Exploring History

The former Soviet Union had a project to map the entire world. They produced over one million distinct maps of places around the world. On his latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses this amazing project and the amazing detail work that went into it.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

One woman's letters to a president may have changed his thinking and may have helped bring about needed reforms in our country. On the next Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how the letters of one woman might have affected the presidency of Chester Arthur.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

A little known incident in 1854 was part of the struggle for equal rights for all Americans. It reminds us today of our need to be done with prejudice and scapegoating. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how a standoff on a New York City streetcar furthered the cause of civil rights.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

During World War II, the American military and American society were marked by segregation and prejudice. Many Americans believed that black persons were not capable of flying airplanes. But a training program at Tuskegee Institute showed that black persons were fully capable of flying airplanes and performing skillfully and courageously in battle. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Seventy-five years ago, Whittaker Chambers accused highly respected U.S. government official Alger Hiss of being a Communist. Hiss denied the accusation. Who was telling the truth? In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass examines the controversy, the court trial that resulted, and the impact that the controversy had on American politics.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Mabel Fairbanks was an African American ice skater who overcame poverty, prejudice, and a host of other hardships to become an international skating star. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass tells Mabel's story to inspire us all to overcome the hardships we all endure to make a contribution to the world in which we live.Visit our website for a transcript and links to additional resources:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/the-overcomer-307Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

One of the special aspects of Christmas is hearing and singing the same songs, even though we have heard them year after year. Perhaps it is the memories that these songs bring to mind, or the beautiful music these songs contain, or perhaps it is the thrilling message these songs convey. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the background stories of some of our favorite Christmas hymns, and then you can hear performances of those hymns from different parts of the world.“Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht,” by the Clare College Singershttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9p97sxREC00“Silent Night,” by Bing Crosbyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moHobaO9TlM“Joy to the World” by ONE FOR ISRAEL Ministryhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=necamum8MNw“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” by Chris Tomlinhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH7asSGxAxA“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Harpa Deihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INyKdKCNryI“O Come, All Ye Faithful” by Nosa and the Lagos Community Gospel Choirhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjFqXhstjlw“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” by Take 6https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ESDqU_3bOg“O Little Town of Bethlehem” by The Living Stones Quartethttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5hHUPwjTQQ“Mary, Did You Know?” by the U.S. Army Orchestra, featuring Sgt. Major Christal Rheamshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHFoT4-tI8g“Once in Royal David's City” by the King's College Chapel Choir, Cambridge Universityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtiCLJvyePwHomeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

On the Exploring History podcast for Thanksgiving, Ray Notgrass tells the true story of a man who escaped Poland in 1938, came to the United States, and lived with gratitude for the country that gave him freedom and opportunity.Read the transcript, see photos, and find additional resources:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/thankful-for-our-country-302Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

In 1957 nine brave teenagers showed remarkable courage and conviction as they integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. On his latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass shares the story of this remarkable group and how they overcame often violent opposition to achieve a milestone in America's civil rights movement.See photos, read a transcript, and find links to additional resources:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/the-little-rock-nine-300Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

World War I brought unprecedented loss of life and destruction. But it also provided stories of amazing heroism. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass examines the causes of the war, how the war progressed to a bitter end, and tells stories of American heroes in the war.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Why should anyone, especially our students, bother to learn history? In his latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass offers six specific things we can gain from a study of history that can enrich our lives and help us make a positive contribution to the world around us.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Ronald Reagan was a man of faith: faith in God, and faith in the strength of our country. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan, focusing especially on his faith in God and his approach to the Soviet Union that changed the dynamics of the Cold War and helped lead to the fall of Communism in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Hot enough for you? We can be thankful that we can do something about it, but it hasn't always been this way. In this podcast, Ray Notgrass traces the history of attempts to produce conditioned air, from awnings to fans blowing over ice to the invention of systems that really provided cooler air to homes, businesses, and cars. We hope you enjoy this really cool presentation.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Richard Nixon resigned the office of president of the United States fifty years ago, on August 9, 1974 This was the result of the Watergate scandal and other failings of the Nixon administration. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass surveys what the scandal involved and how the Nixon presidency unraveled after achieving unprecedented political success.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

As the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, take place this year, we hearken back one hundred years to another Paris Olympics, and the accomplishments of a man of faith, Eric Liddell, both in the Olympics and in his later life. Ray Notgrass shares the remarkable story of this man of Christian conscience who won the race of serving God.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

It's time for that quadrennial exercise in American democracy, when thousands of people spend millions of dollars and take several days to make a decision that's already been made. Of course I'm talking about our national political party presidential nominating conventions. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the history of conventions and how they work today.Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

