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Untold: Museum of Artifacts That Made America

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Season 1

The Great American Songbook

The Great American Songbook, a collection of jazz standards and show tunes created by talented songwriters in early 20th century New York, provided solace and joy during difficult times in U.S. history.

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41. The Great American Songbook

The Great American Songbook, a collection of jazz standards and show tunes created by talented songwriters in early 20th century New York, provided solace and joy during difficult times in U.S. history.

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The History of the Rainbow Flag

The rainbow flag is one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, synonymous with tolerance and LGBTQ+ rights. But how was it created?

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40. The History of the Rainbow Flag

The rainbow flag is one of the most recognisable symbols in the world, synonymous with tolerance and LGBTQ+ rights. But how was it created?

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The Watergate Tapes

Installed in selected rooms at the White House on the President’s orders, this is the story of how a state-of-the-art recording system ultimately led to Richard Nixon’s downfall.

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39. The Watergate Tapes

Installed in selected rooms at the White House on the President’s orders, this is the story of how a state-of-the-art recording system ultimately led to Richard Nixon’s downfall.

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Hawaiian Leis and the Selma to Montgomery March

The Selma to Montgomery March was one of the most important actions of the Civil Rights Movement – but what were the connections between Black Americans and Hawaiians and why did the leaders wear Hawaiian necklaces?

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38. Hawaiian Leis and the Selma to Montgomery March

The Selma to Montgomery March was one of the most important actions of the Civil Rights Movement – but what were the connections between Black Americans and Hawaiians and why did the leaders wear Hawaiian necklaces?

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Madeleine Albright's Brooches

The U.S.’s first female Secretary of State used her collection of brooches to get her point across when meeting with foreign leaders, a practice that became known as “Pin Diplomacy.”

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37. Madeleine Albright's Brooches

The U.S.’s first female Secretary of State used her collection of brooches to get her point across when meeting with foreign leaders, a practice that became known as “Pin Diplomacy.”

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Helen Keller's Watch

Deafblind pioneer Helen Keller campaigned for a better America – with the help of a remarkable watch that she didn’t have to see to read.

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36. Helen Keller's Watch

Deafblind pioneer Helen Keller campaigned for a better America – with the help of a remarkable watch that she didn’t have to see to read.

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Lunch Counter Stools

In 1960, four Black students staged a sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina to protest against racial segregation in the United States. The stools they sat on are the most visited artifacts at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

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35. Lunch Counter Stools

In 1960, four Black students staged a sit-in in Greensboro, North Carolina to protest against racial segregation in the United States. The stools they sat on are the most visited artifacts at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

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The Cannon: How The Cannon Revolutionised The Way Battles Were Fought

Long range, high calibre weapons – the cannon helped propel the Union to victory. But how did the technological advances that took place during the Civil War change the game?

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34. The Cannon: How The Cannon Revolutionised The Way Battles Were Fought

Long range, high calibre weapons – the cannon helped propel the Union to victory. But how did the technological advances that took place during the Civil War change the game?

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The Medical Kit: How Innovation Transformed Medical Care on the Civil War Frontline

They empowered US Army medics to save countless lives – but how did the humble medical kit evolve with the American Civil War?

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33. The Medical Kit: How Innovation Transformed Medical Care on the Civil War Frontline

They empowered US Army medics to save countless lives – but how did the humble medical kit evolve with the American Civil War?

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The Camera: How The Camera Exposed The Reality of The Civil War

The camera changed how many Americans saw the Civil War – and exposed millions to the horrors of conflict for the very first time.

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32. The Camera: How The Camera Exposed The Reality of The Civil War

The camera changed how many Americans saw the Civil War – and exposed millions to the horrors of conflict for the very first time.

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The Telegraph: The Civil War Text Machine

Military leaders didn’t just rely on carrier pigeons and messengers on horseback to share information during the American Civil War – they texted each other using telegrams!

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31. The Telegraph: The Civil War Text Machine

Military leaders didn’t just rely on carrier pigeons and messengers on horseback to share information during the American Civil War – they texted each other using telegrams!

