PreserveCast

Abandoned Maryland Houses: Ruins of the American Dream with Robyn Hodgson

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Robyn Hodgson about her book Abandoned Maryland Houses: Ruins of the American Dream, which she co-authored with her partner Rhea Hodgson. Her book takes the reader through abandoned historic homes throughout Maryland through photographs and history. Robyn will share some of the behind-the-scenes of her photography and book.

A brief disclaimer on this episode – neither PreserveCast nor Preservation Maryland, which powers this podcast, endorses, suggests or encourages anyone to ever explore, enter or otherwise investigate a historic place without owner consent. Always engage in ethical documentation and exploration of historic places.

Learn More: https://www.instagram.com/morning_reveries/

Order the Book: https://www.arcadiapublishing.com/products/9781634994361

Special Release: History of Witchcraft in Maryland

Although Salem is certainly the most famous American community to be beset by the mania of witchcraft, it was far from alone in its paranoia. On this special edition of PreserveCast, we're exploring the history of accusations of witchcraft and sorcery in Maryland.

At this time of the year, as we look for opportunities to get the good shivers, we’d be wise to balance the frightening tales of witchcraft with the harsh reality of the lives ended by the hysteria and the lesson in that story – that well meaning people can make strange decisions driven by fear of the unknown. Perhaps, the story of witchcraft fascinates us, because in each of us there is fear of the supernatural and we wonder, if only subconsciously, if we too, could fall for an equally absurd fallacy. 

Michael Zittle: The Wizard of South Mountain

Our team has happily welcomed "spooky season" and this week we're bringing you a tale of old about the story of Michael Zittle – the Wizard of South Mountain. If you enjoy this type of content, you'll also want to tune in next week for another Halloween-inspired episode, an in-depth feature on the Maryland Witch Trials.  

Much of what we know of Michael Zittle and the lore of South Mountain comes from Madeline Vinton Dahlgren, a 19th-century author, tavern keeper, anti-suffragist, and owner of the still-operational South Mountain Inn. New research, writing, and dramatic reading by your host, Nicholas Redding. 

As the chill of autumn arrives and we approach All Hallows Eve, we'll indulge in this haunted history and talk of wizards, spells, and sorcery...

 

Authentic New Orleans: Experiencing the Big Easy Like a Local

You’re visiting New Orleans and you want to get off the beaten path – out of the French Quarter and into neighborhoods to experience the real, authentic cultural assets this historic, over 300-year-old city has to offer. So where do you go and what do you do? On this week’s PreserveCast, we’re sitting down with Danielle Del Sol, the Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans and Nathalie Jordi to talk about an Authentic New Orleans experience.

Drunks: The Story of Alcoholism and the Birth of Recovery with Dr. Christopher Finan

Join us this week's PreserveCast episode as we talk with Dr. Christopher Finan about his book Drunks: The Story of Alcoholism and the Birth of Recovery. We’ll talk to Chris about the history of alcoholism in America, the story of recovery, and how the preservation and museum community can approach telling the full story of alcohol at sites and places across the nation. All that and more on this week’s PreserveCast. 

BIO: Chris Finan is executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship, an alliance of 56 national non-profits that defends free speech.  Mr. Finan has been involved in the fight against censorship for over 40 years.  He is former president of American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression.

A native of Cleveland, Chris is a graduate of Antioch College. After working as a newspaper reporter, he studied American history at Columbia University, where he received his Ph.D. in 1992. He is the author of How Free Speech Saved Democracy: The Untold History of How the First Amendment Became an Effective Tool for Securing Liberty and Social Justice (Steerforth Press), Drunks: An American History (in paperback, Drunks: The Story of Alcoholism and the Birth of Recovery) (Beacon Press) and  Alfred E. Smith: The Happy Warrior" (Hill and Wang), a biography of the New York governor who was the first Catholic to run for President.

His book, From the Palmer Raids to the PATRIOT Act: A History of the Fight for Free Speech in America (Beacon Press), won the American Library Association’s Eli M. Oboler Award for the best work on intellectual freedom published in 2006 and 2007.

