Operation History

Operation FDR

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 10:00:04 +0000

This month we are tackling a story about FDR that we've never heard of before! Have you? Join us to learn some history!

Operation Prohibition

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:00:36 +0000

Happy New Year and welcome back! We kick off the new year discussing the Prohibtion Amendment and Era. So grab some water or crack open a cold one and join Krystal, David, and Lauren as we talk about alcoholic medicine, speakeasies, and the country's most "Oops nevermind" amendment.

Operation Sassamon

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:39:57 +0000

Welcome back! This episode, join Krystal and Lauren on a journey to Southeastern Massachusetts to discuss the death of John Sassamon and the impacts it would have between English and Colonial relations in the 1670s. Buckle up, it's a wild ride.

20th Century Orphanages

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 12:21:53 +0000

Welcome back to Operation History! Unfortunately, Lauren could not join us but Maria was able to join us. On this episode of Operation History we will be discussing 20th Century Orphanages, some of the societal elements behind them. A case study of what one may have looked like, and a summary of why they ended. We hope that you spend about 40 minutes with us and learn a bit about the United States Orphanage system.

Warning: We do discuss 20th century social thoughts, adult on child abuse, and child on child abuse.

Operation Columbus

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:00:40 +0000

Welcome back! This episode we're celebrating our 50th episode AND 5 year anniversary! And what better way than to talk about who everyone loves to hate, because it's just so easy, Christopher Columbus! Follow along as Chris discovers a continent that's already inhabited and then claim it's India anyway! Does our ep sound like what you remember?

Thanks for coming on this wonderful journey with us and let's cheer to 50 more episodes.

Operation Bunker Hill

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:00:43 +0000

We're back! Join Krystal, David, and Lauren as we discuss the Battle of Bunker Hill and the very beginnings of the American Revolution. This episode is also a trip down memory lane for us, as we as a group with our college history club walked the Boston freedom trail and climbed the Bunker Hill Monument! Have you done it? Do your legs still hurt? We want to hear about it.

Operation Mandela

Sat, 31 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

We're back! Join Krystal and David as they explore the life of Nelson Mandela and his struggles to end Apartheid in South Africa. While his impact, and the effects of Apartheid, are still felt today, please note this episode is coinciding with current political trends purely by coincidence. Remember your history so you can learn from it!

Operation Midnight Ride

Thu, 01 May 2025 19:30:00 +0000

We're back with a table for one! Join Lauren as she discusses Paul Revere's Ride, both the poem and the actual event. It's a real easy one, folks. We'll be back for real next time!

Operation Death of Julius Caesar

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:28:12 +0000

We're back and bewaring the Ides of March! Join Krystal, David, and Lauren as we discuss the lead-up and death of Julius Caesar. Are you a Roman historian? We'd love your discussion! Check us out on social media to weigh in. And remember, political hindsight is 20/20.

Operation Settler Colonialism

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 11:00:00 +0000

We're back with a guest! Krystal, Lauren, and David are joined by Brad Lopes (Aquinnah Wampanoag, Mashpee Wampanoag Outreach) to discuss Settler Colonialism. What is it? Why is it? Where is it? And how do we, as public historians, learn from it and in spite of it? If you work in public history, join the conversation on any of our social media platforms!

Operation Washington's Crossing

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:45:00 +0000

Happy 2025 everyone! To kick off the new year we've got a new episode. Join Krystal, David, and Lauren as we do some historical myth-busting of Washington's Crossing of the Delaware during the American Revolution. Check out our Instagram to see the painting we're talking about! Or just Google it, we don't judge.

Operation Boxer Rebellion

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Join us this month as Krystal and David discuss the Boxer Rebellion, a Chinese uprising movement from 1899-1901.

And don't forget kids, colonialism is bad!

Operation "Lady of the Dunes"

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Caution: True Crime episode. Viewer Discretion is advised.

We're back after a month off! And we've got a bananas one for you this month. Join Krystal, David, and Lauren as we discuss the disappearance and murder of Ruth Marie Terry, also known as The Lady of the Dunes-the former coldest cold case in Massachusetts. It's due to amazing technological advances and police work that after nearly 50 years Ruth Marie was identified and returned to her family.

This case contains topics including domestic violence. If you or someone you know feels unsafe, call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or go to thehotline.org. You matter and we love you.