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The Surfboard: The Evolution of the Surfboard

This totally rad piece of water sports equipment empowered millions of Americans to ride the waves – but how did the humble surfboard evolve through the years?

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30. The Surfboard: The Evolution of the Surfboard

This totally rad piece of water sports equipment empowered millions of Americans to ride the waves – but how did the humble surfboard evolve through the years?

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Rubber Gloves: The Simple Invention That Revolutionised Medicine

This is a love story behind one of the most important medical inventions ever made - the rubber gloves.

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29. Rubber Gloves: The Simple Invention That Revolutionised Medicine

This is a love story behind one of the most important medical inventions ever made - the rubber gloves.

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Today we know the risks of smoking tobacco, but over 100 years ago the dangers were less well known, and tobacco became a booming business in Kentucky. It’s success can impart be credited to the Burley tobacco press

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28. Tobacco Press

Today we know the risks of smoking tobacco, but over 100 years ago the dangers were less well known, and tobacco became a booming business in Kentucky. It’s success can impart be credited to the Burley tobacco press

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John Brown's Pike

Abolitionist John Brown commissioned a blacksmith to produce hundreds of pikes – deadly spear-like weapons made from iron and wood, for his team of militiamen to raid the armoury and help set enslaved people free. But it ended in failure and Brown became the first US citizen to be executed for treason

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27. John Brown's Pike

Abolitionist John Brown commissioned a blacksmith to produce hundreds of pikes – deadly spear-like weapons made from iron and wood, for his team of militiamen to raid the armoury and help set enslaved people free. But it ended in failure and Brown became the first US citizen to be executed for treason

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The Swivel Chair: How Thomas Jefferson Innovated the Office Chair

Thomas Jefferson’s words helped found a nation. But did you know that he also invented the modern day swivel chair?

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26. The Swivel Chair: How Thomas Jefferson Innovated the Office Chair

Thomas Jefferson’s words helped found a nation. But did you know that he also invented the modern day swivel chair?

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The Polygraph Machine: Detecting the Truth

In 1921, John Augustus Larson invented a machine to help detectives determine if someone was telling the truth - or lying. He called it - the Polygraph.

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25. The Polygraph Machine: Detecting the Truth

In 1921, John Augustus Larson invented a machine to help detectives determine if someone was telling the truth - or lying. He called it - the Polygraph.

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The First American Cookbook: Putting America's Cuisine on the Map

In 1796, Amelia Simmons released 'American Cookery', the first cookbook to be published by an American, in the United States.

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24. The First American Cookbook: Putting America's Cuisine on the Map

In 1796, Amelia Simmons released 'American Cookery', the first cookbook to be published by an American, in the United States.

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AIDS Memorial Quilt: Raising Awareness a Stitch at a Time

The AIDS Memorial quilt is a community art project that changed the world’s perception of HIV and AIDs.

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23. AIDS Memorial Quilt: Raising Awareness a Stitch at a Time

The AIDS Memorial quilt is a community art project that changed the world’s perception of HIV and AIDs.

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Spanish Flu Face Mask: A Century's Crusade Against a Pandemic

The Spanish Influenza was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history - and the first time it was mandated to wear a face mask in public in the United States.

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22. Spanish Flu Face Mask: A Century's Crusade Against a Pandemic

The Spanish Influenza was one of the deadliest pandemics in human history - and the first time it was mandated to wear a face mask in public in the United States.

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The Turtle Submersible: The First Military Submarine

Designed in 1775, the Turtle Submersible was a military submarine that pushed the limits of engineering, in an attempt to defeat the formidable British Navy.

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21. The Turtle Submersible: The First Military Submarine

Designed in 1775, the Turtle Submersible was a military submarine that pushed the limits of engineering, in an attempt to defeat the formidable British Navy.

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Hot Air Balloons: The Secret Civil War Weapon

Military Hot Air Balloons were pioneered during the American Civil War for both surveillance and reconnaissance.

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20. Hot Air Balloons: The Secret Civil War Weapon

Military Hot Air Balloons were pioneered during the American Civil War for both surveillance and reconnaissance.