Chris is married to Pat Willard, a writer whose most recent book is "America Eats! On the Road with the WPA - the Fish Fries, Box Supper Socials and Chitlin Feasts that Define Real American Food" (Bloomsbury). They have two sons and live in Brooklyn, New York.

 

Learn More: https://www.chrisfinan.com/

Find the Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/drunks-the-story-of-alcoholism-and-the-birth-of-recovery-christopher-m-finan/7213639?ean=9780807019931&ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chrisfinan.com%2F&source=IndieBound&title=Drunks%3A+The+Story+of+Alcoholism+and+the+Birth+of+Recovery

 

 

Demystifying Preservation Projects with Ann Powell

Get a peek behind the curtain and join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Ann Powell, Principal Owner of Plan B. Ann will share what she does as an owner's representative and how she supports preservation projects. After 25 years as an architect, Ann will let us glimpse the complexities of preservation projects and how an owner's representative can benefit the project.

From the Brink to Brilliant: The Revitalization of Downtown Frederick and Lessons for Cities Across America with Kate McDermott

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we discuss the rebirth of Downtown Frederick, Maryland. We’re talking with writer and journalist Kate McDermott about her book, From the Brink to Brilliant: The Revitalization of Downtown Frederick, Maryland, where she paints a picture of downtown Frederick’s revitalization and what lessons this story holds for cities like it across America.

Kate McDermott is the author of “From the Brink to Brilliant: The Revitalization of Downtown Frederick, Maryland.” She is a freelance writer and journalist, working with clients that range from national transportation companies to major medical centers and biotechnology firms. She holds a degree in journalism from Kent State University and resides in Frederick.

Learn More: https://www.amazon.com/Brink-Brilliant-Revitalization-Downtown-Frederick/dp/B0BV43CXJZ

 

San Francisco’s Forgotten Cemeteries with Beth Winegarner

When in San Francisco you could be walking over thousands of forgotten graves. Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Beth Winegarner about her book San Francisco’s Forgotten Cemeteries: A Buried History. Beth will take us through why San Francisco’s cemetery history, relocation, and the oversight that left thousands of graves and their deceased behind.

Beth Winegarner is an author, journalist, essayist, and pop culture critic who’s contributed to the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Guardian, the Washington Post, Wired, Mother Jones, and many other publications. Her books include Sacred Sonoma, The Columbine Effect: How Five Teen Pastimes Got Caught in the Crossfire and Why Teens Are Taking Them Back and Tenacity; Heavy Metal in the Middle East and Africa. She grew up in northern California and now lives in San Francisco.

 

 

Learn More: https://www.bethwinegarner.com/san-franciscos-forgotten-cemeteries

Order the Book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/san-francisco-s-forgotten-cemeteries-a-buried-history-beth-winegarner/19987377?ean=9781467154925

 

Boots on the Ground with Paul Coussan

On this week’s PreserveCast we are talking with Paul Coussan, the Director of Government Relations at the American Battlefield Trust about Boots on the Ground: A Manual for Battlefield Friends Groups. Paul walks us through how the manual aims to provide resources for friends groups, new and established, who serve as the first line of defence against potential threats to American heritage.

Early American Industries Association with Lara Miller

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Lara Miller, the Director of Member Engagement for the Early American Industries Association. Lara will take us through EAIA’s history of being the go-to community to learn about American tools, trades, and industries for 90 years. She will also dive into their resources, network, and how listeners can get involved.

Lara Miller Rowand is the Director of Member Engagement for the Early American Industries Association. Growing up in the Central Appalachian regions of eastern Kentucky & southern West Virginia, she garnered an appreciation for and dedication to historic trades and crafts. When not engaging with trades for her day job, she can often be found throwing pottery, carving print blocks, finding something to sew, or growing vegetables. She holds an undergraduate degree in History & a graduate degree in Nonfiction Writing, and has formerly worked for institutions such as Old Sturbridge Village and the Valentine Museum in Richmond, Virginia. She now lives in rural Connecticut with her shoemaker husband, two dogs, and overly sassy cat.

Learn More: https://www.eaia.us/

Gravestone Recipes with Rosie Grant

Some people take their recipes to the grave, others put them on their gravestones. On this week’s PreserveCast, join us as we talk with Rosie Grant about her journey recreating gravestone recipes. Rosie documented her journey of making recipes of Spritz, Fudge, and everything in between on TikTok. Listen in as we hear how all of this started.