Fred Vinson's life went from being born in a jailer's house in Eastern Kentucky to serving as chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a key player in American government during and after World War II. In this podcast, Ray Notgrass tells Vinson's life story and shows how it encourages all of us to take part in the great story of America.Read the episode transcript, see photos, and find links to more resources about Fred Vinson and the Supreme Court:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/from-jail-to-the-supreme-court-the-career-and-citizenship-of-fred-m-vinson-275Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

On June 19th, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved persons were free. Slavery was ended. On the latest episode of the Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how slavery ended in the United States and how people began to celebrate Juneteenth (June 19th)  as America's second Independence Day.Visit our website for a transcript, photos, and links to more resources related to Juneteenth:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/juneteenth-america-s-second-independence-day-274Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/Encouragement for homeschool moms: https://charlenenotgrass.com/

June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass explains the causes of World War II, gives a brief history of the war including the significance of D-Day, and tells how the world changed as a result of the war.

In 1938, as war clouds built in Europe, the popular American singer Kate Smith debuted a song written by the successful songwriter Irving Berlin. That song was "God Bless America," which has become an American classic. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass surveys Berlin's life and tells how the song has encouraged generations of Americans, especially during difficult times.

Nathanael Hawthorne's 1850 short story "The Great Stone Face" is the fictional account of how the geological formation of the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire inspired a boy to pursue the worthy and noble things of life. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how the story is also a reminder to Christians to "fix our eyes on Jesus," and he reads the story for the listeners to enjoy.Read a transcript and find more resources on our website:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/the-great-stone-face-263

During World War II, over a million soldiers trained for combat in Europe by taking part in maneuvers in Tennessee. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses how the maneuvers took place and what they meant for the soldiers and for the residents of the counties and towns of Tennessee where they happened.Read a transcript and get links to more resources on our website:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/in-the-presence-of-soldiers-the-tennessee-maneuvers-during-world-war-ii-261

Following World War II, the nations of Europe lay devastated. The threat of Communist invasion was real. Just as the United States came to the aid of Europe during World War II, the U.S. provided assistance to the Europeans after the war to help them rebuild and maintain their freedom. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass describes how the Marshall Plan benefited Europe and the U.S. and opened a pathway for cooperation and growth instead of conflict.

God places a beautiful young woman in a position of influence. She risks her own life to save her entire people group from merciless execution. The book of Esther in the Old Testament gives the background for the Jewish feast of Purim, which takes place later this month. In this Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of Esther and reminds us that we have been called to live for God in such a time as this.Read the transcript and get links to more resources:https://shop.notgrass.com/blog/exploring-history-podcast-9/for-such-a-time-as-this-the-story-of-esther-259

In a time and place where racial tensions were high, one woman followed her faith in Jesus and made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of people. In this podcast, Ray Notgrass tells about this woman and how she impacted his life and how her legacy continues to change people's lives.

On December 1, 1955, the courageous act by a simple, quiet, private citizen changed America. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of Rosa Parks, including many details you might not have heard before. Listen to learn about the person many have called the mother of the modern civil rights movement.

Congress is the branch of the federal government that enacts the laws of our land. The House and the Senate follow Constitutional guidelines, laws that Congress itself has passed, and rules and traditions that have developed over many years. On this 50th Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the inner workings of our national legislature.

The relationship between Christians and the secular government has been filled with tension since the early days of the church. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass examines Paul's teaching in Romans 13 to see what Scripture says about the issue.

The story of the birth of Jesus that the Bible tells is a story of God's plan, His intervention in our world, and the lives of those involved who, like us, were forever changed. In this episode, Ray Notgrass considers the meaning of the birth of Christ, how it impacted those who were directly affected by it, and how it continues to impact the world today.

In an election, voters are deluged with candidates' biographies and their positions on multiple issues. But one characteristic stands out as more important than any of that. In this episode, Ray Notgrass shares some Biblical principles about character that should influence whom we support in next year's election.Find more resources at Homeschool History:https://notgrass.com/EHP047

The Thanksgiving holiday encourages us to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his personal story about his health challenges this year and why he is especially thankful at Thanksgiving.Explore More Resourceshttps://notgrass.com/EHP046

How can high school students be motivated to learn about government and to help make our country more just? On the latest Exploring History podcast, author Ray Notgrass talks about his long standing interest in government and politics and discusses the Exploring Government curriculum from Notgrass.Learn more about Exploring Government:https://notgrass.com/learn-more-high-school-using-exploring-government

We hear a lot of economic numbers in the news: inflation rises, unemployment falls, the stock market goes up and down, and more. What does it all mean? In this episode, Ray Notgrass takes a look at some of the most important economic indicators to help you understand what you're hearing in the news.Find resources for further study at Homeschool History:https://notgrass.com/K800O

A big reason behind the economic world in which we live is international trade. On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass examines the development and international impact of the humble sea container, otherwise known as the Box.

