Skip to main content
Cruising Through History

Cruising Through History

By Kenosha Public Library

Join us for Cruising Through History where we will explore the highways and byways of historical events both little known and well known to our listeners.

Have questions or suggestions? Contact us at historycruise@mykpl.info
Currently playing episode

The Ill Fated Search for the Arc of the Covenant

Cruising Through HistoryApr 26, 2022

00:00
30:10
The Origins of Knighthood

The Origins of Knighthood

The honorable knight. The holy knight. The chivalrous knight. These are common phrases when describing knights, but what exactly were knights in history?


Scott and Zander review the literature and the history to discover what knights really were.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Apr 09, 202431:44
Traveling the Silk Road

Traveling the Silk Road

Scott and Zander return to Asian and Middle Eastern history with the Silk Road. While not a literal road as we think of today and more connected paths and routes, the Silk Road passed through and developed trade in areas of the world that have less interest today.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Mar 26, 202428:52
Codebreaking in WW2

Codebreaking in WW2

While more attention has been given to code breakers, codebreaking was a well sought skill oft overlooked historically. Scott and Zander go over what exactly codebreaking is and how information was a much sought tool in World War 2.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Mar 12, 202430:21
The Con Artist Holmes

The Con Artist Holmes

Of course, we do not mean Sherlock Holmes, but the real life con artist, Dr. Henry Howard Holmes, better known as H. H. Holmes. Listen to the thrilling tale of cons, murders, and underhanded deals presented by Scott and Zander


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info


Feb 27, 202430:14
How 'Atlantis' Came to Be

How 'Atlantis' Came to Be

Atlantis is a legend referenced in popular media, and ancient lore, but how did this lost city come to the attention of the masses? Is it legit?


Scott and Zander Discuss

Feb 13, 202429:22
The Lost Antikythera Mechanism

The Lost Antikythera Mechanism

There are many found artifacts that have no agreed upon purpose or origin. The Antikythera Mechanism is one of these objects.

Scott and Zander talk about how it was found, what its possible purpose was, and if there might be anything that can help decipher its use.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Dec 26, 202329:51
The Opium Wars

The Opium Wars

Opium has been a topic in global history far longer than the current Opioid crisis. The Opium Wars were one of the peak moments where Opium took the global stage.

Scott and Zander discuss these little talked wars and if there is any relation to the current Opioid crisis.

Dec 12, 202330:21
The Birth of Frankenstein

The Birth of Frankenstein

Mary Shelley's Frankenstein influenced the entire genre of horror, but what is the story behind the 'original monster.'

Scott and Zander talk about the creation of Frankenstein and its influence on culture.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Dec 11, 202329:58
The Spiritualism Movement

The Spiritualism Movement

Spiritualism: the belief that we can contact spirits after death, went through a boom in America in the 19th century.

Scott and Zander explore this phenomenon and how it integrated into American culture and debate.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Dec 11, 202329:48
The Legend of King Arthur

The Legend of King Arthur

King Arthur is one of the longest lasting legends in English history and widespread in the memory of the world. But did King Arthur we know of really exist? Scott and Zander delve into the history and literature of King Arthur.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Oct 31, 202330:59
Drug Use in the Third Reich

Drug Use in the Third Reich

The Third Reich performed many inhumane experiments including in the field of drugs and medication, in fact, Hitler himself took a wide variety of 'medication' for his ailments. Scott and Zander dive into the spread and use of drugs by the Nazi Party and its leader.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Oct 17, 202331:30
Before Jaws: the 1916 Jersey Shore Shark Attacks

Before Jaws: the 1916 Jersey Shore Shark Attacks

While the Steven Spielberg movie was inspired by the book, "Jaws" by Peter Benchley, that book was in part inspired by the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916.

Scott and Zander review the incidents and how sharks would be demonized throughout the 20th century because of it.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Oct 03, 202330:40
The Mystery of Roanoake

The Mystery of Roanoake

The disappearance of the Roanoake Colony is one of the great mysteries of the early colonial period. Where did the settlers go? What tragedy befell them? Scott and Zander discuss


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Sep 19, 202332:08
The American Betrayal of the Osage Nation

The American Betrayal of the Osage Nation

United States history is riddled with tragedy regarding treatment of the native tribes indigenous to the U.S. The Osage were betrayed and swindled in a particularly heinous way. Scott and Zander review what happened and what, if anything, was done to help.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Sep 05, 202330:09
The Tuskeegee Airmen

