Historians in Lederhosen

Our Historians, joined by a guest outside the Museum field, pose a simple question: Are their enough museums? In one of our favorite episodes, our historians and guest explore the mission of museums and the role they play in society. You won't want to miss this episode, our season finale!

Does you city have a Sister City? Frankenmuth does! In fact, its People to People program has forged strong bonds between the people of Frankenmuth and Gunzenhausen, connecting families across an ocean by their ancestry.

Joined by special guest Dan Haubenstricker, our historians elaborate on the significance of the People to People program, and share stories of its local impact.

Joined by special guest and Conservator, Davina Jakobi, our Historians have an eye-opening discussion on conservation. If you are interested in a career as a Conservator, this episode is for you! Learn what a conservator does, how they build the public's trust in museums, and how you can find the right hands-on program, and more!

Joined by a regional teacher, Gerhardt Schuette, our Historians discuss methods for teaching the past, teaching standards, how A.I. is impacting the field, and differences between teaching at the high school vs. college levels.

In honor of President's Day, our Historians in Lederhosen talk Presidents! Join us for a fun episode and learn some interesting Presidential history and nicknames!

The Historians in Lederhosen are joined by not one, but two museum leaders. The Castle Museum of Saginaw County's History, Jonathan Webb, and the Frankenmuth Historical Association's very own Executive Director, Heidi Chapman, join for an insightful conversation about leading museums.

Documentaries can be very entertaining mediums that can also educate! But can you trust them? Cutaway with our historians to find out!

You know the story of Santa Clause or St. Nicholas, but have you heard the legends of Krampus? Our historians dive into folklore and legends of the sinister side of Christmas, and the disturbing traditions that follow.

Dorothea (the teacher) and August Craemer (the preacher) were two of Frankenmuth's most influential settlers. Despite destined for different locations upon leaving Germany, the two met and fell in love on board the Caroline. Though the encountered struggles throughout their lives, their impact is still felt today in Frankenmuth.

At the risk of dating ourselves, our Historians survey their best and worst historical films of all-time. Grab some popcorn and headphones while adding some movies to your watch list!

You know all about our "First Fifteen" by now, but in this episode, our historians shift their focus to the institution - St. Lorenz Lutheran church - that started Frankenmuth. We explore the earliest versions of the church, how St. Lorenz has grown to serve our community, and its impact today.

With over 6,000,000 Americans serving overseas during World War II, the Homefront experienced a shortage of labor, especially on farms. To address this, the federal government shipped German Prisoners of War to the United States, scattered across hundreds of camps across the country. Despite warnings against fraternizing with the enemy, locals forged special bonds, especially in Frankenmuth.

In 1848, a wave of revolutions swept Europe. During which people took to the streets, calling for and end to the conservative monarchies that ruled them. Our Historians strap on their lederhosen, head to Germany, and find out how these revolutions affected Michigan's Franconian settlements.

You already know all about Frankenmuth, settled by Germans in 1845. But did you know there were three other settlements established in just six years after Frankenmuth's founding? Our Historians explore the stories behind these German communities, and discuss their unique characteristics.

On April 5, 1845, a group of Germans left their small town of Neuendettelsau, set for a new land in Michigan. They knew the journey was risky, but hoped and prayed for safe travels. What they encountered was anything but...

Needing a vacation? Our Historians in Lederhosen always add viewing a historic site in their plans. Today, here to discuss their favorite historical sites and reasons behind them. Their answers might surprise you!

Motivated by faith, Johann Konrad Wilhelm Loehe set out on a mission to spread the Lutheran faith around the world. In doing so, he helped found Frankenmuth, along with 3 other Franconian communities in Michigan. Learn more about the man behind the mission, his growing up, and how he came to organize missionary work.

Special guest, historian, and archeologist Dr. Brad Jarvis from Saginaw Valley State University joins our Historians in Lederhosen to dig up history! What is archeology? Why is it important? What do we do with it? How can it help us understand the past?

Floods and fires can be a museum's worst nightmare, but we can prepare and respond... Our Historians in Lederhosen are joined by Jacob Huss, Historical Programs and Exhibits Manager at the Midland Center for the Arts. We kick off Season 4 with a discussion of the 2020 Midland Flood, the recovery process, and how the museum community came together to recover and restore documents submerged underwater. What other sorts of disasters might museums face, and how can you prepare for a potential "doomsday" scenario at your museum?