Best Benjamin Briggs Podcasts (2026)

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A History of an American House with Lori Beth Finkelstein and Michelle Fitzgerald 51:12

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13h ago51:12

51:12

New year's greetings from PreserveCast! Today we're talking with Lori Beth Finkelstein and Michelle Fitzgerald from Johns Hopkins museums about Homewood Museum’s recently opened If Homewood’s Walls Could Talk: A History of an American House. Lori is the Philip Franklin Wagley Director & Curator of Johns Hopkins University’s Evergreen Museum & Libra…

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The History of New Year’s with Dr. Alexis McCrossen 43:00

8d ago43:00

43:00

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we await 2026 we're talking with Dr. Alexis McCrossen, an author and Professor of History at Southern Methodist University, who is now working on book about the history of New Year’s observances in the United States, tentatively titled, Time’s Touchstone: New Year’s in American Life. She is also th…

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Special Release The History of Santa Claus 19:38

16d ago19:38

19:38

On the last Monday before Christmas Day, the PreserveCast team brings you a special release on the history of Santa Claus. You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen . . . but what about the jolly old elf holding the reins? St. Nicholas, Old St. Nick, Sinterklaas, or simply Santa Claus. He’s gone by many names – but where does this rich and s…

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Digging Deeper with Julia Berg and Sarah Mason 58:00

22d ago58:00

58:00

Julia Berg and Sarah Mason are veteran Maryland public school educators and co-founders of Digging Deeper Educational Consulting, established in 2024. With nearly 30 years of combined classroom experience, they have taught middle school social studies, developed curriculum for elementary and middle grades, and led professional development at the sc…

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Preserving Nevada, a Conversation with Dr. Paige Figanbaum 44:03

30d ago44:03

44:03

Today we're joined by Dr. Paige Figanbaum, executive director of Nevada Preservation Foundation (NPF), to discuss Nevada's landscape, the "Endangered Sites” list, and the preservation of the Howard Hughes House. Prior to her current role at NPF, she served as lead historian and program manager for the organization’s Home + History Las Vegas festiva…

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Historic Preservation and the New Deal with Dr. Stephanie Gray 46:39

1M ago46:39

46:39

Today we're joined by Dr. Stephanie Gray, discussing how the New Deal shaped history through politically driven commemoration and her new book, Restoring America: Historic Preservation and the New Deal. Dr. Gray earned her B.A. in History from Mount Holyoke College and both M.A. in Public History and Ph.D. in U.S. History from the University of Sou…

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Unwrapping the Story of Mrs. Claus with Pamela McColl 35:43

1M ago35:43

35:43

Are you starting to get into the holiday spirit? In this episode, we’re joined by Pamela McColl—award-winning author, publisher, and historian of Christmas tradition. Since the 1990s, McColl has worked through her own publishing company to bring books of social and historical significance to readers. Her latest work, Wondrous Mrs. Claus: A Literary…

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Reimagining Preservation Education with Benjamin Prosky and Will Hamilton 46:10

2M ago46:10

46:10

Today we're joined by Benjamin Prosky and Will Hamilton of the Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation to discuss the organization's latest report on the State of American Historic Preservation Education, calling for rebranding, resilience, and workforce growth. More here: https://www.jenrette.org/archive/preservationeducationreport…

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The Revolution in Context with Richard Bell 48:10

2M ago48:10

48:10

Historian Richard Bell received his PhD from Harvard University and his BA from the University of Cambridge. His research explores American history between 1750 and 1877, uncovering the people, politics, and paradoxes that shaped the early republic. Bell’s newest book, The American Revolution and the Fate of the World (Penguin/Riverhead, 2025), has…

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Finding Ella Briggs with Despina Stratigakos and Elana Shapira 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

Today we're joined by Despina Stratigakos and Elana Shapira about their new book, Finding Ella Briggs: The Life and Work of an Unconventional Architect. Ella Briggs was a talented architect, designer, and writer whose influence was felt on both sides of the Atlantic. She trained with the Viennese Secessionists and brought their radical ideas to Gil…

