps stopping to read a marker and enjoy the experience.&n...
Steve Bodnar ~ Funding Historical Markers Nation Wide Through the William G. Pomeroy Foundation
We know the illustration of an onion. There are many different elements we discover as we begin to peel back the layers. That is true as well with historical markers. My guest in this episode is Steve Bodnar, Asso...
The Blind Knight
In this episode we will look at the story behind the story of The Blind Knight. It is a story of a man, physically blind but with a vision and the will to accomplish it. He serves as an inspiration to us all.References:
The Betty and Barney Hill Incident
We all like good science fiction stories and mysteries. Well, this episode speaks to both. In this episode I look at the alien abduction event involving Betty and Barney Hill. Although not the first documented alien abduction ...
A Conversation With Griffin Hansen ~ Animation Education Association President
From time to time on this podcast I like to interview individuals that are part of the overall historical marker universe. In this episode I have a wonderful conversation with Griffin Hansen. Griffin works in the animation industry ...
The San Salvadore Church History
All of us have a story to tell. Historical markers are a great way to learn about our stories. This is what happened with my guest in this episode. It turns out that his grandfather is part of the story behind a story found on...
A Conversation With Historic Marker Restorationist ~ Chris Woosley
It’s always enjoyable to talk with someone who has found a niche in life. This is especially true when they are providing a service for everyone. My guest in this podcast has a unique passion in life that helps folks interested in h...