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The Moscow-Washington Hotline: Avoiding Nuclear War with Russia

In 1962, the Moscow-Washington Hotline was established as a quick and accurate means of communication between two of the world's greatest superpowers. Since then, the technology used to facilitate this line of communication has changed over time.

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19. The Moscow-Washington Hotline: Avoiding Nuclear War with Russia

In 1962, the Moscow-Washington Hotline was established as a quick and accurate means of communication between two of the world's greatest superpowers. Since then, the technology used to facilitate this line of communication has changed over time.

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The Raised Fist Afro Comb: Defining a Statement

Designed in 1972, the raised fist Afro Comb combines function with meaning to create a grooming tool that symbolises African-American history, culture and pride.

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18. The Raised Fist Afro Comb: Defining a Statement

Designed in 1972, the raised fist Afro Comb combines function with meaning to create a grooming tool that symbolises African-American history, culture and pride.

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The Hanger Limb Prosthetic Leg

When James Edward Hanger lost a leg in the American Civil War, he returned home to Virginia and designed the world's first articulated prosthetic that could bend like a real leg.

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17. The Hanger Limb Prosthetic Leg

When James Edward Hanger lost a leg in the American Civil War, he returned home to Virginia and designed the world's first articulated prosthetic that could bend like a real leg.

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Betsy Ross Flag: The Flag that Made and Divided America

In 1777, The Betsy Ross Flag was adopted by the thirteen colonies fighting for freedom as the United States’ first official flag. But not everyone in America was free.

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16. Betsy Ross Flag: The Flag that Made and Divided America

In 1777, The Betsy Ross Flag was adopted by the thirteen colonies fighting for freedom as the United States’ first official flag. But not everyone in America was free.

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The Ruby Laser: A World First

Lasers aren't just for sci-fi fans. We use them to scan barcodes in shopping malls, conduct surgeries, even remove tattoos! All thanks to the very first, the Ruby Laser.

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15. The Ruby Laser: A World First

Lasers aren't just for sci-fi fans. We use them to scan barcodes in shopping malls, conduct surgeries, even remove tattoos! All thanks to the very first, the Ruby Laser.

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Tennis for Two: America's First Video Game

It was pretty basic – but also revolutionary! Find out how American physicist William Higinbotham created Tennis For Two and discover its links to the mysterious Manhattan Project.

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14. Tennis for Two: America's First Video Game

It was pretty basic – but also revolutionary! Find out how American physicist William Higinbotham created Tennis For Two and discover its links to the mysterious Manhattan Project.

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The Negro League Baseball: Shattering Segregation

Like much of American in the early 19th century, sports were segregated. But with the newly established Negro Baseball League, African American baseball players overcame racial segregation to claim the national pastime as their own.

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13. The Negro League Baseball: Shattering Segregation

Like much of American in the early 19th century, sports were segregated. But with the newly established Negro Baseball League, African American baseball players overcame racial segregation to claim the national pastime as their own.

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Harvard Printing Press: The Founding Father's Secret Weapon

The Harvard Printing Press was the Internet of its day. The first of its kind in the US, it kickstarted the publishing industry and helped everyday Americans to stay informed.

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12. Harvard Printing Press: The Founding Father's Secret Weapon

The Harvard Printing Press was the Internet of its day. The first of its kind in the US, it kickstarted the publishing industry and helped everyday Americans to stay informed.

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Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat

The 16th President of the United States of America is recognisable for many things – his distinctive beard, his height, his black bow tie – but it's the impressive stove hat that he bought in Washington, DC that became his enduring trademark.

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11. Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat

The 16th President of the United States of America is recognisable for many things – his distinctive beard, his height, his black bow tie – but it's the impressive stove hat that he bought in Washington, DC that became his enduring trademark.

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The Skidi Star Chart: Native American Horoscope Par Excellence

A map of the heavens, the stunning Skidi Star Chart acted as a clock, a calendar, a compass – and shaped the cultural and spiritual lives of its creators, the Pawnee Tribe.