Operation Haitian Revolution

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We're back with another episode! This month, Lauren, Krystal, and David explore the Haitian Revolution and how France absolutely ate it during this entire conflict. Make sure to stick around until the end for some different singing before the end theme.

Don't forget to review, rate, and follow! We're a chatty bunch.

Operation Japanese Internment

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 10:00:00 +0000

We're back! This time, David, Krystal, Lauren, and Maria are joined by colleague and friend Adreishka to discuss Japanese Internment during the Second World War. Did you learn about the internment camps? Have family who endured this injustice? Reach out and talk to us if you're interested in this topic!

Operation 1774

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 22:00:00 +0000

Welcome back! This week, we're doing something a bit different. Join Lauren, Krystal, and David as they discuss the book 1774 by Mary Beth Norton. Have you read this book? Let us know what you think! Are you Mary Beth Norton? Hi!

Don't forget to review and follow us wherever you embrace OpHist's shenanigans.

Operation Chosin Reservoir

Wed, 15 May 2024 21:27:23 +0000

We're back! Join Krystal, Lauren, and David as they discuss the Battle of the Chosin during the Korean War. Grab your jackets, because it's a Cold War episode! Talk with us about what you think about the War and how it was handled by the US Government (we had a lot to say about it). And to any listeners who know of anyone who served in Korea, thank them for their service!

Operation Three Mile Island

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We're back! Join David and our pal/newest host Krystal as they discuss the Three Mile Island incident, a nuclear accident that happened in Pennsylvania in 1979. Follow David's story and get your hazmat suits ready.

Operation Roger Williams

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0000

We're back to a party of two! Join David and Lauren this month as we go back to the 1600s to discuss the founder of Rhode Island, Roger Williams. We discuss how he went from a religious leader, to governor, to slave trader, to a tree root. What a wild ride!

Please remember to rate, subscribe, and join in the conversation wherever you are.

Operation Romanov

Mon, 29 Jan 2024 01:00:00 +0000

We're back for the New Year! New year, old shenanigans. We're happy to welcome our college buddy Krystal on the pod to talk all things Romanov Assassinations. If you like sulfuric acid, old monarchies, or Rasputin by Boney M., this episode is for you!

Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and review when you can!

Operation Defiance of the Patriots

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 14:51:48 +0000

Please join Lauren, Maria, and David as we welcome none other than Professor Ben Carp onto the show!

Professor Carp currently holds the Daniel M. Lyons Chair in American History at Brooklyn College. He specializes in history of the American Revolution and seaport cities along the east coast of North America. He was able to sit down and talk to us about his book Defiance of the Patriots. Along with the memory of the event, we discuss shifting popular memory!

Sit back, and enjoy this wonderful episode has we remember the Boston Tea Party 250 years ago!

Operation Gets Spooky

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! Join David and Lauren in a mini-episode where they discuss Robert the Doll and the Bridgewater Triangle. And remember, don't summon demons!

Operation Turns Three

Mon, 02 Oct 2023 20:37:24 +0000

Welcome back, three years later! If you can believe it, OpHist is already walking and eating grown-up foods. Join Maria, David, and Lauren as we give life updates and answer some burning questions. Happy birthday, Operation History!

History of Glassblowing

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000

David and Lauren are back for another episode of Operation History! This time they're talking about the history and process of Glassblowing. Stay cool and enjoy the conversation on this ancient trade.

If you're in any aspect of academia (tutor, student, teacher), have a great fall and be safe!

"Bloody" Mary Tudor

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0000

David and Lauren are back for another episode of Operation History! This month, they tackle all of the "Bloody Marys". Lauren gives a brief overview of Queen Mary Tudor, and then David lays down the facts on the folklore of Bloody Mary and the Bloody Mary drink-and how the three aren't related. Drink your brunch drinks responsibly, and don't summon demons!

As always, please rate, review, and subscribe. As a note from the editor, thank you for your patience on getting this episode out! Turns out you need internet to have a podcast.

Operation Bone Wars

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +0000

We're back! Join us this month as Lauren and David dive into the Bone Wars of the mid-to-late 19th century. This story has everything, stealing, bribing, defamation, and fossil destroying! Who will win over your heart, Edward Cope or O.C. Marsh?

