On June 19th, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved persons were free. Slavery was ended. On the latest episode of the Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how slavery ended in the United States and how people began to celebrate Juneteenth (June 19th) as America's second Independence Day. Visit…

June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces invaded Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass explains the causes of World War II, gives a brief history of the war including the significance of D-Day, and tells how the world changed as a result of the war. Visit our web…

In 1938, as war clouds built in Europe, the popular American singer Kate Smith debuted a song written by the successful songwriter Irving Berlin. That song was "God Bless America," which has become an American classic. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass surveys Berlin's life and tells how the song has encouraged generations of Am…

Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 short story "The Great Stone Face" is the fictional account of how the geological formation of the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire inspired a boy to pursue the worthy and noble things of life. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how the story is also a reminder to Christians to "fix our ey…

During World War II, over a million soldiers trained for combat in Europe by taking part in maneuvers in Tennessee. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses how the maneuvers took place and what they meant for the soldiers and for the residents of the counties and towns of Tennessee where they happened. Read a transcript and get links to more …

Following World War II, the nations of Europe lay devastated. The threat of Communist invasion was real. Just as the United States came to the aid of Europe during World War II, the U.S. provided assistance to the Europeans after the war to help them rebuild and maintain their freedom. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass describes…

God places a beautiful young woman in a position of influence. She risks her own life to save her entire people group from merciless execution. The book of Esther in the Old Testament gives the background for the Jewish feast of Purim, which takes place later this month. In this Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of Esther and …

In a time and place where racial tensions were high, one woman followed her faith in Jesus and made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of people. In this podcast, Ray Notgrass tells about this woman and how she impacted his life and how her legacy continues to change people's lives. Read the transcript and explore more resources: https:…

On December 1, 1955, the courageous act by a simple, quiet, private citizen changed America. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the story of Rosa Parks, including many details you might not have heard before. Listen to learn about the person many have called the mother of the modern civil rights movement. Read the transcrip…

Congress is the branch of the federal government that enacts the laws of our land. The House and the Senate follow Constitutional guidelines, laws that Congress itself has passed, and rules and traditions that have developed over many years. On this 50th Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the inner workings of our national legislatur…

The relationship between Christians and the secular government has been filled with tension since the early days of the church. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass examines Paul's teaching in Romans 13 to see what Scripture says about the issue. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental v…

The story of the birth of Jesus that the Bible tells is a story of God's plan, His intervention in our world, and the lives of those involved who, like us, were forever changed. In this episode, Ray Notgrass considers the meaning of the birth of Christ, how it impacted those who were directly affected by it, and how it continues to impact the world…

In an election, voters are deluged with candidates' biographies and their positions on multiple issues. But one characteristic stands out as more important than any of that. In this episode, Ray Notgrass shares some Biblical principles about character that should influence whom we support in next year's election. Find more resources at Homeschool H…

The Thanksgiving holiday encourages us to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives. In his latest podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his personal story about his health challenges this year and why he is especially thankful at Thanksgiving. Explore More Resources https://notgrass.com/EHP046 Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https:/…

How can high school students be motivated to learn about government and to help make our country more just? On the latest Exploring History podcast, author Ray Notgrass talks about his long standing interest in government and politics and discusses the Exploring Government curriculum from Notgrass. Learn more about Exploring Government: https://not…

We hear a lot of economic numbers in the news: inflation rises, unemployment falls, the stock market goes up and down, and more. What does it all mean? In this episode, Ray Notgrass takes a look at some of the most important economic indicators to help you understand what you're hearing in the news. Find resources for further study at Homeschool Hi…

A big reason behind the economic world in which we live is international trade. On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass examines the development and international impact of the humble sea container, otherwise known as the Box. Watch a video of a container ship transiting the Suez Canal and learn more about international trade at Homescho…