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Special Release: History of Witchcraft in Maryland 14:36

2M ago14:36

14:36

Although Salem is certainly the most famous American community to be beset by the mania of witchcraft, it was far from alone in its paranoia. On this special edition of PreserveCast, we're exploring the history of accusations of witchcraft and sorcery in Maryland. At this time of the year, as we look for opportunities to get the good shivers, we’d …

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Telling Harriet's Story with Alex Green 42:46

2M ago42:46

42:46

Today, ahead of Maryland Emancipation Day on November 1, we're joined by Alex Green, president and chief interpreter at the Harriet Tubman Freedom Center in Cambridge, Maryland, as well as founder of Harriet Tubman Tours. Come along as Alex discusses his work in education and heritage tourism.By Preservation Maryland

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Under Alien Skies: Environment, Suffering, and the Defeat of the British Military in Revolutionary America with Dr. Vaughn Scribner 43:35

3M ago43:35

43:35

Today we're talking with Dr. Vaughn Scribner about his book, Under Alien Skies: Environment, Suffering, and the Defeat of the British Military in Revolutionary America. Vaughn is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Central Arkansas. In addition to his latest book, he is also the author of Merpeople: A Human History (Reaktion Book…

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The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life with Senator Cory McCray 35:02

3M ago35:02

35:02

Cory McCray is a journeyman electrician, father of four, and public servant who proudly represents East and Northeast Baltimore in the Maryland State Senate. As the only member of the Maryland General Assembly to have completed a registered apprenticeship, he brings an unwavering commitment to expanding access, uplifting working families, and remov…

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Remembering Tom Moriarity: Why Preservation Matters 45:42

3M ago45:42

45:42

Today's episode is a re-release of an episode that originally aired in 2020 with guest Tom Moriarity, a legendary preservationist who passed away in late September. Tom was a pioneer in historic preservation, co-founding the Main Street program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which has since revitalized over 2,000 towns and generat…

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Opening Doors: Architecture, Design, and Built Heritage with Kevin Miller 35:50

3M ago35:50

35:50

By Preservation Maryland

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How to Make a Home: An Ancient Guide to Style and Comfort with Marden Fitzpatrick Nichols 41:43

3M ago41:43

41:43

Today we're joined by Marden Fitzpatrick Nichols, who selected, translated, and introduced a collection of ancient Roman writings about home design and decoration in How to Make a Home: An Ancient Guide to Style and Comfort (Princeton, 2025). Nicholas is particularly interested in how debates about the significance of art and architecture shaped an…

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Around the Table at MACo: Preservation, Policy & Maryland’s Future 1:17:06

4M ago1:17:06

1:17:06

Typically we're in studio 1:1 with our guests, but today's episode comes to you in different format. Join us on-site at the Maryland Association of Counties' annual conference where we pulled up a chair (and a mic) with policymakers, heritage area colleagues, Main Street advocates, county reps, elected officials, and fellow history lovers to swap s…

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A Timely Conversation with Carol Quillen as PastForward 2025 Begins 52:28

4M ago52:28

52:28

As preservationists from across the country gather for the PastForward 2025 conference, we’re reminded that our work—protecting and activating historic places and the stories they hold—is more important than ever. On this special release episode of PreserveCast, we welcome Carol Quillen, President & CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservati…

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Oysters, Origins, and the Chesapeake with Kate Livie 49:22

4M ago49:22

49:22

Kate Livie is a Chesapeake educator, writer and social historian whose work explores the Chesapeake’s culture, history, traditions and environment. Formerly the director of education and associate curator at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Livie serves as adjunct faculty in Chesapeake Studies at Washington College and as chairman of the maritim…

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Historic House Museums with Dr. Melissa Reid 40:46