Thank you for listening! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to stay up to date with the shenanigans.

Titanic

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 02:00:00 +0000

We're back with a new episode, near, far, wherever you are! Join Maria, Lauren, and David as they explore the sinking and legacy of the RMS Titanic. Get your tissues ready, and let us know if you liked the movie.

Thank you so much for listening and don't forget to review, rate, and subscribe!

African Women Activists

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 08:00:00 +0000

Happy Women's History Month! For the first time in forever, your four hosts are back around the (Zoom) table. Join us as we share the four extraordinary lives of Mabel Dove Danquah, Huda Sha'rawi, Josephine Palmer, and Hannah Kudjoe.

Don't forget to listen, like, subscribe, and review! Join us on our social media to continue the conversation.

Merrymount Colony

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 02:56:53 +0000

It's a colonial episode! This month, David and Lauren get together to discuss the boozy, dancy Merrymount Colony. Join us as we reminisce with would-be drinking buddies.

As always, please listen, rate, and review wherever you listen to your pods. We hope to be back together as a big happy family next month!

Vietnam G.I. Underground Press

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 11:00:00 +0000

We're back, happy 2023 everyone! This month, join Derek, David, and Lauren as David leads us in exploring the G.I. Underground Press movement during the Vietnam War.

As always, please rate, review, subscribe, and download us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get your episodes!

Jack the Ripper

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 10:00:00 +0000

**Gorey Content Ahead, Listener Discretion is Advised**

Straight from the vault of unreleased episodes, join Maria, David, and Derek as they explore the spooky, gruesome, head-scratching murders of Jack the Ripper.

As always please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! We look forward to spending 2023 with you all.

National Day of Mourning

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 23:22:17 +0000

In this episode, join Lauren and David has we discuss the Day of Mourning. On November 26th 1970, indigenous people from all over the United States of America join together to remember the day their way of life changed forever. Come and join us has we remember this day and how it has changed overtime.

As always, please rate, review, subscribe, and download us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get you episodes!

Wessagusset Colony

Fri, 30 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Operation History, party of one! This month Lauren is back and discussing the Massachusetts colony of Wessagusset. We hope you enjoy and look forward to being back as a squad soon!

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, it is a small and simple thing that you can do that helps the show out in a big way.

History of Dungeons and Dragons

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 09:00:00 +0000

We're back! Thank you so much for your patience as we try to get back on track. In this month's episode, David and Lauren team up with everyone's favorite guest, Ethan, to discuss the history of Dungeons and Dragons.

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, it is a small and simple thing that you can do that helps the show out in a big way.

Warsaw Uprising of 1943

Mon, 30 May 2022 09:00:00 +0000

We're back! In this month's episode, the hosts take a look at the Warsaw Uprising of 1943 during the Second World War. Come join the hosts as David, Lauren, Derek, and Maria talk about how a nation fought back against oppression and invasion, and why it's important to remember more than just the stories that focus on the winners. As always, stay tuned for the lighthearted bloopers at the end.

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts, it is a small and simple thing that you can do that helps the show out in a big way.

Shopping in Chicago

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Operation History, the four hosts switch things up and focus on one specific source! Maria has chosen a book about women in downtown Chicago and how the consumer culture changed the physical and political infrastructure for Women's history month. The book discussed in today's episode is, "A Shoppers Paradise: How the Ladies of Chicago Claimed Power and Pleasure in the New Downtown." Come and join the four hosts on this fun and fashionable episode and always. stay till the end because the bloopers on this one do not disappoint!

As always we thank all of our listeners for their support! Please download, review, rate, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Corn in New England

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 09:50:00 +0000

In this episode David, Maria, and Derek finally allow Lauren to achieve goals and dreams of having an episode devoted to a history of corn! Along with the four hosts, we welcome back Ethan, Lauren's co-worker/roommate/ fellow corn expert. Come and join us as the history and facts get a little "corny"! As always, don't forget to stay tuned for the real silliness that is the bloopers.

Once again, thank you all for your support and listens, and please remember to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Brown V. The Board of Education

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Welcome back everyone to Operation History! The rumors of our demise have been greatly exaggerated and we are super happy and excited to be behind the mic again! We're kicking off 2022 with a very special guest host, we are very privileged and excited to have Alycia from the podcast "Civics and Coffee" to help us discuss and dive into Brown vs. The Board of Education! Come listen in as we explore the history surrounding this court case and its impacts on education today! Also, don't forget to stay tuned for some silliness and less heavy bloopers at the end of the episode!

