The Shenandoah Valley Radio Program is a monthly podcast sharing Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley history in a clear, narrative style that pays tribute to the golden age of radio. Host Hank Zimmerman interviews historians and researchers who provide authoritative insights into this unique region. For listeners near and far, these stories offer an entertaining, historically accurate way to understand the people and events that shaped the Valley within the larger context of American history. Presented by the Shenandoah County Historical Society.

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Author Michael McCray’s book, From Champlain to Pontchartrain, traces the history and culture of historic U. S. Route 11. When Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive were created, people who living in the Blue Ridge Mountains were displaced. What they gave up is now a national legacy.<ul><li>The Interview: Michael McCray describes how his book is a travelogue for Route 11, but it is also loaded with fascinating history, culture and stories discovered along the way.  </li><li>The Narrative: The people who long lived in the hollows and up on the ridges of the Blue Ridge had to give up their homes and communities to make way for a new national park. Having to leave was just part of what they suffered. But their legacy is a national treasure, one that generations continue to enjoy.</li><li>The History Moment: Just as Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive were opened to the public, what this meant for the local Valley economy was only beginning to sink in.</li></ul>

Historian and author Michael McCray’s book about U.S. Route 11: A road trip through history. People displaced from the Shenandoah Valley's Blue Ridge Mountains by a new national park  left a gift that keeps on giving.Historian and author Michael McCray’s book about U.S. Route 11: A road trip through history. People displaced from the Shenandoah Valley's Blue Ridge Mountains by a new national park left us a gift that keeps on giving.

Author Michael McCray’s book, From Champlain to Pontchartrain, traces the entire length of historic U.S. Route 11, a discovery of people and communities over three centuries of change. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are national treasures. But families and communities lived in those same mountains had to give up their homes to make way for the park.

Episode 13: Michael McCray: A Route 11 Road Trip - Shenandoah National Park & The people Who Came Before

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Karl Rhodes, Author of Peggy’s War, has released a new book. Susanna. Valley Folkways, Folklore, Traditions &amp; Culture are still a part of the Shenandoah Valley of today <ul><li>The Interview: Karl Rhodes’ latest book, Susanna, The True and Tragic Story of Susanna Heatwole Brunk Cooprider, follows his book about his great-great grandmother, Peggy Rhodes. </li><li>The Narrative: The Valley’s early folkway traditions and folklore have Scots Irish and German roots, and are also influenced by Civil War history. Today, they still help define the culture of the Valley</li><li>The History Moment: In the autumn of 1927, the Strasburg News announced a new book about Valley history by Dr. John A. Wayland, A History of Shenandoah County, Virginia. It remains in print as a major Valley history reference book. </li></ul>

A new book by historian Karl Rhodes tells the story about the hard life of a 19th Century Valley woman. The Valley’s early folkway traditions and folklore still influence its culture.

We talk with history researcher and author Karl Rhodes about his latest book. It’s a story about the long, hard life of a 19th Century Valley woman. And, a look at how early folkways, folklore and traditions still help define the Shenandoah Valley of today.

Episode 12: Karl Rhodes' “Susanna” & Valley Folkways, Folklore, Traditions & Culture

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The latest book by Valley historian Jonathan Noyalas features walking tours that bring Winchester, Virginia&#39;s complex Civil War story to life. Also: A look at the early days of radio broadcasting in the Shenandoah Valley.<ul><li>The Interview: Johnathan A. Noyalas&#39; new book, Winchester and the Civil War: A Walk through History is a guide for exploring a city where Civil War history still reverberates throughout its many historic streets, buildings and landscapes. </li><li>The Narrative: For the first time in history, the phonograph brought recorded music performances into living room. Radio expanded on that concept and ruled for many years. Some early Valley radio stations were early pioneers and many Valley radio performers went on to become legends.</li><li>The History Moment: During the 1920s, Shenandoah National Park was still under development and its lands were still being studied. To get a composite photo of the park, a cutting-edge technology was used: Aerial photography from an airplane</li></ul>

New book features Winchester Civil War walking tours, The Story of early radio stations and the people who stood behind the microphones to bring a new medium to life.