The Tuskeegee Airmen

The Tuskeegee Airmen were some of the most successful pilots in the history of the United States. Scott and Zander review the results of their efforts and how the United States treated them.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Aug 22, 202329:14
The Genius of DaVinci

The Genius of DaVinci

Leonardi DaVinci is best known for his art, but DaVinci was more than just a genius artist. He was a genius inventor of strange machinations seemingly before his time. Scott and Zander delve into the wonderful world of DaVinci.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Aug 09, 202330:07
The Legend of Jack The Ripper

The Legend of Jack The Ripper

Jack the Ripper was a notorious serial killer who's case still remains unsolved. Whether it is the "canon" murders or the extra murders, the history of Jack the Ripper rippled through the world. Scott and Zander discuss.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jul 11, 202332:45
The Original Detective

The Original Detective

Detective stories, real or fictional, have captured the imaginations of people everywhere, but who was the first real detective. Scott and Zander discuss who first created the ideas and practices of detective work that are still relevant today in fiction and reality.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info


Jun 27, 202330:31
Human Flight: Aviation

Human Flight: Aviation

Heavier than air flight was an elusive yet sought after technology that forms how we know of flight and aviation today. Scott and Zander explore the history of aviation and the Wright brothers in this second part on human flight.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info


Jun 13, 202329:05
Human Flight: Ballooning

Human Flight: Ballooning

Humanity has always had an interest in flying. Scott and Zander begin part one of exploring the history of flight starting with lighter than air flight.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info



May 30, 202329:02
John Snow Knows About Cholera

John Snow Knows About Cholera

In 1866, a cholera outbreak took place in London's East End. Luckily, a man by the name of John Snow was there a learned a few new tricks to help track and identify how cholera spread. Scott and Zander discuss the incident

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

May 16, 202329:30
Tesla: A Genius Before His Time

Tesla: A Genius Before His Time

Nikola Tesla is often overshadowed by the historical electricity giant, Thomas Edison, but why is that the case? Scott and Zander review the history of Tesla, his visionary aspirations, and how he came to be a lesser historical figure.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

May 02, 202331:01
Operation Underworld

Operation Underworld

World War 2 was full of strange operations, fear, and sometimes odd partnerships. Operation Underworld is one of these strange occurrences where the U.S. navy partnered the Mafia! Scott and Zander explore this strange relationship


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Apr 18, 202331:14
Alexander The Great

Alexander The Great

Alexander The Great is known as a conqueror, but he has many  names across many regions of the middle east as his empire spread far and wide. Scott and Zander review how he became so well known across cultures and how he came to fall.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Apr 04, 202332:35
The Spread of the Mongolian Empire

The Spread of the Mongolian Empire

The Mongolian Empire was one of the most far reaching and most unlikely empires to have dominated Russia, North Africa, China, and more. What were its origins and how did Genghis Khan become one of the most feared names in the world? Scott and Zander cruise on through and explore how it happened.

Mar 21, 202330:28
The Curse of King Tut

The Curse of King Tut

King Tut is known as one of the greatest archeological finds of the 20th century. But was his tomb cursed, and how long did those who discovered it live before succumbing to it? Scott and Zander discuss.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Mar 07, 202332:25
The Mysteries of Geoglyphs

The Mysteries of Geoglyphs

A Geoglyph is a large design produced on the ground with durable landscaping elements, like gravel, stones or dirt. Can Scott and Zander solve the most mysterious geoglyphs that have appeared through history?

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Feb 21, 202330:03
The Mysteries of Stonehenge

The Mysteries of Stonehenge

Stonehenge: One of the great wonders of the world. Have Scott and Zander discovered the real reason why Stonehenge exists and how those great stones go there? No. But they do talk about the history and debate surrounding the monument in this episode. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Feb 07, 202332:52
The Travels of Marco Polo

The Travels of Marco Polo

Unrelated to the popular pool game, Marco Polo as an explorer is well known. Scott and Zander go over the details and history of his adventures.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jan 24, 202331:17
The Golden Age of Timbuktu

The Golden Age of Timbuktu

Timbuktu is one of those legendary cities we hear about. Today, Timbuktu is far from its Golden Age, but its influence on exploration and trade is still remembered today. Scott and Zander discuss.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jan 10, 202328:30
Did the Chinese Discover America First?

Did the Chinese Discover America First?