Please remember to rate, download, review, and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts! Thanks for all your support!

Guy Fawkes Day

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 10:30:00 +0000

Remember, Remember the 5th of November.....That's right, in this episode of Operation History, the team tackles the events and legacy of Guy Fawkes Day. Come listen in and join David, Maria, Derek, and Lauren, along with their guest Ethan, as they revisit the day of anarchy. Make sure you stay till the end where the punny bloopers do not disappoint!

As always, please download, rate, review, and subscribe to the show! It's a little thing you can do to help the show in a big way! And as always, thank you for listening!

The Hungarian Revolution

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, we mark the 65th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. In this episode, David invites a special guest, Dr. Karl Benziger to join the four hosts, Maria, Lauren, Derek, and David, as they explore the anniversary of not only the Revolution but the involvement of students and the people of Hungary in that event 65 years ago to the day and how the political situation has evolved in that country today. Come and join us for enlightening conversation and laughter as we commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.

As always, stay tuned for the bloopers at the end, please drink responsibly and download, rate, review and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts.

Anniversary Special

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:00:00 +0000

Operation History turns one! In this episode, the four hosts, Derek, Maria, David, and Lauren have taken to social media to let the listeners, that's you, submit the burning questions that they have wanted to ask us. The hosts also read reviews and comment that they have received on various platforms. The shenanigans are in full swing as the hosts relive the past year on the show. Even the bloopers at the end got a little extra for this episode. Come laugh with us and hear what we have to say in this informal episode.

Also, we would like to thank all of YOU for all the downloads and listens that you have given us. Without all of you out there, this special episode would not have been possible.

As always, please download, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Banana Republics

Sun, 22 Aug 2021 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, all four hosts are back! Derek is taking the helm today to talk all about the Banana Republics of South America! Come and join us! As always, we thank you all for listening, and please download, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Also, be sure to stay tuned for the bloopers at the end of the show!

The American Perspective

Sun, 25 Jul 2021 10:00:00 +0000

We're back! All four hosts are present in the episode as it is done a bit differently. Normally we research a topic and present it, whereas in this episode it is more of a free-flowing discussion. In this episode, David, Derek, Maria, and Lauren are joined by a guest, Dr. Ender, who is an educator and historian to talk about the American Perspective and what it means to them each other them and their experiences with that phrase. Join in and listen in as we discuss what the "American Perspective" means to us. While there aren't as many bloopers as there normally are, they are still as colorful as ever.

As always, please download, rate, and review to subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. It is a little thing that you can do to help out the show in a big way and as always thank you for listening!

Stonewall

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Operation History Derek and Lauren team up together and take the gang through a conversation that tackles the legacy and events of Stonewall in 1969 New York. Come on this journey with your four favorite historians as they discuss the Stonewall riots, and events, and happenings surrounding the past and the present LGBTQ+ community. As always, please drink responsibly and make sure you stay till the end for the bloopers.

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts. Thanks!

Jamestown Colony

Mon, 24 May 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In their first-ever in-person episode, Lauren guides the group through the dark and largely unknown history that surrounds Jamestown Colony. As always, the episode is full of your many antics as your favorite historians discuss the history of the colony in a conversation-style manner. Additionally, the bloopers in this episode are sillier than usual (and that is saying something.) So join in and listen to Lauren, David, Maria, and Derek as they explain what really happened in Jamestown Colony. Please drink responsibly and enjoy!

The First Earth Day

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Operation History, Dave leads the gang through the history and story of the first Earth Day. Afterward, the hosts have some enlightening environmental-focused conversations. As always, what's Operation History without the shenanigans? Stay tuned for the bloopers and the reason the show is explicitly rated. As always please drink responsibly. And lastly, as Earth Day is coming up later this month, Happy Earth Day from all of us here at Operation History!

Please rate, download, review, and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts!