A new book brings historical Civil War walking tours to Winchester. Early Valley radio stations pioneered a new audio technology, early Valley radio performers rode the waves to fame and stardom.

Episode 11: Civil War Walking Tours in Winchester & Radio Broadcasting History in the Valley

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Description: Brocks Gap is tucked away in the mountains of northwest Rockingham County. It had been a “Gateway to the West” and has been the home of families living there for generations. Also: From Native American trails to today’s interstate highways: Valley transportation history.<ul><li>The Interview: Rockingham County historian Pat Turner Ritchie’s Brocks Gap family roots go back several generations. She’s spent a lifetime researching and archiving local history and is the driving force behind the annual Brocks Gap Heritage Day, an event that regularly draws visitors from over a dozen U.S. states.</li><li>The Narrative: The Shenandoah Valley has always been a major transportation route, running along Native American paths that early immigrant settlers, American pioneers and 19th century commerce would later follow. Travelers still use it today. The story of Valley Transportation history. </li><li>The History Moment: A raging 1924 fire in the town of Boyce, Virginia, had taken out local businesses and was threatening several other buildings. Then the wind suddenly changed direction and gave firefighters the break they desperately needed.</li></ul>

Brocks Gap: Gateway to the West, The Story of Shenandoah Valley Transportation

Historian Pat Turner Ritchie discusses Brocks Gap history. Early transportation routes through the Valley followed Native American paths. Travelers still follow them today.

Episode 10: Brocks Gap & A History of Shenandoah Valley Transportation

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Description: There were two waves of German Immigration in the Valley during the 1700s and 1800s. Germans brought a way of life to the Valley that is still evident today. Also: The French and Indian War was a global conflict but early Valley settlers endured its terrible effect. But it also helped form George Washington as a military and national leader<ul><li>The Interview: The Frontier Culture Museum&#39;s Dorette Sobolewski discusses early German immigration in the Shenandoah Valley. Born and raised in Germany, she now lives in the Valley and provides her own, unique perspective.</li><li>The Narrative: The French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years War, was about France and England fighting over what had been Native American lands. For a young George Washington, it was a prelude to his leadership in the fight for American independence, as Native American raiders were bringing the war home to Valley frontier settlers.</li><li>The History Moment: The Valley is celebrating Independence Day during this year&#39;s America 250. What were the American Centennial festivities like in Harrisonburg, Va. on July 4th, 1876?</li></ul>

Early German Immigration in the Valley, The French and Indian War

Dorette Sobolewski talks about early German immigration in the Shenandoah Valley. The French and Indian War was a global conflict, and while it terrorized the lives of frontier settlers, it also gave George Washington what he would need to lead a new nation.

Episode 9: Early German Immigration & The French and Indian War

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Description: The Great Awakening movements of the 1700s and 1800s transformed religious life in the Shenandoah Valley and in America. They are being still felt today. Also: Iron Furnaces in the Shenandoah Valley once boomed, but not before devastating vast areas of Valley forest land.<ul><li>The Interview: Nathan Stalvey gives insights into the two Great Awakening religious movements that occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries. The impact of the transformative changes they brought about in America is still being felt today.</li><li>The Narrative: The old, stone iron-making furnaces that once served a booming Valley industry can still be seen here and there throughout the Valley. They played a part in the Revolutionary War, but they also devastated Valley forest land, which ultimately help lead to their own demise. </li><li>The History Moment: “Cousin Ben” steals the show at an 1871 concert in Front Royal, Virginia.</li></ul>

The two Great Awakenings, Shenandoah Valley Iron Furnaces

Nathan Stalvey discusses 18th &amp; 19th century Great Awakening religious movements. Their impact is still felt today. And while Iron Furnaces in the Shenandoah Valley once boomed, they also devastated vast areas of forest land.