Rosie Grant is a part time digital librarian at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles and full time Outreach and Communications Manager at UCLA.  Follow her on TikTok @ghostlyarchive or message on Instagram @ghostly.archive. Fellow taphophiles and cemetery lovers are welcome to connect and share any favorite graves or cemetery recommendations.

Learn more: https://www.tiktok.com/@ghostlyarchive?lang=en

I Dread the Thought of the Place with Scott Hartwig

The Battle of Antietam is the single bloodiest day in American history, chronicled in D. Scott Hartwig's new book I Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign. Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Scott about the vital turning point that was the Battle of Antietam. He will give us a sneak peek into his book, the research it took to write it, and how the Battle of Antietam shaped the American Civil War.

**Join Preservation Maryland September 13th for a special book release party at McClintock Distilling to celebrate Dread the Thought of the Place: The Battle of Antietam and the End of the Maryland Campaign.

Purchase tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-antietam-evening-a-book-release-party-for-d-scott-hartwig-tickets-673181924257?aff=oddtdtcreator

 

Maryland in the French & Indian War with Timothy Ware

On this week’s PreserveCast, take a step back in time as we talk with Timothy Ware about his book Maryland in the French & Indian War. Tim will talk to us about where his interest in American history started, why he decided to write his book, and the importance of the French & Indian War to Maryland.

Tim Ware grew up outside of Martinsburg, West Virginia, in a region filled with history spanning from the colonial period to the American Civil War and beyond. His passion for history pushed him to pursue an undergraduate degree in history from Shepherd University and a graduate degree in American history from American Public University. In the first book, Tim dives into Maryland’s participation in a war that began as a skirmish on the frontiers of Pennsylvania and grew up into a global war for empire. Tim resides in Hagerstown, Maryland, with his wife, Heather; son Clyde; and two dogs, Nell and Kash.

Learn More: https://www.amazon.com/Maryland-French-Indian-War-Military/dp/1467150347

Preservation on the Silver Screen

Today we're joined by our own Preservation Program & Outreach Manager Christiana Limniatis where we're talking about preservation in pop culture, specifically preservation on the silver screen. Listen in to hear Christiana and Nick's chat about their favorite preservation-related films. 

The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants & Skills for the Modern World with John Forti

Join us in the garden on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with John Forti about his book, The Heirloom Gardener: Traditional Plants & Skills for the Modern World. John will take us through how he started gardening, why he decided to put pen to paper, and the importance of heirloom and indigenous plants in our gardens.

John Forti is an award-winning heirloom specialist, garden historian, ethnobotanist, garden writer, and local foods advocate. He is Executive Director of Bedrock Gardens, an artist-inspired public sculpture garden and landscape in Lee, New Hampshire, and the recipient of a 2020 Award of Excellence from National Garden Clubs. He is also a regional governor and biodiversity specialist for Slow Food USA, a national chapter of Slow Food, a global organization and international grassroots movement that connects food producers and consumers to champion local agriculture, farmers markets, and traditional, regional cuisine. John gardens and lives along the banks of the Piscataqua River in Maine.

Learn More: http://jforti.com/

The Role Models We Need: Architect Barbie & Despina Stratigakos

Join us with guest Despina Stratigakos, who participated in a fascinating effort to get the Mattel Corporation to give Barbie a career in architecture. We like to keep things of topical interest here on PreserveCast and with the new Barbie movie out this week, it seemed fitting to revisit this conversation about representation and the future of the field. 

We all need role models – and we need to see ourselves represented – whether in film, print . . . or in Mattel’s iconic Barbie. Today’s guest, Despina Stratigakos, Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence at the University at Buffalo, is a writer, historian, and professor. She is the author of three books that explore the intersections of power and architecture. Her most recent book, Where Are the Women Architects? confronts the challenges women face in the architectural profession. 

Preserving Black History and Culture with Dr. Jocelyn Imani (Trust for Public Land)

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Dr. Jocelyn Imani, the National Director for the Black History and Culture program at Trust for Public Land. Dr. Imani will discuss the importance in creating shared spaces that are more relevant and accessible to all populations. All that and more!

