logo
episode-header-image
Nov 2024
25m 15s

Memory Palace Week: Hercules Posey and G...

JODY AVIRGAN & RADIOTOPIA
About this episode

**It's the Radiotopia fundraiser! We can only make this show with your support. Give now and help support This Day and all the independent shows at Radiotopia. Thank you! https://www.radiotopia.fm/donate**

All this week, we're joined by Nate DiMeo of The Memory Palace to talk about his new book, his long-running podcast, and the art of history storytelling.

Today: Jody, Niki, Kellie and Nate discuss the story of Hercules Posey, a man enslaved by George Washington, how it complicates Washington's legacy, and how the missing pieces of Posey's story can still add up to create a powerful legacy.

Be sure to get your copy of Nate's new book "The Memory Palace" now! 

Sign up for our newsletter! Get your hands on This Day merch!

Find out more at thisdaypod.com

This Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.

Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.

If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.com

Get in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, or just want to say hello. Follow us on social @thisdaypod

Our team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich is our Executive Producer at Radiotopia


Up next
Jul 8
The Mormon King Of Beaver Island (1850)
It's July 7th. This day in 1850, a man by the name of James Strang has proclaimed himself the true inheritor of the Mormon church -- and set up a colony on Beaver Island in Michigan.Jody, NIki, and Kellie discuss a time of religious awakening in America, how Strang convinced his ... Show More
20m 9s
Jul 6
How America250 Is Coming Together (Part 2)
We continue our conversation about the America250 celebrations planned for 2026 -- which are kicking off in earnest this July 4th. We know a lot about who is tasked with putting this celebration together, and what that may indicate.The big news is that we are announcing the launc ... Show More
24 m
Jul 3
America250 Is Here, Are You Ready?
Hello and happy 4th of July! (One day early) America's 250th birthday is next year, but the celebration is, in many ways, kicking off this week. Jody, Niki, and Kellie discuss why the 250th will be such a key moment for understanding US history, how the Trump administration is al ... Show More
41m 37s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2021
Episode 182: The Surfmen
The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit public media company. If you’d like to directly support this show and independent media, you can make a donat ... Show More
18m 25s
Nov 2024
Nate DiMeo and Pablo Torre Find Out
Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House.The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of P ... Show More
47m 17s
Dec 2024
Nate on Atlas Obscura
Order The Memory Palace book now, dear listener. On Bookshop.org, on Amazon.com, on Barnes & Noble, or directly from Random House.The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of P ... Show More
23m 7s
Dec 2019
A Conversation About the Memory Palace with Robert Krulwich
It’s Radiotopia fundraiser time! Once a year, we reach out to ask our listeners to donate to the network that makes this show possible. Make your mark by making a donation at Radiotopia.fm/donate today! Here’s a very special episode of The Memory Palace in which Nate talks to CER ... Show More
39m 42s
Jul 2021
Episode 183: Goblins
The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit public media company. If you’d like to directly support this show and independent media, you can make a donat ... Show More
14m 1s
Jul 2021
Episode 184: Betty Robinson
The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit public media company. If you’d like to directly support this show and independent media, you can make a donat ... Show More
25m 18s
Aug 2024
Lafayette: The Marquis and the American Revolution
Why did an aristocratic French man fight for American freedom? How influential was Lafayette? And what did he do on his return visit to the United States 200 years ago this year?Don is joined by Chuck Schwam, Executive Director of the American Friends of Lafayette. You can find m ... Show More
26m 19s
Dec 2021
Nate's Favorite Episode of 2021: Betty Robinson
The Memory Palace is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX. Radiotopia is a collective of independently owned and operated podcasts that’s a part of PRX, a not-for-profit public media company. If you’d like to directly support this show and independent media, you can make a donat ... Show More
27m 9s
Nov 2023
The Gettysburg Address
What makes the Gettysburg Address one of the most famous speeches in history? Did Lincoln really write it on the train? How did the audience in the Soldiers' National Cemetery respond? In this episode, Don is joined once again by Glenn LaFantasie to examine the words, circumstanc ... Show More
31m 53s
May 21
567. The Great Northern War: Murder in Moscow (Part 4)
What were the consequences of Peter the Great’s mighty victory over Sweden at the Battle of Poltova in 1707? How great was the impact of his reign upon Russia overall, and was he responsible for turning it into one of Europe’s greatest powers? What occurred during the later years ... Show More
1h 7m