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Or do we? We all know that some people in these modern times can be a little dumb, but did you know that some people in ages past could be smart? The Puritans had an intense, but often overlooked relationship with the concept of learning that equalled their love of putting buckles on hats (allegedly). Today we look at the way that Massachusetts Puritans approached education, both for their children and broader society in general.  We also spend an uncharacteristic amount of time being nice to Cotton Mather. It won't last. --History Alive, Inc. is an immersive historically-themed theatre company from Salem, Massachusetts. We are committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.  Come play your part with us!  Learn more at www.historyalivesalem.com

Slavery. Wait, come back, it's not as bleak an episode as you think. Today we discuss Jenny Slew, an enslaved woman from Massachusetts who sued for her freedom, as well as the complicated and contradictory relationship New England had with slavery. We also get some digs in at Thomas Jefferson, for being a racist weirdo. If you don't know exactly how New Englanders felt about slavery, you are not alone. They didn't know either, but they did know they loved money a whole lot. This episode deals with race, slavery, and flirts with some leftist politcal theory, so be forewarned. We promise it's not as dark as it sounds. --History Alive, Inc. is an immersive historically-themed theatre company from Salem, Massachusetts. We are committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.  Come play your part with us!  Learn more at www.historyalivesalem.com

A crucible is a heat-resistant container in which metals can be melted. The Crucible is a 1953 play by Arthur Miller about the dangers of McCarthyism and teenagers. Beloved by  high school English teachers and high school Theater teachers alike, this play has made a significant impact on our society. But how much of The Crucible is true? Join us as Carl and Alyssa (who based on the background chirping is recording inside a Disney movie) lovingly eviscerate Arthur Miller's most self-congratulatory work. Is The Crucible historically accurate? Short answer: no. Long answer: you'll have to listen to the podcast. --History Alive, Inc. is an immersive historically-themed theatre company from Salem, Massachusetts. We are committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.  Come play your part with us!  Learn more at www.historyalivesalem.com

Alright, there's no opening joke in this introduction, because this topic is too important. This episode is dedicated to exploring Race Amity Day, being held remotely over Zoom on June 14, 2020. Listen to various leaders in the North Shore community discuss questions of race relations, difficult conversations, and why Race Amity Day is important now more than ever. Join the live North Shore Race Amity Day program and discussion on June 14 by registering at https://cutt.ly/raceamity.--History Alive, Inc. is an immersive historically-themed theatre company from Salem, Massachusetts. We are committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.  Come play your part with us!  Learn more at www.historyalivesalem.com

Since time immemorial humans have looked to the stars. A specific subset of humans have taken that a step further and used them for medicinal purposes. Join us as we explore the life of famed astrologer and herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, whose work ranged from the prescient (accessible healthcare) to the bizarre (boiled millipedes as medicine). Can you catch tuberculosis from a bullet? Probably not, but find out anyway in this adventure into the wild world of 17th century medicine. --History Alive, Inc. is an immersive historically-themed theatre company from Salem, Massachusetts. We are committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.  Come play your part with us!  Learn more at www.historyalivesalem.com

History! Theater! Large aquatic mammals! All this and more as we sit down to discuss recent History Alive production 'Two Points off the Weather Bow',  an interactive performance of a 19th century whaling expedition. Just how a big an industry was whaling for Salem? Just how delicious are sea turtles? What's a bomb lance? Find out as we explore a shanty-filled journey into Salem's maritime past. --History Alive, Inc. is an immersive historically-themed theatre company from Salem, Massachusetts. We are committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era.  Come play your part with us!  Learn more at www.historyalivesalem.com