Bonus: Ghost Tours and Reader Research

This bonus episode accompanies episode 8.3, "Is the house haunted?"  Michele Hanks told us which ghost tours she's seen handle the subject carefully, and Ben Alderson-Day let us know how folks can participate in his presence research. 

For this episode, we're thinking through a question from visitors who've felt something extra at the Cottage. Along the way we explore the science of mysterious presences, the intersection of doubt and belief, and what makes a place feel like something more.   Guests: Benjamin Alderson-Day Michele Hanks Tommy Griffiths www.lincolncottage.org

This bonus episode accompanies episode 8.2, "Weren't they friends?"  Lucas Morel and Jon White told us about the surprises they discovered in researching their book about Lincoln and Douglass, and Kevin Bryant shared a story that highlights the separation Douglass had to keep between his personal and professional lives.

For this episode, we're looking into a question about the relationship between Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Along the way we learn how they talked about each other, what we know about what friendship operates among boys and men, and how good relationships can make for good democracy.    Guests: Jonathan White Lucas Morel Kevin Bryant Niobe Way www.lincolncottage.org

This bonus episode accompanies episode 8.1, "Which chimney did Santa come down?"  Ken Turino highlighted a few differences in Victorian Christmases, and Jeff Larry shared his adventures taking care of the Cottage chimneys. 

For this episode, we're exploring a question from a young person surprised to see another fireplace on their tour of the Cottage. Along the way we check out the origins of Christmas trees, how to believe in things you can't see, and how many chimneys the Cottage actually has.    Guests: Ken Turino Penne Restad Jeff Larry Vaughn Joy www.lincolncottage.org

During this week in 1862, the Lincolns moved out to the Cottage for the first time. Part of their reason for coming was to find solace in the wake of their son Willie's death earlier that year. To mark the anniversary, we're making public our live show from March!    Guests: Alexandra Lord Matthew Laurens Brian Deer   www.lincolncottage.org

For this episode, we're talking about a question asked by a college student hoping to make contemporary political connections. Along the way we learn the difference between agrarian, republican, socialist, and democrat, hear some of Lincoln's speeches, and discuss the process of unionization here at the Cottage.    Guests: Harold Holzer Sean Griffin Haley Bryant   www.lincolncottage.org

 This episode accompanies episode 7.2, "Was it this hot when Lincoln was around?"   Jason Samenow described the craziest DC weather he's ever experienced, and Jason Hauser told us about some… creative… historical remedies for coping with the heat.     www.lincolncottage.org

For this episode, we're discussing a question from a slightly desperate visitor to the Cottage this past summer. Along the way we meet the Capital Weather Gang, find out the surprising cultural baggage heat carried in the 1800s, and see if we can actually do anything about how hot it is out there.    Guests: Jason Samenow Jason Hauser Shawna Weaver   www.lincolncottage.org