JOHN HORRIGAN
HISTORICAL LECTURE AUDIO CATALOGUE




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HISTORICAL LECTURE RECORDINGS




BROAD STREET RIOT AND URSULINE CONVENT FIRE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 24th, 2010 for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown, MA. Running Time is 58 minutes (50 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 17th, 2010 for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Lynn, MA. Running Time is 20 minutes (17 MB).


BROAD STREET RIOT AND URSULINE CONVENT FIRE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 24th, 2010 for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown, MA. Running Time is 58 minutes (50 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 17th, 2010 for the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Lynn, MA. Running Time is 20 minutes (17 MB).


GREAT FIRES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on February 23rd, 2010 for the Lincoln Minutemen. Running Time is 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on February 12th, 2010 for the Canton Catholic Women's Club. Running Time is 58 minutes (50 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on February 8th, 2010 at the Marblehead Jewish Community Center for the Marblehead Low Vision Group. Running Time is 53 minutes (49 MB).


GREAT SHIPWRECKS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on February 2nd, 2010 at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, Mass. for the Lincoln Minutemen. Running Time is 54 minutes (49 MB).


THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE (ABRIDGED) right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on December 14th, 2009 at the Jimmy's Steerhouse in Arlington for the Cambridge Low Vision Group. Running Time is 9 minutes and 27 seconds (9 MB).


AMELIA EARHART - WHERE ARE YOU? right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 20th, 2009 at the Medford Council on Aging for the Medford Low Vision Group and the Cambridge Low Vision Group. Running Time is 1 hour (57 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 18th, 2009 at the Winthrop Council on Aging for the Winthrop Low Vision Group. Running Time is 1 hour (57 MB).


GREAT MARTHA'S VINEYARD WATERSPOUT right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 14th, 2009 for the New England History Festival. Running Time is 1 minute and 27 seconds (3 MB). WATCH THIS LECTURE ON YOUTUBE.COM


GREAT SOLAR FLARE OF 1859 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 14th, 2009 for the New England History Festival. Running Time is 2 minutes and 43 seconds (5 MB). WATCH THIS LECTURE ON YOUTUBE.COM


GREAT AMERICAN FIRES OF THE 19th CENTURY right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 12th, 2009 for the Weymouth Historical Society. Running Time is 1 hour and 10 minutes (60 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN (FOR KIDS) right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 9th, 2009 at the Wampatuck Elementary School in Scituate, Mass. Running Time is 48 minutes (49 MB).


HAUNTED MASSACHUSETTS right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 28th, 2009 at the Ventress in Marshfield, Mass. Running Time is 32 minutes (33 MB).


THE LOS ANGELES AIR RAID right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 16th, 2009 at the Mass UFO Show in Watertown, Mass. Running Time is 20 minutes (19 MB).


ROBINSON CRUSOES OF WAKE ISLAND - PART I right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 7th, 2009 in Somerville, Massachusetts for In Our Home. Running time is 1 hour (56 MB)


ROBINSON CRUSOES OF WAKE ISLAND - PART II right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 7th, 2009 in Somerville, Massachusetts for In Our Home. Running time is 9 minutes and 52 seconds (11 MB)


THE ROBINSON CRUSOES OF WAKE ISLAND right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 7th, 2009 in Somerville, Massachusetts for In Our Home. Higher quality version of above lecture. Lecture is abbreviated - conclusion missing. Running time is 1 hour (63 MB)


THE GREAT MIDDLESEX TORNADO right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on September 23rd, 2009 at Medford Public Library in Medford, Mass. Running Time is 1 hour and 21 minutes (78 MB).


THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on September 21st, 2009 in Marblehead, Mass. for the Marblehead Low Vision Group. Running time is 1 hour and 7 minutes (70 MB).


THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on September 17th, 2009 in Duxbury, Mass. for the Duxbury Low Vision Group. Running time is 1 hour and 22 minutes (78 MB).


GREAT BRANT ROCK FIRE OF 1941 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on August 24th, 2009 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Ventress Public Library, John Horrigan gives a lecture about the Great Brant Rock Fire of 1941. This was the "overflow talk" from the soldout lecture of July 21st and over 80 people attended by invitation only Running time is 1 hour and 15 minutes (71 MB)


GREAT BRANT ROCK FIRE OF 1941 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on July 21st, 2009 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Ventress Public Library, John Horrigan gives a lecture about the Great Brant Rock Fire of 1941. They talk was soldout and over 80 people were turned away!! Running time is 1 hour and 20 minutes (72 MB)


THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND THE DUST BOWL right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on July 14th, 2009 in Newburyport, Mass. for the Amesbury/Newburyport Low Vision Group. Running time is 57 minutes (49 MB).


