In this episode, Steve Gibson and Eric Krupa will be discussing St. Charles's role in the Underground Railroad, including some new information Eric has discovered. Brought to you by the Saint Charles History Museum in Saint Charles, Illinois.

Guests Nancy Brejc and Jan Heine join Steve Gibson to talk about Col. Baker's record-setting trotter, Greyhound on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Greyhound's death. Includes Greyhound's 1935 Hambletonian win, his record-setting mile time, and his life after racing. Nancy and Jan detail their efforts to save Greyhound's magnificent stall and transport it to the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen, NY.

Dean Milano, musician, writer, and all -around music man, joins Eric and Steve on this podcast to talk about music in St. Charles, as well as all of the history in music in Chicago. Dean’s musical journey dates back to the mid-60s and he’s been in over 75 bands. He’s the author of “The Chicago Music Scene: 60s and 70s”. He’s also a toy and plastic model collector. Fasten your seat belts because this podas is going to cover a LOT of ground! Enjoy!

Steve Darnall, host of “Those Were The Days” on WDCB (90.9 FM), and publisher of the Nostalgia Digest (http://nostalgiadigest.com), talks about the beginnings of radio in Chicago. It’s the 100th anniversary of WLS, and Steve and your hosts, Steve Gibson and Eric Krupa, talk about the linkage between St. Charles and the burgeoning radio scene of the 1920s.

Chicago Urban Historian Shermann Dilla Thomas (https://chicagomahogany.com) joins your hosts to discuss the story of John Maxon who survived a horrific Civil War injury and moved to St. Charles, where he lived the rest of his life. They also discuss the Underground Railroad in St. Charles.

Longtime St. Charles resident and Professional Magician Terry Evanswood stops by the museum and visits Steve and Eric to talk about fulfilling his boyhood dream to become a professional museum. Also, learn about his mentors, like Marshall Brodein, Roy Brown, and even Bozo! Learn more about his record-breaking career in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and more! Special thanks to guitarist Jim Green for the use of "Vincent"

Former on-air announcers for WGSB/WFXW in Geneva, St. Cahrles, and Batavia - Brian Henry and Jon Morgan - stop in to discuss the history of local radion station WGSB/WFXW 1480AM.

Bill Robinson is a 3rd generation hammered dulcimer player living in St. Charles, Illinois. Known for his upbeat playing style, and unique dulcimer traditions handed down from generation to generation, Robinson is a master of the instrument. Bill Robinson has been playing for over 60 years and formed the band Bill Robinson & Friends in 1980. He has also taught hundreds of students how to play the instrument and continues to teach new students. Bill has played with many of the great in Country and Blue Grass music, and has appeared on the Grand OIe Opry in Nashville. He played in Roy Acuff’s band, as well as being a session musician for many other artists. Bill’s appearance on the History Chronicle podcast kicks off our Music in St. Charles series leading up to our special exhibit in 2024. Stay tuned!

Master Gardener Mary Lynn Swanson joins your host for a discussion of the project she has developed for the St. Charles history Museum. The Kane County Master Gardeners are creating a new landscaping motif for the Museum, incorporating many 1933 gardening ideas in celebration of the History Museum’s 90th Anniversary. Mary Lynn is also currently the Vice President for the Museum.

We discuss the links between St. Charles and the 1933 Chicago World's Fair with an emphasis on the Homes Of Tomorrow exhibit at the Chcago World's Fair

Bob remembers growing up in St. Charles, Illinois in the 1950s, as well as his time in the Navy and working with his brother and father as a jeweler.

College of DuPage Archeology Professor Dr. Dale F. Simpson, Jr talks with the St. Charles History Chronicle about prehistoric human populations in Illinois. Learn how the end of the most recent Ice Age period more than 13,000 years ago led to the first great human immigration into the Fox Valley area.

Join Steve and Eric as they discuss the new DuKane Archives at the St. Charles History Museum with DuKane Corporation Archivist, John O'Toole, Large Equipment Tooling Engineering Manager.

Steve and Eric discuss the people and dates surrounding the founding of St. Charles, including the confusion over when a town becomes a village becomes a city. And Steve Martin joins Steve Gibson to discuss the early days of the St. Charles History Museum.

Steve and Eric welcome listeners to the first podcast from the St. Charles History Museum. Learn more about Collections Manager Erik Krupa and his work on maintaining the collections at the St. Charles History Museum. Also learn about current and upcoming exhibits and special events at the Museum and around St. Charles.