Curator's Choice
Like history? Love museums? From ancient relics to modern marvels, each episode of this show features a new museum and a sampling of some amazing artifacts housed there. What makes Curator's Choice truly special is our exclusive interviews with the unsung heroes of museums—the curators themselves. These guardians of history will share insights, anecdotes, and the often untold stories that breathe life into the artifacts they protect.
Through this podcast, our mission is to dispel the notion of museums as static, old, and dull spaces. Instead, we aim to reveal them as vibrant repositories brimming with mystery and wonder, one artifact at a time.
New episodes are released every two weeks, and you can tune in anywhere you get your podcasts!
Episodes
73 episodes
Episode 64: Reykjavík Maritime Museum
Join us as we journey to the Reykjavik Maritime Museum, a relatively young museum founded in 2004, yet one that preserves the centuries-old lifeline of Icelandic fishing. Discover how this unique museum showcases Iceland's deep connection to th...
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Episode 64
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29:08
Episode 63: Seashore Trolley Museum
Join us as we step into the rich history of the Seashore Trolley Museum, celebrating 85 years of preserving trolley heritage with Phil Morse, a devoted leader and long-time member. Phil's passion for keeping trolley history alive is evident as ...
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53:40
Episode 62: National Museum of Funeral History
Explore the profound journey of funeral practices through the ages. Discover how embalming has evolved from its origins in ancient Egypt to contemporary times, and how societal involvement in death rituals has transformed along the way. Our gui...
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Episode 62
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27:40
Episode 61: Indian River Citrus Museum (Repeat)
Ever wondered what makes Indian River citrus the sweetest in the world? Join us as we explore the Indian River Citrus Museum. With Heather Stapleton as our guide, we unravel the historical significance and modern cultivation practices that make...
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Episode 61
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55:07
Episode 60: Johnny Appleseed Museum
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the real story of Johnny Appleseed—exploring the man behind the myth. Was he truly the eccentric figure who wore a tin pot as a hat? How did his Swedenborgian faith influence his life's mission? We unco...
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Episode 60
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48:08
Episode 59: Whales of Iceland Museum
In today's episode, we take you on an immersive journey into the fascinating world of swimming giants at the Whales of Iceland Museum. Located in Reykjavik, this one-of-a-kind museum is home to over 25 life-size whale models, including the awe-...
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Episode 59
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37:06
Episode 58: Museum of Graffiti
Ever wondered how graffiti evolved from gang-related tags to a celebrated art movement? Join me, Ayla Sparks, as we unravel the vivid history of graffiti, starting with Cornbread, the Philadelphia pioneer who turned the city into his personal c...
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Episode 58
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31:12
Episode 57: Museum of the White Mountains
Join us for an enlightening journey through the rich history and diverse ecosystems of the White Mountains, also known as the "Switzerland of America." Discover the ancient origins of the Appalachian Mountains and their profound geological and ...
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Episode 57
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35:35
Episode 56: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum
📅 A Date Which Will Live in InfamyToday, we reflect on December 7, 1941—a date that will live in infamy. On this day, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Ja...
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Episode 56
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43:24
Episode 55: Luray Caverns (Repeat)
This week we head to Virginia to visit Luray Caverns, the most highly decorated caverns in the world according to the Smithsonian. In this episode, we hear from three professionals who share the history of the caverns, the science behind the de...
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Episode 55
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42:18
Episode 54: Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
Join us as we delve into the tragic and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe, one of literature's most intriguing figures. Discover his legacy and unravel the secrets of his life at the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland.&nb...
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Episode 54
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39:42
Episode 53: SPAM Museum
Ever wondered how a humble canned meat could become a cultural icon? Join us as we uncover the rich history and global legacy of Spam. We'll take you back to its origins in Austin, Minnesota, where Jay Hormel's quest for a fully cooked ham led ...
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Episode 53
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32:00
Episode 52: Neon Sign Museum
Step behind the neon glow with me as we venture into a radiant corner of Las Vegas history at the Neon Sign Museum. With Aaron Berger as our guide, we delve into a treasure trove of glowing lights that tell the story of Sin City.🎰 Il...
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Episode 52
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47:22
Episode 51: Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum
Embark on a captivating journey through the life of the legendary Babe Ruth, from his humble beginnings in Pig Town to his towering fame in American baseball. Dive deep into the story behind his iconic status, dispelling myths and revealing the...
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38:21
Episode 50: Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum
All aboard as we delve into Maryland's captivating trolley history at the Boonsboro Trolley Station Museum. Uncover how these transport marvels transformed rural connections, surprising even in funeral processions. With Reuben Moss leading the ...
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52:26
Episode 49: National Road Museum
Embark with us on a highway through history as we unravel the fabric of America's love affair with her roads. From the meticulous preservation efforts of past pathways in Frederick County to the lonely stretches of Nevada's Route 50, this episo...
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Episode 49
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30:41
Episode 48: National Museum of Dentistry
Embark on a journey into the heart of Baltimore where the first dental school took root, revolutionizing oral health care. We'll reveal the pivotal moments that sparked the dire need for dental regulation, from sideshow jaw hackers to educated ...
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31:47
Episode 47: Lee-Fendall House
Step into the whispered secrets of the past and uncover the echoes of history within the walls of the Lee-Fendall House. With our guide, Jenny Waters, we stroll through the timeline of this architectural marvel, from its conception in 1785 by P...
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Episode 47
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26:06
Episode 46: Mob Museum
Step into the glittering past of Las Vegas and discover how the city's infamous mobsters played a pivotal role in its rise to fame. Our journey chronicles the visionaries like Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel, who laid the foundations of modern Ve...
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Episode 46
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31:00
Episode 45: Poozeum
Step into the quirky and captivating realm of the Poozeum, where fossilized feces are not only objects of curiosity but also a cultural phenomenon reshaping our understanding of natural history. Guiding you through this journey is your host Ayl...
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Episode 45
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36:38
Episode 44: Drum Point Lighthouse
Step aboard a journey through time as we illuminate the remarkable tale of the Drum Point Lighthouse! Your host Ayla Sparks and guest Kevin Allor guide you through the immersive chronicles of this iconic beacon and the dedicated souls who tende...
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Episode 44
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44:00
Episode 43: Museum of Industry
Discover a treasure trove of history as your host Ayla Sparks, along with guest Jess Cragg, take you through the industrial evolution of Pensacola, Florida. Our episode unearths how the Industrial Revolution reshaped a fort town into a center o...
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Episode 43
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49:41
Episode 42: Car and Carriage Caravan Museum
On today’s episode, join host Ayla Sparks as she embarks on a captivating journey through the evolution of roadway travel at the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum in Luray, Virginia. Our guest, Rod Graves, takes us on a tour of this remarkable in...
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Episode 42
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23:02
Announcement: Curator's Choice is Back!
Curator’s Choice is back and better than ever! We're thrilled to unveil a fresh design, upgraded mic equipment, and an array of new museums and artifacts to share with you. Get ready for some upcoming highlights, including a visit to the Poozeu...
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3:57
Episode 41: Shenandoah Heritage Village Museum
Continuing our trek in Luray, Virginia, I meet with Isabela Graves from the Shenandoah Heritage Village Museum. She shares the incredible work she and her husband have been doing to preserve the history of the valley, and some truly spectacular...
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Episode 41
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25:38