Worth a Listen: 10 Podcasts for Folks Who Love Local History

Written By Barney Smith

By Joshua Smith

Some folks collect old postcards. Some read town reports for fun. Some can’t pass a historical marker without slowing down just a bit. This week’s podcast picks are for readers who like the stories hiding in old buildings, back roads, family lore, forgotten industries, and the strange little corners of New England.

1. New England Legends
A natural fit for our area. Jeff Belanger and Ray Auger explore folklore, ghosts, roadside oddities, history, true crime, and local legends from around New England.

2. The Brattleboro Historical Society Podcast
A Vermont-made choice. This weekly local history podcast has been produced with the Brattleboro Historical Society and Brattleboro Area Middle School, sharing stories from the town’s past.

3. Stuff You Missed in History Class
Good for readers who enjoy the “I never knew that” side of history. The show covers overlooked people, events, customs, and moments that often get skipped in school.

4. American History Tellers
This one is for folks who like a story with some sweep to it. It takes major chapters of American history and tells them in a dramatic, accessible way.

5. The Rest Is History
A very popular history show, and currently listed at the top of Apple’s U.S. History podcast chart. It is conversational, wide-ranging, and often funny.

6. Dan Snow’s History Hit
A good choice for listeners who like expert guests and a steady mix of ancient, medieval, military, royal, and modern history. Apple’s current History chart also places it among the top shows in the category.

7. Ben Franklin’s World
Perfect for early American history fans. It digs into the people, ideas, and everyday life of early America.

8. Lore
For readers who enjoy history with a shiver to it, Lore blends folklore, old tales, and unsettling true stories.

9. Throughline
This NPR show connects current issues to their historical roots, which makes it a strong pick for anyone who likes context behind the headlines.

10. Family Lore
For those who believe every family has at least one story worth saving, this show is about memory, inheritance, and the tales passed down through generations. It is also appearing high on Apple’s current History chart.

And speaking of local stories worth hearing, The St. Johnsbury Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Outdoor Edge, hosted by Gary Moore, is also available as a podcast. Along with hunting, fishing, conservation, and rural life, Gary always works in a bit of local outdoor history, the kind of stories that remind you just how much is tucked into these hills and back roads. Find Outdoor Edge wherever you get podcasts and on the WYKR app.   


Barney Smith