THE GREAT MIDDLESEX TORNADO right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on July 8th, 2009 in Reading, Mass. for the Reading Low Vision Group. Running time is 58 minutes (50 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on June 15th, 2009 in Milton, Mass. for the Milton Low Vision Group. Running time is 1 hour and 2 minutes (57 MB).


BOOMS, BUBBLES, BUSTS, DEPRESSIONS, RECESSIONS AND PANICS: A HISTORY OF AMERICAN FINANCIAL CRISES right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on June 9th, 2009 in Milton, Mass. for the Milton Council On Aging. *** Tape cuts off *** Running time is 24 minutes (22 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE SAINT JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on June 7th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts at the Hibernian Hall for the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Division 14. Running time is 57 minutes (53 MB).


THE LOS ANGELES AIR RAID right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on May 28th, 2009 in Taunton, Mass. at the Bay State Paranormal Center. Running time is 2 hours and 20 minutes (128 MB).


BAY STATE PHANTOMS right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on May 21st, 2009 in Taunton, Mass. at the Bay State Paranormal Center. Running time is 1 hour and 33 minutes (86 MB).


THE NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSE STORM AND THE YANKEE GALE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on May 20th, 2009 in Brookline, Mass. for the Brookline Low Vision Group. Running time is 47 minutes (44 MB).


GREAT FIRES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on May 12th, 2009 in Lincoln, Mass. for the Lincoln Minutemen. Running time is 1 hour and 14 minutes (68 MB).


THE NIGHT THE STARS FELL right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on May 2nd, 2009 in Hanover, Mass. for the South Shore Astronomical Society. Running time is 34 minutes (32 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 27th, 2009 in Hingham, Mass for the Hingham Low Vision Group. Running time is 1 hour (61 MB).


BOOMS, BUBBLES, BUSTS, DEPRESSIONS, RECESSIONS AND PANICS: A HISTORY OF AMERICAN FINANCIAL CRISES right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 25th, 2009 in Manchester, New Hampshire at the New England Regional Genealogical Conference. Running time is 1 hour and 18 minutes (72 MB).


THE NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSE STORM AND THE YANKEE GALE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 21st, 2009 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Ventress Library. Running time is 1 hour and 18 minutes (72 MB).


WINTERS OF THE REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 9th, 2009 at the Northeast School in Waltham, Massachusetts for the Fifth Grade. Running time is 54 minutes (51 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE SAINT JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 24th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts at the Watertown Free Library for the Ancient Order of Hibernians - Division 14. Running time is 55 minutes (50 MB).


THE GREAT WORCESTER TORNADO right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 20th, 2009 in Worcester, Massachusetts at the Worcester Senior Center for the Worcester Low Vision Group. Running time is 55 minutes (50 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 18th, 2009 in South Weymouth, Massachusetts at the Holbrook Homestead for the Weymouth Historical Society. Running time is 1 hour and 7 minutes (63 MB).


EVACUATION DAY (FOR KIDS) right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 17th, 2009 in at the Northeast School in Waltham, Massachusetts for the Massachusetts Brownie Troop #1806. Running time is 52 minutes (49 MB).


THE GREAT FIRES OF WATERTOWN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 11th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts for the Historical Society of Watertown at Watertown Free Public Library. Running time is 1 hour and 37 minutes (89 MB).


THE PORTLAND GALE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 19th, 2008 in South Weymouth, Massachusetts at the Holbrook Homestead for the Weymouth Historical Society. Running time is 1 hour and 5 minutes (62 MB).


BAY STATE PHANTOMS right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 29th, 2008 in Framingham, Massachusetts at the Framingham Public Library. Running time is 1 hour and 12 minutes (70 MB).


BAY STATE PHANTOMS right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 28th, 2008 in Charlestown, Massachusetts at the Boston Public Library. Running time is 1 hour and 22 minutes (76 MB).


BAY STATE PHANTOMS right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 26th, 2008 in Cohasset, Massachusetts at the Cohasset Harbor Inn on behalf of the Cohasset Historical Society for their annual meeting. Running Time is 1 hour and 17 minutes (71 MB).