Can science and faith coexist? On this episode of Exploring History, Ray Notgrass looks at the remarkable life, work, and faith of internationally-renowned transplant surgeon, Nobel Prize recipient, and man of humble Christian faith, Dr. Joseph Murray. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, fiel…

Of all the books you might read and study, the Bible is the most important. Ray Notgrass shares perspectives on the inspiration and authority of the Bible and why it is the most powerful book you can ever read. Find more resources at Homeschool History: https://notgrass.com/2JKJC Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.co…

An old saying goes, "The child is father to the man." In other words, childhood experiences influence who adults are and what they do. In this episode, producer Titus Anderson interviews Ray and Charlene Notgrass about how their childhoods in the 1950s and 1960s influenced how and why they became writers of history curriculum. Homeschool curriculum…

Every parent is strongly influenced by his or her own childhood. In this episode, producer Titus Anderson interviews Ray and Charlene Notgrass about how their childhoods in the 1950s and 1960s influenced how they homeschooled their children in the 1990s. Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP039…

Life in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s had its share of blessings and challenges. On the next Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass interviews his wife, Charlene Notgrass, about her experience growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and …

What was life like for a child growing up in the 1950s and 1960s in small town America? In this Exploring History podcast episode, Ray Notgrass shares some memories from his growing up years. Take a trip down Memory Lane to those thrilling days of yesteryear to realize what we have lost, and what we have gained. Explore more resources about the 195…

Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person who became a leading spokesman for the abolition of slavery before the Civil War. In a speech Douglass delivered in 1852, he challenged Americans to think about the inconsistency of being the land of the free while practicing slavery. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the …

Jerry Locke was the high school history teacher who had a major influence on Ray Notgrass. Mr. Locke recently passed away. On today's Exploring History podcast, Ray offers a tribute to the man who taught him how to teach history. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other reso…

Immigration is a difficult issue to sort out. It has numerous aspects and affects many people. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass looks at the history of immigration in America and discusses some of the current difficulties we face in our country. He also tells why immigration holds special meaning for him. Explore resources rela…

The latest Exploring History podcast features encouraging talks by Ray and Charlene Notgrass for homeschool graduates. Congratulations, grads and parents! Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP033&cat=&b=&cs=1677527128350x482700767275253760 Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https…

It's the time of year when parents are deciding what their children's education will look like in the next school year. On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his thoughts about homeschooling, especially for dads. Explore more resources at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP032&cat=&b=&cs=1677527…

Acts chapter 17 tells us about Paul's sermon before the Areopagus in Athens, Greece. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass tells how that sermon explained to the Athenians the God whom they did not know, and how knowing Him could help them understand the world He had made and His plan for salvation in Jesus Christ. Find more resourc…

On the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the single most important event in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The resurrection is the culmination of what God had done throughout the history of Israel. It gives meaning and purpose and hope to every one who believes in this truth. Explore more resources at Homesc…

The world into which Jesus came is vastly different from the world in which we live today. The main reason for this difference is the way that followers of Christ have changed the world because of the way Jesus has changed them. This episode looks at how followers of the Christian faith have transformed the world. Find resources for further study a…

Many people know the verse "to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8). But what does living out that verse look like in dealing with a convicted murderer who has turned her life around? In this episode, Ray Notgrass discusses a real-life case when a state governor tried to apply that verse in one of the most dif…

George Washington Carver was a man of remarkable talents, a continuing drive always to learn more, and a deep Christian faith. On the latest Exploring History with Ray Notgrass podcast, we'll survey the life, accomplishments, and influence of this man of God. Find resources for further study at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/…

Dr. Jonathan Den Hartog is a homeschool dad who has used Notgrass History curriculum in his family. In this conversation with John Notgrass, he shares ideas about how to teach history to our children and how to prepare them for studying history in college and beyond. Dr. Den Hartog is Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Samford Univ…

The events of a single year can have a profound impact in history. In this episode, Ray Notgrass reviews the dramatic events of 1968 and tells how those events impacted American history. Find videos and other resources related to this episode at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP025 Homeschool curriculum and resource…