The Lost Colony of Roanoke

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 10:00:00 +0000

On the episode of Operation History, the three guests are joined by their new friend Jacob in their first-ever podcast collaboration. Operation History has teamed up with The History Book to bring you an episode about The Lost Colony of Roanoke. In this episode, three out of the four hosts from Operation History and Jacob from the History Book provide the background knowledge on the colony and shed light on some leading and interesting theories on what could have happened to the infamous colony! Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts! As always, please stay tuned till the end of the show for some fantastic bloopers (which are always colorful), and as always, please drink responsibly!

"Walt and El Grupo"

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this month's episode of Operation History, Maria takes the gang on a trip to South America with a look at a documentary that explores a time when Walt Disney was asked by the Government to be a goodwill ambassador for the USA during WW2. To prepare for this podcast the four hosts watched a documentary titled "Walt and El Grupo." This episode chock full of not only the history that surrounds the documentary but also WW2 history and Disney history. So come and listen for a different take on a popular and relevant topic. As always there are bloopers at the end of the episode that are (as always) explicit. Please drink responsibly and enjoy this trip down the rabbit hole!

1996 Rhode Island Oil Spill

Sat, 09 Jan 2021 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode of Operation History, Lauren, Maria, and David discuss some Environmental History. David tells the story of the 1996 oil spill in Rhode Island and how it affected the environment, economics, and the future of the affected area. Dave also brings light to the legislature and nonprofit organizations that made efforts and attempts to clean up the area. Stay tuned till the end of the episode for not one but two special announcements from the hosts! Also, as usual, some great bloopers are at the end of the episode, which is where the explicit rating comes in and there is an alcohol reference; as always please drink responsibly. And, for this episode, I would stay all the way till after the bloopers because we might just have another surprise announcement!

Please download, rate, review, and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We continuously thank you for all the support!

The Christmas Truce of 1914

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 12:30:00 +0000

In this episode, David, Lauren, Derek, and Maria travel back to the Western Front of the First World War to explore the Christmas Truce of 1914. Trench life, the horrors of the first world war, and the comradery that the soldiers experience all helped to make this event both mythical, historic, and one of a kind. As always please stay tuned to the end of the episode for some hysterical bloopers (this time the episode truly earns its E rating). Please rate, review, download, and subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The First Thanksgiving

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 11:00:00 +0000

In this episode three of our four hosts, Lauren, Dave, and Maria pick up where they left off in the September episode. They continue their discussion on the Mayflower and Plymouth Colony by discussing all aspects of the first Thanksgiving in 1621. They discuss not only the first Thanksgiving but also the importance of Sara Hale, who helped establish the holiday, and The National Day of Mourning. Come and join us as the three hosts shed light on this historic holiday. As always, stay tuned to the end for some great bloopers! ( which fair warning contain alcohol references. As always please drink responsibly)

As always, please rate, review, subscribe, and download us on Apple Podcast or wherever you get your episodes.

Spooky New England Folk Lore and History

Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode, all four hosts are back together again and have conjured up an episode that is all treats and no tricks. Our hosts dive into spooky New England folklore, to fill everyone's spooky needs. Maria tells of the "Last Vampire" Mercy Brown from Rhode Island. Lauren brings the nursery rhyme of Lizzie Borden to life. Derek takes us back to Rhode Island for the "Werewolf of Woonsocket". David rounds us out with tales of lake monster from Maine, who might be more than what he seems. Get your candy, turn down the lights, and settle in with your favorite History majors for some spooky, scary stories. The treats continue if you stay till after the closing credits for some frightfully funny bloopers. (where the explicit rating is appropriate). As always, please rate, review and subscribe to us on iTunes and wherever you get your podcasts.

The Mayflower

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:30:00 +0000

This September marks the 400 year anniversary of the Mayflowers voyage from England to Plymouth. To help commemorate the anniversary, Lauren, David and Maria discuss the facts and history surrounding the voyage and colony. Lauren provides extensive knowledge and there is a lot of "corny" talk. Join us on this enlightening and entertaining discussion that is part of New England and American history, and as we say on the show, "it's more than what you remember."

Introduction Episode

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 01:38:31 +0000

Where history is more than what you remember. A podcast where four history majors come together to discuss, debate, and educate all matters of history. In this episode, the hosts will introduce themselves and give insight as to what the goals and intentions are for this podcast. We will also be discussing what is to come in the future. Welcome to Operation History!