Sidedoor

Everyone thought ghosts lived in the basement of Stockton, California's old Daguhoy Lodge. So, nobody went down there. But when one man refused to be spooked, he made a discovery that would bring the ghosts back to life. In this episode, we explore how an accidental discovery resurrected the stories of a nearly forgotten generation of Filipino immigrants who came to work in the fields. Why did these men leave behind steamer trunks that remained unopened for decades? And what could we learn from the belongings found inside? We'll unpack the steamer trunks and dust off a fading piece of American history as we dive into the stories of these farmworkers and their surprising sense of fashion. Guests: Sam Vong, Curator of Asian Pacific American History at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American HistoryDillon Delvo, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Little Manila Rising in South Stockton, CaliforniaPhillip Merlo, a historian and educator who serves as the Executive Director of the San Joaquin County Historical Society & Museum

At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, archivists are working with Native communities to correct the historical record … one photo at a time.In this episode, we go inside the archives, where century-old photographs once labeled “Indian man” or “woman in costume” are being reexamined and renamed so they can be reconnected to living descendants. It’s a painstaking effort that’s also challenging the romanticized imagery popularized by photographers and anthropologists of the late 1800s, early 1900s. Think there might be photos of your ancestors in the Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives? Check here: https://sova.si.edu/You can read about the Smithsonian's Ethical Returns and Shared Stewardship Policy here: https://ncp.si.edu/SI-ethical-returnsTo submit a shared stewardship or ethical return inquiry or request, complete this form: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7447374/Shared-Stewardship-and-Ethical-Returns-Inquiry-Request-Submission-Form If you have questions about the policy, contact nmai-sser@si.edu.Guests: Emily Moazami, head archivist at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Archive CenterNathan Sowry, reference archivist at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Archive CenterRachel Menyuk, processing archivist at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Archive CenterSpecial thanks to the Harmon Family:Leonard Harmon, Pam Pierce Harmon Johnston, Mike Harmon and Matthew Harmon

A mystery hidden in time. Wrapped in gold. Stowed secretly in Lincoln's pocket. We dig into the family story of a secret message etched inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch. Is this a tall tale or a hidden piece of history waiting to be discovered? Join us as we dive into this incredible tale of family lore, historical detective work, and the Smithsonian's decision to open a priceless artifact. Guests: Lisa Kathleen Graddy, curator of American political history at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American HistoryHarry Rubenstein, curator emeritus in the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American HistoryDoug Stiles, great-great-grandson of watchmaker Jonathan Dillon

Please be advised that new episodes will not be released during the government shutdown. For up-to-date information on the status of the Smithsonian, please visit our website at si.edu.

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, including honking buzzers, 80s synths, and orchestral remixes. Featuring Lisa Broffman, Jeopardy’s Consulting Co-Executive Producer.This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling.Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to see some of the Jeopardy objects we have in the collection. MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODEHarry Endivo - Don’t Bore Me Alberto!Medité - This Round's On MeFlickering - The SquadAndreas Dahlbäck - 808 or 909Trevor Kowalski - Watercolor Motion IGavin Luke - The Power of One Art by Michael Zhang.This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.

Children say it every day in school, but have you ever wondered why we recite the pledge of allegiance? We journey back to the late 1800s to understand how a massive wave of immigration and sagging magazine subscriptions gave rise to this vow of patriotism. From the Civil War to anti-immigrant nativism and Cold War politics, this one pledge tells many stories. Guests: Debbie Schaefer-Jacobs, curator for the history of education collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American HistoryMarc Leepson, author of Flag: An American Biography

Turtles are built like tiny tanks—ancient, armored, and famously tough. But in the modern world, that toughness may be their greatest vulnerability. In part two of our turtle two-parter, we dive into the shadowy world of turtle trafficking, where backyard collectors, international smugglers, and unsuspecting pet owners all play a role. From sting operations to turtle triage, we meet the unlikely defenders working to stop the trade—and care for the reptiles caught in the middle. Because once a turtle is taken from the wild, getting it home again is a lot harder than you’d think.GuestsThomas Akre, head of the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute John (JD) Kleopfer, State Herpetologist for the Virginia Department of Wildlife ResourcesFirst Sergeant Tim Dooley, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of Special Operations for the Virginia Conservation Police, Department of Wildlife Resources Connor Gillespie, Director of Outreach at the Wildlife Center of Virginia Dr. Karra Pierce, Director of Veterinary Services at the Wildlife Center of Virginia

Leeches don’t get a lot of love. They’re slimy, wriggly, and, well, they suck—blood that is. But there’s a lot to learn about the lowly leech. Led by a troupe of Smithsonian experts, we’ll discover how these toothy hangers-on wormed their way into medical practices, performance art, and EVERY human cavity. Yes, even that one. It's a journey of discovery from the swamp to the stage and deep into the vaults of the Smithsonian. And it just may leave you with a little more appreciation (dare we say, love?) for the bloodsuckers.Guests: Anna J. Phillips, research zoologist and curator of Clitellata and parasitic worms at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural HistoryRachel Anderson, project specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American HistoryJosh T. Franco, national collector at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, former Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship selection committee memberRoberto Sifuentes, performance artist and arts instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, former fellow with the Smithsonian Artist Research FellowshipAram Han Sifuentes, leech wrangler, social practice fiber artist, writer, curator, and adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago