Stuff You Missed in History Class Episode: Unearthed! in July 2025, Part 1 Release Date: July 21, 2025

Hosted by Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson

Introduction

In this episode of "Stuff You Missed in History Class," Holly Fry and Tracy B. Wilson delve into their quarterly segment, "Unearthed!," presenting a comprehensive exploration of recent historical discoveries, updates on ongoing research, and some mature-themed archaeological findings. This two-part episode is packed with updates, art finds, and intriguing analyses that provide listeners with both familiar and fresh perspectives on various historical narratives.

Federal Rescission Package and Its Impacts

Timestamp: 02:10

Tracy B. Wilson opens the episode by discussing the implications of a federal rescission package. Originally not yet voted on at the time of recording, the package had passed the US House of Representatives and was awaiting the President's signature. By the episode's release, it is anticipated to become law.

• Budget Cuts and Research Funding: Wilson explains that the package includes budget cuts and grant freezes affecting academics, researchers, and institutions crucial for their show's research. Specifically, she mentions the loss of access to multiple databases funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Grants to States program. “As we talked about last time, the IMLS was targeted by an executive order. Its entire staff was placed on leave” (02:45).

• Impact on Content Sources: The proposed rescission targets foreign aid and public media, including NPR and PBS—sources heavily cited in their episodes. Wilson highlights research from The Lancet, stating, “cuts just to the United States Agency for International Development will lead to the deaths of 14 million people around the world by 2030” (05:00).

Executive Order 3431: Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History

Timestamp: 06:56

Holly Fry and Wilson discuss Executive Order 3431, titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," issued by the Secretary of the Interior in May.

• Directive Details: The order emphasizes restoring federal historical sites to "solemn and uplifting public monuments that remind Americans of our extraordinary heritage," focusing on themes like liberty and progress. It mandates the review and removal of any historical markers or monuments deemed inconsistent with these themes.

• Public Feedback Mechanism: Land Management Bureaus are instructed to place signs with QR codes at properties, inviting visitors to provide feedback on potential areas needing repair or any negative content that fails to emphasize the intended narratives (08:30).

• Case Study - Manzanar National Historic Site: The hosts cite examples where such directives have been applied, such as Manzanar, where signage now asks visitors to report negative content. This has raised concerns among historians and those involved in historical preservation.

• Professional Reactions: The Organization of American Historians (OAH) and the American Historical Association (AHA) have publicly opposed the executive order. The OAH described it as “a clear and troubling intrusion into the integrity of historical presentation within the National Park Service” (10:12). They argue that the order aims to "sanitize complex histories," undermining the mission to present inclusive and evidence-based history.

Revisiting Historical Narratives: Hatshepsut

Timestamp: 12:20

The episode revisits the story of Hatshepsut, the female Pharaoh of ancient Egypt, whose legacy was long obscured by deliberate destruction of her statues and depictions by her successor, Thutmose III.

• New Research Insights: A study published in Antiquity suggests that the statue destruction was likely a ritualistic deactivation rather than an act of vengeance. Tracy Wilson notes, “There is no doubt that Hatshepsut did suffer a campaign of persecution at many monuments throughout Egypt” (14:17), quoting Juni Wong of the University of Toronto.

• Historical Interpretation: This aligns with previous discussions from their February 2017 episodes on Executive Order 9066, expanding the understanding of Hatshepsut's erasure not as personal vendetta but possibly as a broader cultural or religious practice.

Archaeological Finds and Historical Updates

Pompeii and Vindolanda

• New Sculptures in Pompeii: Recently excavated tombs at the Porto Sarno Necropolis revealed two nearly life-sized relief sculptures. One likely depicts a priestess of Ceres, while the other represents a Roman citizen, possibly a married couple (19:18).

• House of Hale Amphrix: Archaeologists uncovered evidence of a failed refuge during Mount Vesuvius's eruption, providing deeper insights into the last moments of Pompeii's residents.

• Vindolanda Fort: A sandstone relief carving of the goddess Victory was found, believed to have been part of a larger decorative scheme. Planned for display in 2026, further discoveries are anticipated from ongoing excavations (20:25).

Antonio Gaudí and the Vasa Ship

• Gaudí Declared Venerable: The renowned architect's efforts toward sainthood are highlighted, with ongoing construction of the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia expected to conclude within a decade. Challenges include the eviction of thousands to complete the stairways (22:03).

• Vasa Restoration: The Swedish warship Vasa is undergoing a four-year restoration to replace its sagging support structures, ensuring its preservation for the 400th anniversary of its sinking in 1628 (23:31).

6888 Central Postal Directory Battalion

• Congressional Gold Medal Awarded: The battalion, recognized in 2022, received the prestigious medal in April 2025. Descendants of Lt. Col. Charity Adams and other members participated in the ceremony, honoring their contributions (24:04).

Dahomey Kingdom Swords and Ice Prince Burial

• West African Swords: Research indicates that swords from the Dahomey kingdom were locally forged with European influences, showcasing unique forging techniques (25:36).

