Virginia Humanities

Authors Ralph Eubanks (A Place Like Mississippi), Jocelyn Nicole Johnson (My Monticello), and Imani Perry (South to America) take center stage at this Festival headliner event to discuss the storied fact and fiction of the American South. The famed storytellers of Mississippi, short stories of the near future in central Virginia, and an historian’s travelogue of the southern states together provide a multigenre exploration of the region and what it means to belong to this place. Moderated by Justin G. Reid.

Singer, songwriter, and teacher Mike Errico (Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter) shares his experiences and practical lessons from years of writing, performing, teaching, and mentoring. In conversation with singer/songwriter Ramona Martinez.

The election of Donald Trump set off a seemingly continuous wave of protests across the country. This is just the latest surge of resistance. Past protests have included varied groups – from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street. On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Brian look at the central role that political protests have played throughout American history.

The election of Donald Trump set off a seemingly continuous wave of protests across the country. This is just the latest surge of resistance. Past protests have included varied groups – from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street. On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Brian look at the central role that political protests have played throughout American history.

The election of Donald Trump set off a seemingly continuous wave of protests across the country. This is just the latest surge of resistance. Past protests have included varied groups – from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street. On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Brian look at the central role that political protests have played throughout American history.

The election of Donald Trump set off a seemingly continuous wave of protests across the country. This is just the latest surge of resistance. Past protests have included varied groups – from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street. On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Brian look at the central role that political protests have played throughout American history.

The election of Donald Trump set off a seemingly continuous wave of protests across the country. This is just the latest surge of resistance. Past protests have included varied groups – from the Tea Party to Occupy Wall Street. On this episode of BackStory, Ed, Nathan and Brian look at the central role that political protests have played throughout American history.

In recent years, the White House’s relationship with the Kremlin has dominated the headlines in America — from Syria to Ukraine. According to CNN, Vladimir Putin denounced last night’s U.S. airstrike against Syria (a response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack earlier this week) as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of the norms of international law.” In addition, an FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election has turned into a full-blown political scandal. It can be tempting to view these events through the familiar lens of the Cold War, but in this episode, Joanne, Ed and Brian probe the deeper history of our relationship with Russia — and discover moments of comity as well as conflict.

In recent years, the White House’s relationship with the Kremlin has dominated the headlines in America — from Syria to Ukraine. According to CNN, Vladimir Putin denounced last night’s U.S. airstrike against Syria (a response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack earlier this week) as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of the norms of international law.” In addition, an FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election has turned into a full-blown political scandal. It can be tempting to view these events through the familiar lens of the Cold War, but in this episode, Joanne, Ed and Brian probe the deeper history of our relationship with Russia — and discover moments of comity as well as conflict.

In recent years, the White House’s relationship with the Kremlin has dominated the headlines in America — from Syria to Ukraine. According to CNN, Vladimir Putin denounced last night’s U.S. airstrike against Syria (a response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack earlier this week) as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of the norms of international law.” In addition, an FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election has turned into a full-blown political scandal. It can be tempting to view these events through the familiar lens of the Cold War, but in this episode, Joanne, Ed and Brian probe the deeper history of our relationship with Russia — and discover moments of comity as well as conflict.

In recent years, the White House’s relationship with the Kremlin has dominated the headlines in America — from Syria to Ukraine. According to CNN, Vladimir Putin denounced last night’s U.S. airstrike against Syria (a response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack earlier this week) as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of the norms of international law.” In addition, an FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election has turned into a full-blown political scandal. It can be tempting to view these events through the familiar lens of the Cold War, but in this episode, Joanne, Ed and Brian probe the deeper history of our relationship with Russia — and discover moments of comity as well as conflict.

In recent years, the White House’s relationship with the Kremlin has dominated the headlines in America — from Syria to Ukraine. According to CNN, Vladimir Putin denounced last night’s U.S. airstrike against Syria (a response to a Syrian chemical weapons attack earlier this week) as “aggression against a sovereign state in violation of the norms of international law.” In addition, an FBI probe into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russians in the 2016 election has turned into a full-blown political scandal. It can be tempting to view these events through the familiar lens of the Cold War, but in this episode, Joanne, Ed and Brian probe the deeper history of our relationship with Russia — and discover moments of comity as well as conflict.

Origins of American Satire (from "National Lampoon") by Virginia Humanities

Does Satire Have a Liberal Bias? (from "National Lampoon") by Virginia Humanities

This month, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments for cases that may have a profound impact on the lives of everyday Americans — ranging from cell phone privacy and the rights of workers during labor disputes, to whether a baker has the right to turn away same-sex couples because of his religious beliefs. So this week, Joanne, Ed, and Nathan dip into the BackStory archive to look at four rulings that shaped public life in America.

This month, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments for cases that may have a profound impact on the lives of everyday Americans — ranging from cell phone privacy and the rights of workers during labor disputes, to whether a baker has the right to turn away same-sex couples because of his religious beliefs. So this week, Joanne, Ed, and Nathan dip into the BackStory archive to look at four rulings that shaped public life in America.

This month, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments for cases that may have a profound impact on the lives of everyday Americans — ranging from cell phone privacy and the rights of workers during labor disputes, to whether a baker has the right to turn away same-sex couples because of his religious beliefs. So this week, Joanne, Ed, and Nathan dip into the BackStory archive to look at four rulings that shaped public life in America.

This month, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments for cases that may have a profound impact on the lives of everyday Americans — ranging from cell phone privacy and the rights of workers during labor disputes, to whether a baker has the right to turn away same-sex couples because of his religious beliefs. So this week, Joanne, Ed, and Nathan dip into the BackStory archive to look at four rulings that shaped public life in America.

From the persecution of Quakers in colonial Massachusetts, to 21st-century battles over nativity scenes in public squares, the wall separating church and state is hardly set in stone. On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the often blurry line between church and state in America – from Congress’ attempts to block a Mormon Senator in the early 1900’s, to the federal government’s imprisonment of religious pacifists who refused to fight in the first world war.

From the persecution of Quakers in colonial Massachusetts, to 21st-century battles over nativity scenes in public squares, the wall separating church and state is hardly set in stone. On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the often blurry line between church and state in America – from Congress’ attempts to block a Mormon Senator in the early 1900’s, to the federal government’s imprisonment of religious pacifists who refused to fight in the first world war.

From the persecution of Quakers in colonial Massachusetts, to 21st-century battles over nativity scenes in public squares, the wall separating church and state is hardly set in stone. On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the often blurry line between church and state in America – from Congress’ attempts to block a Mormon Senator in the early 1900’s, to the federal government’s imprisonment of religious pacifists who refused to fight in the first world war.

From the persecution of Quakers in colonial Massachusetts, to 21st-century battles over nativity scenes in public squares, the wall separating church and state is hardly set in stone. On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the often blurry line between church and state in America – from Congress’ attempts to block a Mormon Senator in the early 1900’s, to the federal government’s imprisonment of religious pacifists who refused to fight in the first world war.

From the persecution of Quakers in colonial Massachusetts, to 21st-century battles over nativity scenes in public squares, the wall separating church and state is hardly set in stone. On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the often blurry line between church and state in America – from Congress’ attempts to block a Mormon Senator in the early 1900’s, to the federal government’s imprisonment of religious pacifists who refused to fight in the first world war.

From the persecution of Quakers in colonial Massachusetts, to 21st-century battles over nativity scenes in public squares, the wall separating church and state is hardly set in stone. On this episode of BackStory, the History Guys explore the often blurry line between church and state in America – from Congress’ attempts to block a Mormon Senator in the early 1900’s, to the federal government’s imprisonment of religious pacifists who refused to fight in the first world war.

For many Americans, police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this summer were strikingly similar to other instances across the nation in recent years. The prominence of the shootings–and the retaliation in Dallas–has sparked a new round of questioning about the role of local police in their communities. On this episode, we’re looking at how the police departments we’re familiar with today took shape. We’ll explore how the first municipal police departments were assembled to quell riots in the 1840s – not fight crime – and we’ll consider what happens when the police don’t protect those they serve.

For many Americans, police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this summer were strikingly similar to other instances across the nation in recent years. The prominence of the shootings–and the retaliation in Dallas–has sparked a new round of questioning about the role of local police in their communities. On this episode, we’re looking at how the police departments we’re familiar with today took shape. We’ll explore how the first municipal police departments were assembled to quell riots in the 1840s – not fight crime – and we’ll consider what happens when the police don’t protect those they serve.

For many Americans, police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this summer were strikingly similar to other instances across the nation in recent years. The prominence of the shootings–and the retaliation in Dallas–has sparked a new round of questioning about the role of local police in their communities. On this episode, we’re looking at how the police departments we’re familiar with today took shape. We’ll explore how the first municipal police departments were assembled to quell riots in the 1840s – not fight crime – and we’ll consider what happens when the police don’t protect those they serve.

For many Americans, police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this summer were strikingly similar to other instances across the nation in recent years. The prominence of the shootings–and the retaliation in Dallas–has sparked a new round of questioning about the role of local police in their communities. On this episode, we’re looking at how the police departments we’re familiar with today took shape. We’ll explore how the first municipal police departments were assembled to quell riots in the 1840s – not fight crime – and we’ll consider what happens when the police don’t protect those they serve.

For many Americans, police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this summer were strikingly similar to other instances across the nation in recent years. The prominence of the shootings–and the retaliation in Dallas–has sparked a new round of questioning about the role of local police in their communities. On this episode, we’re looking at how the police departments we’re familiar with today took shape. We’ll explore how the first municipal police departments were assembled to quell riots in the 1840s – not fight crime – and we’ll consider what happens when the police don’t protect those they serve.

For many Americans, police shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota earlier this summer were strikingly similar to other instances across the nation in recent years. The prominence of the shootings–and the retaliation in Dallas–has sparked a new round of questioning about the role of local police in their communities. On this episode, we’re looking at how the police departments we’re familiar with today took shape. We’ll explore how the first municipal police departments were assembled to quell riots in the 1840s – not fight crime – and we’ll consider what happens when the police don’t protect those they serve.

This year’s Winter Olympics have already seen their share of drama — and political jockeying — and the games haven’t even begun. So, BackStory is digging into the history of the power of international sports. We’ll discuss how sports have been tangled up in what’s going on off the field, from Cold War politics to Americans’ sense of ourselves at home and abroad.

This year’s Winter Olympics have already seen their share of drama — and political jockeying — and the games haven’t even begun. So, BackStory is digging into the history of the power of international sports. We’ll discuss how sports have been tangled up in what’s going on off the field, from Cold War politics to Americans’ sense of ourselves at home and abroad.

This year’s Winter Olympics have already seen their share of drama — and political jockeying — and the games haven’t even begun. So, BackStory is digging into the history of the power of international sports. We’ll discuss how sports have been tangled up in what’s going on off the field, from Cold War politics to Americans’ sense of ourselves at home and abroad.

This year’s Winter Olympics have already seen their share of drama — and political jockeying — and the games haven’t even begun. So, BackStory is digging into the history of the power of international sports. We’ll discuss how sports have been tangled up in what’s going on off the field, from Cold War politics to Americans’ sense of ourselves at home and abroad.

This year’s Winter Olympics have already seen their share of drama — and political jockeying — and the games haven’t even begun. So, BackStory is digging into the history of the power of international sports. We’ll discuss how sports have been tangled up in what’s going on off the field, from Cold War politics to Americans’ sense of ourselves at home and abroad.

This year’s Winter Olympics have already seen their share of drama — and political jockeying — and the games haven’t even begun. So, BackStory is digging into the history of the power of international sports. We’ll discuss how sports have been tangled up in what’s going on off the field, from Cold War politics to Americans’ sense of ourselves at home and abroad.

