Stuff You Missed in History Class: Unearthed! in Spring 2025, Part 1
Release Date: April 14, 2025
Hosts: Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In the Spring 2025 installment of "Unearthed!," hosts Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson delve into a myriad of recent historical discoveries, updates on ongoing research, and intriguing art attributions. This episode not only highlights significant archaeological finds but also addresses the contemporary challenges facing historical scholarship in the current political climate.
Navigating Political Turbulence in Historical Scholarship
Tracy V. Wilson opens the episode by addressing the impact of recent federal executive orders on historical research and the podcast itself:
"These executive orders have a lot of common themes... our podcast is insane and full of improper ideology because we talk about ways that racism and sexism and oppression have always been part of American history."
[02:35]
Wilson discusses how directives aimed at "ending radical indoctrination" and "reducing the Federal Bureaucracy" threaten funding for museums, libraries, and researchers. This environment poses significant challenges for producing content that acknowledges the multifaceted and often uncomfortable truths of history.
"We rely on the work of museums and libraries and researchers... these episodes draw so heavily from newly published research."
[02:52]
Despite these obstacles, Fry and Wilson reaffirm their commitment to uncovering and presenting a comprehensive view of history.
Updates on Previously Discussed Historical Topics
Maria Arosa's Reinterment
The hosts revisit the story of Maria Arosa, a Filipino food scientist known for inventing banana ketchup. Initially buried in a mass grave after the Battle of Manila in 1945, her remains have now been moved to the crypt of the San Agustin Church in Manila.
"Her burial place was not exactly known because she was buried in a mass grave... she and others were laid to rest in the crypt of the San Agustin Church."
[09:19]
This reinterment honors her contributions and those of other World War II heroes, providing closure to a tragic chapter of her life.
Harriet Tubman's Archaeological Findings
Discussing Harriet Tubman, the podcast highlights recent archaeological work at the site of her father's home, Ben Ross Home Place, now featured in a virtual museum by the Maryland Department of Transportation.
"The virtual museum has pages for the home place, the archaeology, kitchen items, personal items, and Native people's artifacts."
[10:40]
This initiative not only preserves the site but also safeguards it from potential destruction due to sea-level rise, ensuring Tubman's legacy endures.
Viking-Era Galloway Hoard
The Galloway Hoard, discovered in Scotland in 2014, continues to puzzle researchers:
"This hoard contains four arm rings that are marked with runes... there's still some uncertainty about this fourth armband."
[11:16]
The inclusion of wrapped dirt balls alongside precious metals raises questions about the hoard's original purpose and the identity of its owner(s).
New Archaeological Discoveries
Pompeii's Hidden Treasures
A significant update from Pompeii reveals the discovery of an expansive bath complex, potentially belonging to the politician Alice Rustius Verus.
"This was a multi-room complex... it may have belonged to Alice Rustius Verus, who was a politician and would have hosted large numbers of guests at home."
[17:00]
Additionally, frescoes depicting Dionysian initiation rites have surfaced, shedding light on the religious practices of the time.
"These frescoes corroborate some of what we know about religious practices in the cult of Dionysus."
[18:56]
Other notable finds include a unique bog body in Northern Ireland and translated memoirs of Josephine Baker, enriching our understanding of these historical figures and events.
Art Discoveries and Attributions
William Henry Dorsey's Rediscovered Painting
A painting purchased for $10 at a Philadelphia thrift store has been authenticated as the work of William Henry Dorsey, a free Black artist from the 19th century.
"This painting depicts a black man fishing by the edge of a river next to a mill with its own water wheel attached."
[33:28]
Donated to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, the artwork is now on public display, celebrating Dorsey's artistic legacy.
Ami Phillips' Double-Sided Portrait
An 18th-century double-sided portrait by Ami Phillips was found in an abandoned storage unit and unveiled at auction this year. The identity of the sitter remains a mystery, sparking debates about whether the dual images represent the same person or two different individuals.
"Are these two different people or two different versions of the same person? It's a bit of a mystery."
[35:38]
Researchers continue to analyze the piece, exploring its unique features and artistic techniques.
Lavinia Fontana's Miniature Portrait
A miniature painting previously misattributed to Bronzino has been correctly identified as the work of Lavinia Fontana, an influential Italian female artist.
"This miniature has been loaned to Strawberry Hill House and it will be on display there until April 23rd of this year."
[37:53]
Another painting initially thought to be by Peter Paul Rubens has also been reattributed to Fontana, highlighting her often underappreciated contribution to Renaissance art.
Technological and Methodological Advances in Archaeology
Chemical Analysis of Egyptian Mummies' Aromas
Researchers at University College London have unveiled that well-preserved Egyptian mummies emit pleasant scents like woody, spicy, and floral notes. This novel approach aids in non-invasive preservation techniques and understanding the substances used in mummification.
"Odors can help researchers determine how well preserved a mummy is without invasive testing."
[28:41]
Digitizing Medieval Wall Paintings
In Angers Cathedral, a series of 13th-century frescoes were digitized using over 8,000 photographs. This painstaking process preserved intricate depictions of Saint Marie and offers new insights into medieval religious art.
"Digitizing these paintings involved taking more than 8,000 total photographs, which then had to be stitched together into one image."
[39:32]
Listener Mail and Community Engagement
The episode concludes with a heartfelt listener email from Joanie, who shares her perspective on gender-neutral language inspired by the podcast’s discussion of historical figures.
"As a woman, I appreciated and preferred being called a brother... Your podcast is among my favorites."
[49:36]
Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Fry respond by relating it to similar practices in fiction, such as the respectful titles used in Star Trek.
"We kind of talked about a similar thing, but from a fictional world."
[50:16]
Conclusion
"Unearthed! in Spring 2025, Part 1" offers a deep dive into the latest historical discoveries, ongoing research, and the evolving landscape of historical scholarship amidst political pressures. Holly Fry and Tracy V. Wilson adeptly navigate these topics, providing listeners with insightful updates and thought-provoking discussions that enrich our understanding of the past.
Notable Quotes:
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"Our approach is rooted in a core belief that oppression is bad and we're all human beings and we all deserve dignity and equal rights."
— Tracy V. Wilson
[02:52] -
"These frescoes corroborate some of what we know about religious practices in the cult of Dionysus."
— Tracy V. Wilson
[18:56] -
"Are these two different people or two different versions of the same person? It's a bit of a mystery."
— Holly Fry
[35:38]
Listen to "Unearthed! in Spring 2025, Part 1" on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated with the most fascinating historical stories you might have missed in history class.