Five Ideas for New History Channel Shows

After reading a post titled "Ten Pilots I'd Pitch to the History Channel" by Craig Swain a while back, I was inspired to come up with my own ideas for new shows the History Channel could make. I have a love/hate relationship with the History Channel. Some of their shows are fascinating and informative, but the majority of new shows have really nothing to do with history. So if the History Channel ever asked me for ideas, here are a few:

1. History Busters - Just like the show Mythbusters, History Busters would take an in-depth look at events and people to find out the real stories behind them. The show deciphers fact from fiction concerning myths and legends that people believe about history. For example, did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree? What really happened at the O.K. Corral shootout? Viewers could submit ideas for the show.
   
   
2. Stump the History Professor - It amazes me how much people don't know about history, and on this show, people could have their knowledge tested in a game show format. A special bonus round could take place where the contestants go up against the foremost history scholars around the world. Prizes could include trips to historical locations and fun memorabilia.
   
   
3. Countries of the World Exposed - I saw a series from the History Channel called State by State, in which the individual U.S. states were profiled and given a brief overview. It could be interesting to see different countries around the world highlighted in the same way and have a brief history lesson about it. There are many other countries in the world that have interesting histories besides the U.S.
   
   
4. Everyday History - This show could follow around people who have studied history on the college level and gone on to amazing careers. Each episode would follow one person and give an accurate portrayal of what their job is really like. Some examples of careers could be historians, writers, museum curators, archivists, history teachers, college professors, and so on. It could promote interest in studying history and history-related careers.
   
   
5. Overlooked Giants of History - The History Channel could make a show where the overlooked and underrated figures of history are discussed. We all know the "big names" of history, but what about the lesser known ones? Their lives would scrutinized, controversies discussed, and both the positive and negative sides of their personalities examined.

I find myself coming up with ideas like these all the time. Even though none of these might sound appealing, I wish the History Channel would get back to real history shows. What do you think of my ideas?

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Old Fort Boise on the Oregon Trail

My Dad and I visited the Old Fort Boise replica back in the fall while on the hunt for historical markers in the Boise area. Although I have visited the Old Fort Boise replica in Parma before, it has been many years since the last time. We enjoyed looking at the exhibits and talking with the friendly people. The replica is a good glance back in time to see what life was like for those who traveled on the Oregon Trail and settled the West.

Old Fort Boise has an interesting history dating back to the 1800's. The original Fort Boise was built at the mouth of the Boise River in 1834 by the British Hudson's Bay Company. Even after the fur trade declined when beavers disappeared from the rivers, the fort remained as a vital supply center during the height of the westward migration of pioneers over the Oregon Trail. It became popular for its hospitality and as a place where the emigrants could get much needed supplies.

In 1853, the Boise River flooded and washed away the adobe buildings. An attempt was made to rebuilt it, but this effort was abandoned due to the increasing hostility of Indians and the loss of British prestige in the Northwest. A monument now stands at the approximate site of the original fort a few miles away. In the 1860's, when gold was discovered in the Boise Basin, a military fort, also called Fort Boise, was established by President Lincoln at the upper end of the valley.

The Old Fort Boise replica in Parma is filled with all sorts of artifacts, reproductions, and even an informational video. We saw reproductions of an old one room cabin, one room schoolhouse, and blacksmith's shop. The fort had old wagons, buggys, and farming equipment. We also saw old photographs and newspapers. There was even a room dedicated to Idaho military history. Overall, it is a great place to see, and I'd recommend stopping there to anyone visiting the area.

Links to Learn More:

• More of my photos from Old Fort Boise
• Oregon Trail in Idaho - Fort Boise
  

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Why Do We Study History?

I recently became a student again at Boise State University studying Secondary Education with a History and Social Studies emphasis. The other day in class, we were discussing why its important to study history. I've pondered this often because I thoroughly enjoy history. Not many people around me share this passion, and many times, I feel like I have to justify it. For those who would ask, I'd give the follow reasons for why its important to study history.

First of all, history is just plain cool and exciting! History is about all about stories. I know from my school experience and from talking to people that history seems like just a bunch of boring dates and facts, but it is much more than that. History is about real events and the flawed people who have shaped the way the world is today. I find it much more interesting than superficial movies that have one-sided characters and fake special effects. In fact, I think that Hollywood could do everyone a favor by telling real, factual stories about history.

Another reason I would give about why its important to study history is because it is a part of all of our identities. No matter what country or region someone is from, the history of that place becomes a part of who they are, whether they like it or not. As an American, the history of this country affects me, and different historical events have affected me personally. I learned this while spending time in another country. It is also when I realized how unique American history was and began to get a strong desire to study it more.

It is important to study history because we can learn from it. We can learn all sorts of lessons from history. For example, we can learn that it is not a good idea to drop special orders in a field wrapped around three cigars or hide important documents in your boots. We can learn that making hard and unpopular decisions might be our greatest legacy. By studying history, I also believe that we can make wiser decisions about the future. To repeat a quote I heard recently, we can't know where we're going until we know where we've been.

I could keep going on about why it is important to study history and why I love it, but I'll stop there for now. I'm sure this topic will come up in conversation again.

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Top Five Recommended History Podcasts

With all the podcasts out there on the Web, it's sometimes difficult to find ones that are worth listening to. For those interested in history, I've compiled a list of the top five history podcasts currently out there that I strongly recommend. These podcasts are not only informative but fun to listen to and have their own unique twist on historical people and events.

1. Dan Carlin's Hardcore History - This is my favorite history podcast, hands down. The reason, I believe, why Carlin's podcast is called "Hardcore History" is because he takes a serious, in-depth look at events and issues from the past. His podcast topics range from slavery to World War II and much more. Carlin asks hard, thoughtful questions about our history and what we can learn from it. The only downside is that new shows only come out once every two to three months.
   
   
2. Stuff You Missed in History Class - In contrast to Carlin's intense podcast, Stuff You Missed in History Class is a lighter podcast about history. The discussion is not as in-depth or as long as Carlin's, but covers a variety of topics nonetheless. New shows are posted often and the hosts are entertaining. The range of historical figures and events talked about in this podcast is astounding, and it will appeal to people who like history of all kinds.
   
   
3. Matt's Today in History - This podcast from Matt Dattilo discusses important events on the date they happened. It is not a quick list of what happened for a particular date but takes an in-depth look at one major historical event per show. While new shows are usually posted twice a month, visitors can also read a full transcript of the podcast posted on his blog.
   
   
4. The Making of a Nation - The Making of a Nation from VOA News is not a podcast but a weekly fifteen-minute radio program about American history. This series began with Columbus' voyage and has covered major events and topics in U.S. history since then. Transcripts are posted as well as links to listen to or download each show. This is especially recommended to anyone interested in American history. I also strongly recommend browsing through the archives.
   
   
5. BackStory with the American History Guys - Renowned U.S. historians Peter Onuf, Ed Ayers, and Brian Balogh bring a historical perspective to events happening today in this new public radio program. What makes this program unique is that it is a call-in program where the hosts talk to all different kinds of people about the topics. Their conversational approach and interactions with each other makes this podcast fun to listen to!
   

Even though there are more history podcasts out there, these are the most interesting ones I've come across. I would recommend listening to one or two of these shows to get a feel for them.

Is there a good history podcast not on this list that you would recommend? If so, please leave a comment!

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