In the 21st century, we often assume that a picture captures what really happened in a given moment. But on this week’s show, Joanne and Brian look at the early days of photography – when Americans had to figure out how to ‘read’ images – and learn if photos should be trusted at all.

In the 21st century, we often assume that a picture captures what really happened in a given moment. But on this week’s show, Joanne and Brian look at the early days of photography – when Americans had to figure out how to ‘read’ images – and learn if photos should be trusted at all.

In the 21st century, we often assume that a picture captures what really happened in a given moment. But on this week’s show, Joanne and Brian look at the early days of photography – when Americans had to figure out how to ‘read’ images – and learn if photos should be trusted at all.

On this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian, Joanne & Ed talk about how Americans remember and reckon with systematic violence, and how we keep this difficult history alive and in the public eye. Historian Kidada Williams reads letters from a man seeking justice for his son who was lynched, and Brian visits an exhibit at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.

On this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian, Joanne & Ed talk about how Americans remember and reckon with systematic violence, and how we keep this difficult history alive and in the public eye. Historian Kidada Williams reads letters from a man seeking justice for his son who was lynched, and Brian visits an exhibit at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.

On this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian, Joanne & Ed talk about how Americans remember and reckon with systematic violence, and how we keep this difficult history alive and in the public eye. Historian Kidada Williams reads letters from a man seeking justice for his son who was lynched, and Brian visits an exhibit at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.

On this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian, Joanne & Ed talk about how Americans remember and reckon with systematic violence, and how we keep this difficult history alive and in the public eye. Historian Kidada Williams reads letters from a man seeking justice for his son who was lynched, and Brian visits an exhibit at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2018 is on pace to be the fourth hottest year on record. So, on this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian and Joanne talk about how Americans understood climate and weather in centuries past. They also explore how the invention of air conditioning changed America forever.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2018 is on pace to be the fourth hottest year on record. So, on this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian and Joanne talk about how Americans understood climate and weather in centuries past. They also explore how the invention of air conditioning changed America forever.

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2018 is on pace to be the fourth hottest year on record. So, on this week’s episode, Nathan, Brian and Joanne talk about how Americans understood climate and weather in centuries past. They also explore how the invention of air conditioning changed America forever.

The CDC recommended flu shots for all this year after more than 80,000 Americans succumbed to influenza in 2017 – a four-decade high. But 100 years ago, a strain of H1N1 that was first found in soldiers in the spring of 1918 rapidly spread across the United States killing about 675,000 by 1919 and making it “the most severe pandemic in recent history,” according to the CDC. Brian, Nathan, and Joanne look back at the so-called “Spanish Flu,” how it affected the U.S., and why it’s often overlooked today.

The CDC recommended flu shots for all this year after more than 80,000 Americans succumbed to influenza in 2017 – a four-decade high. But 100 years ago, a strain of H1N1 that was first found in soldiers in the spring of 1918 rapidly spread across the United States killing about 675,000 by 1919 and making it “the most severe pandemic in recent history,” according to the CDC. Brian, Nathan, and Joanne look back at the so-called “Spanish Flu,” how it affected the U.S., and why it’s often overlooked today.

The CDC recommended flu shots for all this year after more than 80,000 Americans succumbed to influenza in 2017 – a four-decade high. But 100 years ago, a strain of H1N1 that was first found in soldiers in the spring of 1918 rapidly spread across the United States killing about 675,000 by 1919 and making it “the most severe pandemic in recent history,” according to the CDC. Brian, Nathan, and Joanne look back at the so-called “Spanish Flu,” how it affected the U.S., and why it’s often overlooked today.

The CDC recommended flu shots for all this year after more than 80,000 Americans succumbed to influenza in 2017 – a four-decade high. But 100 years ago, a strain of H1N1 that was first found in soldiers in the spring of 1918 rapidly spread across the United States killing about 675,000 by 1919 and making it “the most severe pandemic in recent history,” according to the CDC. Brian, Nathan, and Joanne look back at the so-called “Spanish Flu,” how it affected the U.S., and why it’s often overlooked today.