Episode 8: The Great Awakenings & Valley Iron Furnaces

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Description: The Battle of New Market was one of the most unique engagements of the Civil War: In 1864, 257 young Virginia Military Institute cadets were forced into a pivotal role on the front lines of the battlefield. We also explore the broader context of Shenandoah Valley Civil War History.<ul><li>The Interview: Sarah M. Hebert, assistance site manager and educator at the Virginia Museum of the Civil War shares her insights about a battle that has been called, &#34;Field of Lost Shoes.&#34;</li><li>The Narrative: A comprehensive look at the Civil War history in the Shenandoah Valley, exploring the strategic importance of what had been the &#34;Breadbasket of the Confederacy.&#34;</li><li>The History Moment: &#34;Automobilists&#34; stir up a 1905 &#34;share the road&#34; controversy in Staunton, Virginia&#39;s Gypsy Hill Park.</li></ul>

The Field of Lost Shoes, Civil War history in the Shenandoah Valley

Historian Sarah M. Hebert talks about the Battle of New Market, where teenage VMI cadets fought shoulder to shoulder with seasoned regulars. We also explore the entire history of the Civil War in the Valley.	

Episode 7: Battle of New Market & Valley Civil War History

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Weeks, Professor of Botany at George Mason University and Director of the Ted R. Bradley Herbarium. Dr. Weeks shares how her own research led her to the story of a remarkable Valley native.Highlights of this episode:<ul><li>The Trailblazing Lena Artz: Originally a Valley school teacher in the 1930s, Lena Artz followed her passion to become a professional botanist. We explore her life as an independent woman who navigated significant gender-related barriers to make vital scientific discoveries in the Massanutten Mountains.</li><li>Cyrus McCormick – Inventor or Innovator?: A look at the man behind the mechanical reaper. Was his true genius in the invention itself, or in the business innovations that changed agriculture forever?</li></ul> Join us as we bridge the gap between 20th-century botanical history and the industrial innovations that shaped the Shenandoah Valley.

Uncovering the botanical legacy of pioneer Lena Artz and the business genius of Cyrus McCormick.

In this episode, Dr. Andrea Weeks discusses the remarkable life of Lena Artz, a 1930s Valley school teacher who defied gender barriers to become a pioneering professional botanist. We also take a closer look at Cyrus McCormick to ask: was his true legacy the invention of the reaper, or his genius as a business innovator?

Episode 6: Andrea Weeks: Lena Artz, Botanical Pioneer & The McCormick Legacy

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Description: Can you dig it? Explore the Valley’s hidden history with Mike Kehoe, from Native American artifacts to Civil War archaeology. Plus, the story of Claudius Crozet’s 19th century, “crazy” engineering feat: boring a mile-long rail tunnel through solid Blue Ridge rock.Explore the Valley’s hidden history with Mike Kehoe, from Native American artifacts to Civil War archaeology. Plus, the story of Claudius Crozet’s 19th century, “crazy” engineering feat: boring a mile-long rail tunnel through solid Blue Ridge rock.<ul><li>The Interview: Mike Kehoe grew up on a Shenandoah Valley farm discovering Native American and Civil War artifacts in plowed fields. Having participated in his first official archaeological dig at age 14, he has dedicated his life to Valley history, working with the Archaeological Society of Virginia, the VA Dept. of Historic Resources, and the U.S. Park Service.</li><li>The Narrative: The idea of boring a rail tunnel nearly a mile through hard Blue Ridge Mountain rock seemed impossible in the mid-1800s. It took the engineering genius of Claudius Crozet to prove the skeptics wrong. Today, the Blue Ridge Tunnel is a premier destination for hikers and history buffs alike.</li><li>The History Moment: Dispatches from the archives of old Valley newspapers.</li></ul>

A Lifetime of Archaeological Discoveries and Crozet’s 19th century engineering genius beneath the Blue Ridge.

Explore the Valley’s hidden history with Mike Kehoe, from Native American artifacts to Civil War relics. Plus, the story of Claudius Crozet’s “crazy” 19th century engineering feat: blasting a nearly mile-long rail tunnel through solid Blue Ridge rock.