• Ice Prince Burial: A well-preserved child burial site in southern Germany revealed that the child, approximately 18 months old, likely died of sepsis. The burial's care suggests the family’s prominence and affection (26:07).

Nazca Lines Protection Efforts

• Peru's Protection Reversal: Initially, Peru’s Ministry of Culture planned to reduce protective land around the Nazca Lines by 40%, sparking fears of increased vulnerability to illegal mining. However, the plan was retracted in June, with ongoing evaluations for future land use (27:41).

Greenwood, Oklahoma Reparations Plan

• Road to Repair Initiative: Tulsa announced a $105 million reparations plan addressing the 1921 destruction of Black Wall Street. Funds will support housing, historic preservation, and efforts to identify massacre victims, aiming to mitigate long-term economic impacts (29:02).

Art Discoveries

Tudor and Roman Wall Paintings

• Tudor Era Finds: Restoration at the Ashes hunting lodge in Cumbria uncovered Tudor wall paintings depicting unusual animals and foliage. These rare paintings date back to Queen Elizabeth I's reign and have prompted additional protections for the site (35:08).

• Roman Villa in Spain: A second-century CE wall painting, now in fragments, was discovered at a Roman villa. Conservation efforts are ongoing to piece together the intricate floral and bird motifs (36:36).

Brazilian and Venetian Artifacts

• Cave Art in Brazil: Newly discovered cave art in Itachiaya National Park, Brazil, believed to be 2,000–3,000 years old, is under study. Efforts are underway to locate additional artworks in the region (37:18).

• Venice Mural: Renovation near the Rialto Bridge unveiled a 16th-century mural showing three allegorical figures. Conservation work is focusing on restoring faded colors and deciphering the figures' meanings (38:08).

Emily Brontë and Leonardo da Vinci

• Emily Brontë Painting: The Bronte Parsonage Museum acquired "The North Wind," a rare Emily Brontë painting sold for £32,000. The artwork, depicting a woman with flowing hair and a wind-blown cape, will be conserved and displayed (39:11).

• Vitruvian Man Analysis: A London-based dentist’s research suggests that Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man incorporates Bonwell's triangle, predating its formal description by over three centuries. This connection implies Leonardo's advanced understanding of anatomical proportions (40:11).

Adult Content: Mature-Themed Archaeological Findings

Timestamp: 43:16

In the final segment, titled "Adult Content," the hosts explore archaeological findings related to drug use and sexuality.

• Ancient Andean Hallucinogens: University of Florida researchers discovered that a pre-Inca civilization in Peru used hallucinogens to maintain social order. Analysis of hollow bone tubes revealed nicotine and vilcabine residues, indicating controlled ritualistic use (44:00).

• Bayou Tapestry Penises: The Bayou Tapestry features 93 penises—88 of horses and five human males. George Garnett of Oxford suggests the sizes symbolize the relative importance of prominent figures like William the Conqueror and Harold Godwinson. The embroidery likely embeds a coded critique of historical deceit and betrayal (44:43).

• 14th Century Belgian Brothel Burial: Recent analysis of a baby’s burial at a medieval Belgian brothel site indicates the child was well-nourished and likely died of disease, challenging prior assumptions of infanticide. This finding suggests that some sex workers could care for their children (46:19).

• 19th Century Condom in Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum acquired a decorated 19th-century condom, perhaps a brothel souvenir, marking the first condom in their collection. The artifact sparked protests from the Catholic Foundation Civitas Christiana, highlighting ongoing cultural tensions around historical sexual artifacts (48:59).

Listener Mail: Shenandoah National Park Experience

Timestamp: 49:12

Sarah from Big Meadows Lodge shares her experience visiting Shenandoah National Park, appreciating the park's transparent historical exhibits addressing issues like eminent domain, racial segregation, and ecological challenges. She highlights conversations with park rangers about the numerous cemeteries and the personal impact of eminent domain policies, reflecting the complex histories embedded within national parks.

Wilson responds with gratitude, noting the alignment with their discussions on eminent domain and planning potential future episodes on the topic. The heartfelt exchange underscores the podcast’s commitment to connecting historical narratives with listeners' personal experiences.

Conclusion

Tracy and Holly wrap up the episode by thanking listeners for their support and sharing light-hearted moments referencing listener Mail from Sarah. They encourage listeners to continue engaging with the podcast through various platforms and hint at future explorations in subsequent "Unearthed!" installments.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy B. Wilson at [02:45]: “As we talked about last time, the IMLS was targeted by an executive order. Its entire staff was placed on leave.”

• Organization of American Historians at [10:12]: “This new directive is a manufactured crisis. It evokes tactics of authoritarian regimes, not principles of a democratic society.”

• Juni Wong at [14:17]: “There is no doubt that Hatshepsut did suffer a campaign of persecution at many monuments throughout Egypt.”

This episode offers a rich tapestry of historical insights, blending updated research with engaging stories that highlight the evolving understanding of our past. From governmental impacts on historical research to fascinating archaeological discoveries, Holly and Tracy provide listeners with a deep and nuanced exploration of history’s unearthing moments.