Dr. Jocelyn Imani is a storyteller, educator, and community builder with over a decade of experience as a public historian; she joined us as national director of our Black History and Culture program in 2022. In her work, she is focused on reimagining how Black history and culture sites are activated and aims to make shared spaces more relevant and accessible to all populations. Prior to joining TPL, Dr. Imani spent time as an interpretive ranger with the National Park Service, served as historian at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, and worked in the Office of Curatorial Affairs at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

She has taught U.S. history at Fisk and Howard Universities, as well as Washington Adventist University, Coppin State University, and others. She is also particularly dedicated to the development of strong children, a passion reflected in her founding of the Big Brown Get Down, an annual community event that connects upwardly mobile professionals with middle and high school students from underserved communities.

Dr. Imani holds a PhD in African diaspora and public history from Howard University and a BA in history from Fisk University. She is a member of the Nashville Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and the Junior League of Nashville. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Progress, Inc, an organization that promotes health, happiness, and safety for people with disabilities and senior adults needing care.

An avid fan of arts, music, and culture, Dr. Imani comes from a long line of musicians and sang before she spoke. A proud daughter of the South, she is a native of Nashville, Tennessee.

 

Learn more: https://www.tpl.org/black-history-and-culture

KIN: ROOTED IN HOPE with Carole Boston Weatherford & Jeffery Boston Weatherford

On this week’s PreserveCast, join us as we talk with Carole Boston Weatherford and her son, Jeffrey Boston Weatherford, about their book Kin: Rooted in Hope. Carole and Jeffrey will share their journey creating this book, set in Talbot County, Maryland, which reimagines Wye House plantation and the nearby all-Black, Reconstruction-era hamlets of Copperville and Unionville, and the research into their ancestors that shaped the narrative.

Carole Boston Weatherford has written many award-winning books for children, including You Can Fly illustrated by her son Jeffery; Box, which won a Newbery Honor; Unspeakable, which won the Coretta Scott King award, a Caldecott honor, and was a finalist for the National Book Award finalist; Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, winner of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award; and Caldecott Honor winners Freedom in Congo Square; Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement; and Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom. Carole lives in North Carolina.

Jeffery Boston Weatherford is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and a performance poet. He has lectured, performed, and led art and writing workshops in the US, the Middle East, and West Africa. Jeffery was a Romare Bearden Scholar at Howard University, where he earned an MFA in painting and studied under members of the Black Arts Movement collective AfriCobra. A North Carolina native and resident, Jeffery has exhibited his art in North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

Learn more: https://cbweatherford.com/

A Glimpse into a Historic Preservation Career with Naomi Doddington

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Noami Doddington from Consigli Construction. Naomi takes us through her choice to change careers from a high school teacher to historic preservationist. We'll also discuss one of her projects, the Glass House at Menokin, where part of the structure will be preserved in glass.

BIO: Naomi Doddington is a Project Manager and Historic Preservationist with Consigli Construction. She holds an MSHP degree from Clemson University. In the years that she has been working for Consigli, Naomi has had the privilege to work on some of our Capital City’s most renowned buildings, including the US Capitol Building’s Olmsted Terrace, the Netherlands Carillon near Arlington National Cemetery, and Meridian Hill Park in the heart of the Columbia Heights/Shaw neighborhoods. She has been working on the Menokin Plantation project for several years and is excited to continue to work on “the most engaging preservation project in America.” Naomi lives in Alexandria with her partner, Jeff, and their dog, Lulu.

Learn More: https://www.consigli.com/

19th-Century Prairie Life with Michelle Evans

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we head back to frontier Indiana where we’ll talk with Michelle Evans, the Domestic Trades Manager at Conner Prairie, one of the largest open air history museums in the nation. Michelle will take us through the background of Conner Prairie and her experience over the past four decades on site as well as Conner’s Prairie’s use of heirloom plants within their 1000 acres and 14 areas of interaction.

Unveiling the Past with Dr. Roeland Paardekooper

On this week’s PreserveCast join us as we talk with Dr. Roeland
Paardekooper about EXARC, a global network of professionals active in archaeological open-air museums and experimental archaeology, ancient technology, and interpretation. Dr. Paardekooper will talk us through this unique field of study and how you can learn traditional skills by
engaging with EXARC.

 

Dr. Roeland Paardekooper serves as the Director & EXARC Journal Executive Editor, and has expertise in Archaeological Open-Air Museums and Experimental Archaeology. Dr Paardekooper graduated from Universiteit Leiden (NL) with his BA & MA, and from the University of Exeter (UK) with a PhD. He was awarded the Museum Horizon Award in 2015 and the Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2012.

 

Learn More:

https://exarc.net/
Guedelon: https://www.guedelon.fr
Colonial Williamsburg: https://www.colonialwilliamsburg. org/
Lejre Land of Legends: https://sagnlandet. dk

 

 

*Emergency Episode* Proposed French Quarter Ordinance with Danielle Del Sol

*Emergency Episode* French Quarter with Danielle Del Sol

In this special edition of PreserveCast, we are sitting down with a friend of our organization, Danielle Del Sol, the Executive Director at Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. She talks with us about the proposed changes to the French Quarter governance and the impact it could have to one of the oldest historic districts in the United States.

Help save the enforcement that protects this historic landmark neighborhood by signing the petition here

 

Trades Takeover! With Natalie Henshaw and Melanie Weston

Trades Takeover is back! In this episode, Director of Historic Trades Natalie Henshaw speaks with Melanie Weston, one of our panelists for the inaugural American Historic Trades Summit. Held from June 12 – 14, in Providence, Rhode Island, the Summit will develop a network for historic trades training programs, creating a central source of knowledge and resources on how to start, maintain, and propel a training program. As General Manager of Heritage Restoration Inc., Melanie is responsible for the oversight, development, and outreach of the business. Melanie will participate in Session 7: Employer Perspectives, alongside Julie Butler of Durable Restoration Company and Naomi Doddington of Consigli. These different employers will discuss how training programs can meet industry needs and ensure graduates get quality jobs. 

 Melanie is a graduate of Clemson University’s Master in Historic Preservation, and has a Bachelor’s Degree in History from Mills College. She spent her early career restoring windows, although quickly rose to become responsible for overseeing preservation, maintenance, and capital improvements of structures and landscapes for Historic New England at the Eustis Estate in Milton, Massachusetts as well as nine other properties in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. Concurrent with her role as General Manager, Melanie helps administer and teach for Providence Preservation Society’s Window & Workforce Training Program and is Chairperson for the Window Preservation Standards Collaborative. The WPSC’s Fifth Summit will be held at Pine Mountain Settlement School in Kentucky October 8 – 13, 2023.   

 

The Williamsburg Bray School with Dr. Maureen Elgersman Lee

Join us on this week’s PreserveCast as we talk with Dr. Maureen Elgersman Lee about her work at the Bray School Lab at William & Mary. Dr. Lee shares some background on the Williamsburg Bray school that was hidden in plain sight for over 200 years on the William & Mary campus in Virginia, and some of its history as the oldest extant building dedicated to the education of Black children in the United States.

BIO: Dr. Maureen Elgersman Lee is the Mellon Engagement Coordinator for African American Heritage and Director of the Bray School Lab at William & Mary. A history professor for more than two decades, she has held academic and/or administrative positions at universities in Georgia, Maine, and Virginia—and spent five years as executive director of Richmond’s Black History Museum. An award-winning scholar and professor, Maureen has produced numerous books and articles on various aspects of Black history in the United States, Canada, and the British Caribbean.  Her current book project is a new collection on the Williamsburg Bray School (1760-1774) to be co-edited with Nicole Brown and published by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in 2026.

Learn More: https://www.wm.edu/sites/brayschool/people/elgersman-lee-m.php

Working with Our Hands in a Hands-Free World with BBC’s Peter Ginn

I have been a big fan of Peter Ginn ever since I watched the first episode of Victorian Farm, where he portrayed a Victorian-era farmer in England alongside Ruth Goodman and Alex Langlands. Peter has deftly combined his knowledge of the past with entertainment and is a proud ambassador for preserving historic trades and crafts. In short, he’s the ideal PreserveCast guest.