This week, In the Past Lane explores the fascinating and little-known story of an American colony that developed on a small island off Cuba following the Spanish American War of 1898. The Isle of Pines attracted some 2,000 American settlers in the early 20th century. Many of them viewed the island … [Read more...]
Episode 031 America’s Forgotten Colony in Cuba
Episode 030 Presidents and the Media: The History of Political Spin
This week at In The Past Lane, we talk about the American presidency – specifically the history of how US presidents have endeavored to communicate their positions on key issues of the day. To use modern political parlance, it’s the history of “spin,” that important but sometimes tawdry business of … [Read more...]
Episode 029 Spies, Traitors, & Saboteurs: Civil Liberties in Times of National Crisis
This week, In The Past Lane is in Chicago to check out a cool history exhibition and speak with John Russick of the Chicago History Museum. The exhibition, "Spies, Traitors, and Saboteurs: Fear and Freedom in America," was originally created by the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC in the … [Read more...]
Episode 027 JFK at 100 – The Legacy and Memory of a President
In this episode, in recognition of John F. Kennedy's 100 birthday – I know, 100?, Really? – we dive into the life and legacy of the nation's 35th President. Every couple of years, we read about a poll that ranks the presidents of the United States from best to worst. These surveys generally attract … [Read more...]
Episode 018 The Rise of Conservative Media in the US
This week at In The Past Lane, we talk to historian Nicole Hemmer about her new book, Messengers of the Right: Conservative Media and the Transformation of American Politics (Penn Press, 2016). Hemmer, who also co-hosts the terrific history podcast, Past Present, provides a fascinating look into the … [Read more...]