Can science and faith coexist? On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass looks at the remarkable life, work, and faith of internationally-renowned transplant surgeon, Nobel Prize recipient, and man of humble Christian faith, Dr. Joseph Murray.

Of all the books you might read and study, the Bible is the most important. Ray Notgrass shares perspectives on the inspiration and authority of the Bible and why it is the most powerful book you can ever read.Find more resources at Homeschool History:https://notgrass.com/2JKJC

An old saying goes, "The child is father to the man." In other words, childhood experiences influence who adults are and what they do. In this episode, producer Titus Anderson interviews Ray and Charlene Notgrass about how their childhoods in the 1950s and 1960s influenced how and why they became writers of history curriculum.

Every parent is strongly influenced by his or her own childhood. In this episode, producer Titus Anderson interviews Ray and Charlene Notgrass about how their childhoods in the 1950s and 1960s influenced how they homeschooled their children  in the 1990s.Explore more resources at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP039&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760

Life in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s had its share of blessings and challenges. On the next Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass interviews his wife, Charlene Notgrass, about her experience growing up in the 1950s and 1960s.

What was life like for a child growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in small town America? In this Exploring History podcast episode, Ray Notgrass shares some memories from his growing up years. Take a trip down Memory Lane to those thrilling days of yesteryear to realize what we have lost, and what we have gained.Explore more resources about the 1950s and 1960s at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP037&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760

Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person who became a leading spokesman for the abolition of slavery before the Civil War. In a speech Douglass delivered in 1852, he challenged Americans to think about the inconsistency of being the land of the free while practicing slavery. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the life of Frederick Douglass and discusses this eloquent and moving speech.

Jerry Locke was the high school history teacher who had a major influence on Ray Notgrass. Mr. Locke recently passed away. On today's Exploring History podcast, Ray offers a tribute to the man who taught him how to teach history.

Immigration is a difficult issue to sort out. It has numerous aspects and affects many people. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the history of immigration in America and discusses some of the current difficulties we face in our country. He also tells why immigration holds special meaning for him.Explore resources related to immigration at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP034&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760

The latest Exploring History podcast features encouraging talks by Ray and Charlene Notgrass for homeschool graduates. Congratulations, grads and parents!

It's the time of year when parents are deciding what their children's education will look like in the next school year. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his thoughts about homeschooling, especially for dads.

Acts chapter 17 tells us about Paul's sermon before the Areopagus in Athens, Greece. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how that sermon explained to the Athenians the God whom they did not know, and how knowing Him could help them understand the world He had made and His plan for salvation in Jesus Christ.Find more resources at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP031&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760

On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the single most important event in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The resurrection is the culmination of what God had done throughout the history of Israel. It gives meaning and purpose and hope to every one who believes in this truth.Explore more resources at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP030

The world into which Jesus came is vastly different from the world in which we live today. The main reason for this difference is the way that followers of Christ have changed the world because of the way Jesus has changed them. This episode looks at how followers of the Christian faith have transformed the world.Find resources for further study at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP029&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760

Many people know the verse "to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). But what does living out that verse look like in dealing with a convicted murderer who has turned her life around? In this episode, Ray Notgrass discusses a real-life case when a state governor tried to apply that verse in one of the most difficult situations of his administration.In his last month in office, January 2019, Governor Bill Haslam of Tennessee announced that Cyntoia Brown would be freed from prison on August 9, 2019, 15 years to the day from when she took a man's life. Haslam had several reasons for his decision. Fifteen years was by then a typical sentence for a juvenile in such a case. In addition, the circumstances in Cyntoia's life, the context of the crime, had been horrible. Most importantly, Cyntoia had come to faith in Christ. Governor Haslam decided that Cyntoia would do more for society out of prison than she would spending decades more in prison.Watch a video interview with Cyntoia Brown Long and explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP028

George Washington Carver was a man of remarkable talents, a continuing drive always to learn more, and a deep Christian faith. On the latest Exploring History with Ray Notgrass podcast, we'll survey the life, accomplishments, and influence of this man of God.Find resources for further study at Homeschool History:https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=George%20Washington%20Carver

Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog is a homeschool dad who has used Notgrass History curriculum in his family. In this conversation with John Notgrass, he shares ideas about how to teach history to our children and how to prepare them for studying history in college and beyond.Dr. Den Hartog is Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Samford University. He went to Samford in 2019, after having previously taught for over a decade at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Minnesota. He received his Ph.D. in American History from the University of Notre Dame in 2006.Dr. Den Hartog is a student of American history, in particular the American Revolution and new nation. He is the author of Patriotism and Piety: Federalist Politics and Religious Struggle in the New American Nation.