4M ago40:46

40:46

Dr. Melissa Reid is the executive director of the Taylor House Museum, located in historic downtown Berlin, Maryland. Dr. Reid's doctoral research focused on community and artifactual literacies. Her work documented how historical stories of the local Black community were shared in the larger Berlin community. This research helps supports the missi…

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A Frank History of the Hot Dog with Jamie Loftus 36:37

5M ago36:37

36:37

Historic foodways is a fan-favorite topic here on the podcast (pretzels, pizza, and many others) so we're thrilled to have comedian, Emmy Award-nominated TV writer, podcaster, and author of Raw Dog, the Naked Truth About Hot Dogs, Jamie Loftus join us today! Jamie's book is a blend of travelogue, culinary history, and critique of capitalism, reveal…

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Piracy and Pirates on the Chesapeake Bay with Dr. Jamie Goodall 26:20

5M ago26:20

26:20

When you think of pirates – you may think of far-off warm islands and tropical beaches or perhaps your mind goes to modern-day piracy off the dangerous horn of Africa – but you probably don’t think of the brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. Dr. Jamie Goodall has spent years studying that very story – and ha…

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Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free with Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson 34:32

5M ago34:32

34:32

Today we're joined by journalist and author Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson, talking about her critically-acclaimed book, Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free, which came out in June of 2025 from Simon & Schuster. Named a New York Times Editors’ Choice, an Amazon Editor’s pick for Best History, and a must-read book featured in Oprah Daily, …

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The Smithsonian Folklife Festival x Historic Trades with Jordan Riggs 34:20

5M ago34:20

34:20

Today we're joined by The Campaign for Historic Trades' Recruitment and Outreach Manager Jordan Riggs to talk about the Smithsonian Folklife Festival and The Campaign's role in this year's event, spotlighting the value of careers, training, and education in historic trades. The Campaign for Historic Trades, like PreserveCast, is powered by Preserva…

Benjamin Briggs Podcasts

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Benjamin Briggs' Podcast

Benjamin Briggs

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PreserveCast

Preservation Maryland

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Jordan Benjamin

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A History of an American House with Lori Beth Finkelstein and Michelle Fitzgerald 51:12

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The History of New Year’s with Dr. Alexis McCrossen 43:00

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Special Release The History of Santa Claus 19:38

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Digging Deeper with Julia Berg and Sarah Mason 58:00

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Preserving Nevada, a Conversation with Dr. Paige Figanbaum 44:03

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Historic Preservation and the New Deal with Dr. Stephanie Gray 46:39

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Unwrapping the Story of Mrs. Claus with Pamela McColl 35:43

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Reimagining Preservation Education with Benjamin Prosky and Will Hamilton 46:10

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The Revolution in Context with Richard Bell 48:10

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Finding Ella Briggs with Despina Stratigakos and Elana Shapira 45:01

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Special Release: History of Witchcraft in Maryland 14:36

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Telling Harriet's Story with Alex Green 42:46

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Under Alien Skies: Environment, Suffering, and the Defeat of the British Military in Revolutionary America with Dr. Vaughn Scribner 43:35

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The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life with Senator Cory McCray 35:02

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Remembering Tom Moriarity: Why Preservation Matters 45:42

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Opening Doors: Architecture, Design, and Built Heritage with Kevin Miller 35:50

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How to Make a Home: An Ancient Guide to Style and Comfort with Marden Fitzpatrick Nichols 41:43

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Around the Table at MACo: Preservation, Policy & Maryland’s Future 1:17:06

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A Timely Conversation with Carol Quillen as PastForward 2025 Begins 52:28

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Oysters, Origins, and the Chesapeake with Kate Livie 49:22

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Historic House Museums with Dr. Melissa Reid 40:46

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A Frank History of the Hot Dog with Jamie Loftus 36:37

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Piracy and Pirates on the Chesapeake Bay with Dr. Jamie Goodall 26:20

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Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free with Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson 34:32

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The Smithsonian Folklife Festival x Historic Trades with Jordan Riggs 34:20