Galatians 4:4-5 says that Jesus was born "in the fullness of time." Several streams of history came together when Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. The latest Exploring History podcast explains how Jesus came "in the fullness of time." Find resources for further study at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/search?q=EHP024 H…

After the Civil War, Fisk University offered formerly enslaved persons the opportunity for an education to help them have productive lives as free citizens. The Fisk Jubilee Singers showcased the students' talent and spread a message of faith and hope around the country and around the world. Over 150 years later, the university and the Singers are …

You’ve probably heard a lot about the historic origins of the American Thanksgiving observance. It’s a story our country can be proud of, and a tradition we should honor and support. In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass shares some amazing true stories that remind us to give thanks not just on Thanksgiving Day but to be thankful al…

The Berlin Wall came down in early November of 1989. Many people have discussed the political and economic factors involved in what happened, but in this podcast, Ray Notgrass discusses the role that prayer played in that dramatic event. Listen and find supplemental links at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/berlin-wall…

Religious faith is vitally important in our country’s history. The desire for the freedom of religious expression was the motivation for the founding of several of the English colonies. Founding Father John Adams said about the new Constitution, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the governm…

Pierre Boucher was a leading citizen of the colony of New France. At one point, he was credited with saving the colony. His great-grandson, Timothy Demonbreun, was a leading citizen of Nashville, Tennessee. Learn their stories and more about the French presence in North America in this episode. Find more resources about New France at Homeschool His…

Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history. In this episode, Ray Notgrass discusses her life and reign and shares his personal connections with Her Majesty's Britain. Find links to more resources about Queen Elizabeth II at Homeschool History: https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/tribute-to-queen-elizabeth-ii Homes…

In this podcast, Ray Notgrass tells the dramatic story of Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol and their recovery from the Ebola virus in 2014. It's a story of faith, courage, selfless service, and answered prayer. Kent Brantly Interview https://app.homeschoolhistory.com/resource/kent-brantly-interview 10 Questions with Kent Brantly, M.D. https://ap…

In this podcast, Ray Notgrass shares his love of reading and how books have enriched his life. He talks about what books do for us and encourages students and adults to be lifetime readers. Homeschool curriculum and resources for all ages: https://notgrass.com/ Supplemental videos, field trips, and other resources: https://homeschoolhistory.com/ En…

Sir Douglas Nicholls was a leader among the aboriginal people of Australia in the 20th century. He was a star athlete, devoted Christian, leader in the campaign for civil rights, and the first member of the first nations of Australia to be appointed governor of a state. Sir Douglas Nicholls only stood 5 feet 2 inches tall, but in athletics, faith, …

In the latest Exploring History podcast, Ray Notgrass takes on the process of reapportionment of the seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and the mysterious, sometimes comical, often frustrating, deeply political process known as redistricting of electoral districts. If you need a bit more light on these subjects, listen to Exploring History …

In 1958 the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S. Navy's Nautilus, made a daring journey underwater at the North Pole. That journey, led by Captain William Anderson, demonstrated American technology and boosted American prestige around the world. Hear the story of this history-making event. Find more resources about the Nautilus: https:…

The Declaration of Independence and the American revolutionary movement began a story that is still being written. It’s a work in progress and likely always will be, just as we all are. Even so, the United States is unlike any other country in the history of the world. This country has enabled greater political, personal, economic, and religious fr…

Do you want to face today and tomorrow with hope? Then study the past. The way to where we are hasn’t come without a price, and there has certainly been loss, but much has happened that is right and good. We see countless examples of this in history, and we have a promise of the ultimate victory of right from the One who put this world into motion …

Do you wonder if homeschooled children can succeed? Two parents who homeschooled their four lively children prove that they can succeed. They can even soar. One of them might even become president of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt Sr. and his wife, Martha, made a conscious decision to homeschool their children in the middle of the 19th centu…