Episode 5: Valley Archaeology & The Marvelous Crozet Tunnel

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Historical assumptions have long existed about how enslaved people in the Shenandoah Valley actually had lived. But do they tell the real story? After Emancipation, the Readjuster Party was a brief, but major force in Virginia politics during the 1800s and an early champion of civil rights.<ul><li>The Interview: Shenandoah University history professor and author Jonathan Noyalas talks about his book, Slavery in the Shenandoah Valley During the Civil War Era. It examines Black History in the Valley, from enslavement to Emancipation.</li><li>The Narrative: What was the Virginia Readjuster Party all about? How these late 19th century progressives helped shape today&#39;s political parties in Virginia.</li><li>The History Moment: Dispatches from the archives of old Valley newspapers.</li></ul>

Black history and post-Civil War racial politics in the Valley.

Black History Month: Enslavement to Freedom -- Black history and post-Civil War racial politics in the Valley.

Episode 4: Black History Month: Enslavement to Freedom in the Valley

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Description: Meet “Dunmore’s Nemesis” and the “Last Men Standing” as we dive deep into the history of soldiers who secured Virginia’s soil during the American Revolution.<ul><li>The Interview: Historian and author Gabe Neville discusses his work The Last Men Standing, providing a definitive look at the 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolution.</li><li>The Narrative: A profile of Andrew Lewis, the frontier hero who led American patriots to oust the last vestiges of British rule from Virginia.</li><li>The History Moment: Dispatches from the archives of old Valley newspapers.</li></ul>

Meet the frontier hero Andrew Lewis and explore the “Last Men Standing” of the American Revolution’s 8th Virginia Regiment.

Meet “Dunmore’s Nemesis” and the “Last Men Standing” as we dive deep into the history of soldiers who secured Virginia’s soil during the American Revolution.

Episode 3: Andrew Lewis & The 8th Virginia

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Description: From the tough frontiersmen of the Revolution to the “Underground Railroad” of the Civil War, we examine the courage that defines the Shenandoah Valley.<ul><li>The Interview: Author Karl Rhodes discusses his book Peggy’s War, the true story of his great-great-grandmother Margaret “Peggy” Rhodes and her secret farm “depot” during the Civil War.</li><li>The Narrative: During this America 250 year, we profile Daniel Morgan—a national hero who never forgot his Valley roots.</li><li>﻿The History Moment: Dispatches from the archives of old Valley newspapers.</li></ul>

From the Revolutionary bravery of Daniel Morgan to the secret “Underground Railroad” depot of Peggy Rhodes.

From the tough frontiersmen of the Revolution to the “Underground Railroad” of the Civil War, we examine the courage that defines the Shenandoah Valley.

Episode 2: Daniel Morgan & Peggy’s War

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Description:There is more to explore about the life of Woodstock, Virginia’s own Revolutionary hero than “To everything, there is a season...” And a modern-day effort to preserve the history of a small Shenandoah Valley town.<ul><li>The Interview: Ann Wallinger of the Mount Jackson Museum joins us to discuss a major new book project documenting the generations of history in Mount Jackson, Virginia.</li><li>The Narrative: We look beyond the legendary 1776 sermon to uncover the full life of John Peter Gabriel Muhlenberg, a man of deep conviction and military grit.</li><li>﻿The History Moment: Dispatches from the archives of old Valley newspapers.</li></ul>

Discover the military legacy of Woodstock’s “Fighting Parson” and a mission to preserve Mount Jackson’s town history.

There is more to explore about the life of Woodstock, Virginia’s own Revolutionary hero than “To everything, there is a season...”  And a modern-day effort to preserve the history of a small Shenandoah Valley town.

Episode 1: The Seasons of Peter Muhlenberg

Shenandoah Valley History Is America’s History

A monthly podcast sharing the history of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley in a narrative style that pays tribute to classic radio broadcasting. Host Hank Zimmerman interviews historians and authors to explore the people, places, and events that shaped this historic region. Presented by the Shenandoah County Historical Society