Episode 25: The Court Martial of Paul Revere

This week we celebrate Patriots’ Day, and the anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous ride.  It’s easy to forget that Paul Revere’s story didn’t end on April 18, 1775.  This week, we bring you a less glorious story about Paul Revere, one that’s not shrouded in myth.  In 1779, Revere was among the leaders of a military expedition in Maine that ended with the greatest US Naval defeat prior to Pearl Harbor, and eventually led to his court martial on charges of cowardice and insubordination.

Well, listen children, and you shall hear,
A different story of Paul Revere.
In Maine, the troops fled before a British drive,
Until hardly a man was left alive.
They court martialed Paul in ‘82, I fear.

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Episode 22: Boston in the American Revolution, Author Interview with Brooke Barbier

This week’s episode features a conversation with Brooke Barbier, founder of Ye Olde Tavern Tours and author of the new book Boston in the American Revolution: A Town Versus an Empire.  We talk about a forgotten Revolutionary War story, why the Revolutionary period isn’t as simple as good guys and bad guys, and which Founding Fathers we’d like to have a beer with.  Stick around after the interview to find out what’s coming up this week in Boston history, and how you can win a private tour of the Back Bay with hosts Nikki and Jake.  Listen to the show!

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Episode 2: How Cotton Mather Saved Boston

When smallpox threatened Boston in 1721, Cotton Mather was a leading advocate of inoculation.  How did this influential Puritan, best known for his role in the Salem witch trials, become an advocate for scientific medicine?  Listen to this week’s episode to find out!

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Episode 1: Remember Remember the Fifth of November

Update: We revisited this subject in Episode 75, with better audio, better research, and better storytelling.  You should listen to that one instead!

How did early Boston “celebrate” on November 5th each year?  By drinking, brawling, and burning effigies of the Pope, of course.  Listen to this week’s episode to find out more!

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