It is always thought that it was Europeans who 'discovered' America first. Is there a possibility that it was actually China? Scott and Zander discuss this theory along with China's naval fleet's travel.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Dec 27, 202231:50
The Ancient Robots of Greece

The Ancient Robots of Greece

The ancient Greeks are known for a lot of cultural phenomena, but does that include robots? Scott and Zander discuss whether the Greeks really built robots like we think of robots today.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Dec 13, 202230:41
The Proto-Science of Alchemy

The Proto-Science of Alchemy

The "science" of alchemy was much more profound than popular understanding suggests. Scott and Zander explore where alchemy was practiced and some of the familiar names attached to the proto-science.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Nov 29, 202232:07
Dragons Everywhere

Dragons Everywhere

Dragons may be a pop culture icon now, but Dragons historically appear across multiple cultures in different ways. Join Scott and Zander as they discuss the history of dragons through the world. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Nov 15, 202232:43
The "Lost" Library of Alexandria

The "Lost" Library of Alexandria

How do you lose a library? Did volume after volume of knowledge really burn? All that and more in this episode of Cruising Through History.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Nov 01, 202231:14
The Penny Dreadful

The Penny Dreadful

Oh the horrors of reading! Explore what the penny dreadfulls were and how they impacted mass consumer reading just in time for Halloween. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Oct 18, 202231:50
From Dentistry to Plastic Surgery in the Great War

From Dentistry to Plastic Surgery in the Great War

How does the field of dentistry relate to the mass advancement of plastic surgery in World War One? Take a glance at some of the advancements made during the Great War and where the origins of modern plastic surgery came from. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Oct 04, 202230:08
Discovering The Rosetta Stone

Discovering The Rosetta Stone

Cruise through the discovery of the Rosetta Stone and what it meant for language research and understanding Egyptian society. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Sep 20, 202232:54
John Franklin's Lost Expedition

John Franklin's Lost Expedition

We're back! And what way to come back with a lost expedition into the icy north. Join us as we cruise through this historic expedition

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Sep 06, 202231:14
How Lincoln's Assassination Really Happened.

How Lincoln's Assassination Really Happened.

Cruise through the how Lincoln's assassination really happened and the weird circumstances, characters and delusions that fed into the whole event in this episode of Cruising Through History.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jul 26, 202232:55
The Final Expedition of President Roosevelt

The Final Expedition of President Roosevelt

After his presidency, Theodore Roosevelt was not one to sit idly. Roosevelt decided to go on a dangerous survey expedition in the Amazon Basin nearly losing life and limb in the process. Scott cruises along this life-threatening expedition.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jul 06, 202230:46
The Extent of the Salem Witch Trails

The Extent of the Salem Witch Trails

The Salem Witch Trials are a widely looked at part of U.S. history, but what really started them and how did they end? What influenced fraudulent accusations and death? Scott uses his third eye and reveals what history says about the Salem Witch Trails.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jun 21, 202229:30
The Election of 1876

The Election of 1876

What makes the election of 1876 special? Why think about the election of 1876 at all? Scott gives us the details about why this election was a lot more dramatic than history makes it seem. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Jun 07, 202229:53
The Nazi Expedition to Tibet That Actually Happened

The Nazi Expedition to Tibet That Actually Happened

As much as we see in comics and tv Nazi expeditions for magical artifacts, the Nazi's did actually explore around the world to try and give themselves credibility. Scott Delves into one of these expeditions.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

May 24, 202231:38
The War of the Worlds Radio Show

The War of the Worlds Radio Show

In 1938, Orson Wells performed a radio adaptation of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds. Chaos ensued.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

May 10, 202232:13
The Ill Fated Search for the Arc of the Covenant

The Ill Fated Search for the Arc of the Covenant

In 1909 there was an actual expedition to find the Lost Arc! Indiana Jones wasn't event involved. 

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Apr 26, 202230:10
The Integration of Football - A precursor to the Integration of Baseball

The Integration of Football - A precursor to the Integration of Baseball

Did you know: professional American football was integrated before professional baseball? And yet somehow Jackie Robinson is still involved.

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Apr 12, 202229:49
The Black Plague

The Black Plague

We know the Black Plague swept through the world and still continues to inspire our darkest imaginations, but what else is part of the history of the world's greatest plague?

Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Mar 29, 202230:45
Who Gets To Vote?

Who Gets To Vote?

In this special episode, Scott and Zander go through the history of voting and highlight who got to vote and when voting rights changed in the United States.

Mar 22, 202231:45
Operation Mincemeat

Operation Mincemeat

Sometimes reality works much like a James Bond movie or a Sherlock mystery: absolutely perfect.


Like the show? Feel free to like, subscribe, or follow. Want to give us a suggestion? Email us at historycruise@mykpl.info

Mar 15, 202232:11