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10. The Skidi Star Chart: Native American Horoscope Par Excellence

A map of the heavens, the stunning Skidi Star Chart acted as a clock, a calendar, a compass – and shaped the cultural and spiritual lives of its creators, the Pawnee Tribe.

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Statue of Liberty: A French Peace Offering

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty has been welcoming immigrants and visitors to New York Harbour since 1875. But the story behind this gift from a European ally is filled with drama!

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9. Statue of Liberty: A French Peace Offering

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty has been welcoming immigrants and visitors to New York Harbour since 1875. But the story behind this gift from a European ally is filled with drama!

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Chapstick Spy Devices and the Role they Played in Watergate

21st century spies have some serious tech at their disposal but back in the 1970s, things were a little more DIY. This is the story of a spy device disguised as chapstick tubes that played a key part in America’s most infamous burglary, Watergate.

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8. Chapstick Spy Devices and the Role they Played in Watergate

21st century spies have some serious tech at their disposal but back in the 1970s, things were a little more DIY. This is the story of a spy device disguised as chapstick tubes that played a key part in America’s most infamous burglary, Watergate.

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Colt Patterson: The Gun that Changed America

Killing zombies online is fun, right? But imagine you could only shoot one bullet at a time. You’d be TOAST! This is the story of the American five-shot Colt Paterson: a handgun that changed history.

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7. Colt Patterson: The Gun that Changed America

Killing zombies online is fun, right? But imagine you could only shoot one bullet at a time. You’d be TOAST! This is the story of the American five-shot Colt Paterson: a handgun that changed history.

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The Cotton Gin: An Infamous Invention

It mechanised cotton production by separating cotton from seeds – but increased the demand for slave labor. Discover how the cotton gin changed 18th century American society.

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6. The Cotton Gin: An Infamous Invention

It mechanised cotton production by separating cotton from seeds – but increased the demand for slave labor. Discover how the cotton gin changed 18th century American society.

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Keds: America's First Viral Sneakers

They were the Nike Air of their day – and they helped spark a sneaker revolution! Discover how Keds cornered the market for comfortable footwear in the 1950s and beyond.

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5. Keds: America's First Viral Sneakers

They were the Nike Air of their day – and they helped spark a sneaker revolution! Discover how Keds cornered the market for comfortable footwear in the 1950s and beyond.

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The Windshield Wiper: A Female Innovation

The first mass-produced car in America was basically a lawnmower with leather trim, but it was a start, right? This is the story of Mary Anderson and the Windshield Wiper - an invention that happened by a stroke of fate!

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4. The Windshield Wiper: A Female Innovation

The first mass-produced car in America was basically a lawnmower with leather trim, but it was a start, right? This is the story of Mary Anderson and the Windshield Wiper - an invention that happened by a stroke of fate!

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Alexander Hamilton's Writing Desk: The Laptop Precursor

The average American will send and receive around 3,000 text messages every month. But Founding Father Alexander Hamilton relied on his his trusty portable writing desk to draft countless letters and write some of the most important documents in US history!

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3. Alexander Hamilton's Writing Desk: The Laptop Precursor

The average American will send and receive around 3,000 text messages every month. But Founding Father Alexander Hamilton relied on his his trusty portable writing desk to draft countless letters and write some of the most important documents in US history!

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Neil Armstrong's Space Suit

The story of the A7L Space Suit worn by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 moon landing.

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2. Neil Armstrong's Space Suit

The story of the A7L Space Suit worn by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 moon landing.

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DJ Kool Herc's Turntables: Hip Hop Extraordinaire

In 1970s New York, 16-year-old Jamaican immigrant Clive Campbell (aka DJ Kool Herc) used his trusty turntables to loop funk records and bring the beat. In the process he helped create one of America's true art forms: hip hop.

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1. DJ Kool Herc's Turntables: Hip Hop Extraordinaire

In 1970s New York, 16-year-old Jamaican immigrant Clive Campbell (aka DJ Kool Herc) used his trusty turntables to loop funk records and bring the beat. In the process he helped create one of America's true art forms: hip hop.

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