THE HENRY KNOX CANNON TRAIL right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 22nd, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts at the Union Club on behalf of the Massachusetts Society of the Order of the Founders and Patriots of America, The Society of the War of 1812 in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and for the Society of the Sons of the Revolution in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 55 minutes (51 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 9th, 2008 in Cohasset, Massachusetts at the South Shore Arts Center on behalf of the Scituate Rotary Club for the first class of fourth graders from Wampatuck Elementary School about the Great Famine in Ireland and the wreck of an Irish Emigrant ship off of Cohasset, Massachusetts in 1849. 48 minutes (44 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 9th, 2008 in Cohasset, Massachusetts at the South Shore Arts Center on behalf of the Scituate Rotary Club for the second class of fourth graders from Wampatuck Elementary School about the Great Famine in Ireland and the wreck of an Irish Emigrant ship off of Cohasset, Massachusetts in 1849. 50 minutes (46 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on October 9th, 2008 in Cohasset, Massachusetts at the South Shore Arts Center on behalf of the Scituate Rotary Club for the third class of fourth graders from Wampatuck Elementary School about the Great Famine in Ireland and the wreck of an Irish Emigrant ship off of Cohasset, Massachusetts in 1849. 49 minutes (45 MB).


THE GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on September 17th, 2008 in Duxbury, Massachusetts at the Duxbury Senior Community Center for the Duxbury Low Vision Support Group. John gives a lecture to a group of visually-challenged seniors about the Great Hurricane of 1938 almost 70 years to the day of the storm. 1 hour and 18 minutes (73 MB).


THE WRECK OF THE ST. JOHN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on September 10th, 2008 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Ventress Library. John drives home the role played by the British government in the Great Famine of Ireland in this riveting narrative. He gives biographical background of Zachary Taylor and Queen Victoria and then lays into Henry David Thoreau. There are ancillary comments regarding food fights at a major university while the Irish starved and a nice chronology of "South Shore Shipwrecks". 1 hour and 16 minutes (68 MB).


THE NIGHT THE STARS FELL right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on August 13th, 2008 in Norwell, Massachusetts at the South Shore Natural Science Center. The lecture was prior to a star gazing workshop that I was giving and the audience was comprised mostly of mothers and children, so it was abbreviated. Running time is 40 minutes (32 MB).


GREAT BRANT ROCK FIRE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on August 12th, 2008 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Winslow House. A "redemption" talk given on a rainy morning, this was a make-up date from a schedule snafu. The lecture was sold out and I gleaned a lot of new information from residents as to the fire's origin. The original date (July 15th, 2008) had a standing-room-only crowd of 150 people waiting for a speaker who never showed up (me) as I had the wrong start time. I thought that the start time was 7:00 PM, not 10:30 AM. Hopefully I redeemed myself. It was a sort of homecoming for me as I grew up a 1/4 mile down the road. Father O'Connor added a lot to the show. Running time is 1 hour and 14 minutes (68 MB).


AHOY....PIRATES!! right click - Save Target As - to download

John speaks at the Springfield Museum in Springfield, Massachusetts on July 10th, 2008 about pirates. His lecture is a selected chronology of pirates and privateers from antiquity through the Golden Age of Piracy. Running Time is 1 hour and 5 minutes (60 MB).


THE GREAT MIDDLESEX TORNADO right click - Save Target As - to download

John returns to the Waltham Historical Society and lectures at the RTN Credit Union on Main Street in Waltham on July 8th, 2008 about the Great Middlesex Tornado, a twister that hit Eastern Massachusetts and traveled along modern day Route 60 through Worcester, Wayland, Weston, Waltham, Belmont, Arlington, Medford, Malden, Lynn, Swampscott and Rockport on August 22, 1851. John considers this to be one of his greatest performances, turning an obscure whirlwind into high infotainment. Running Time is 49 minutes and 4 seconds (46 MB).


NEW ENGLAND'S DARK DAY right click - Save Target As - to download

An abbreviated lecture performed on May 15th, 2008 at St. Brigid's Church in Lexington, Massachusetts for the Lexington Minutemen. Running Time is 33 minutes and 20 seconds (30.5 MB).


GREAT BRANT ROCK FIRE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on May 10th, 2008 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Marshfield Senior Center for the "60+ Club". Running time is 44 minutes and 37 seconds (40.9 MB).


GREAT AMERICAN FIRES OF THE 19th CENTURY right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 26th, 2008 in Waltham, Massachusetts at Bentley College for the 2008 Massachusetts Genealogical Council Annual Meeting and Seminar. Running time is 1 hour and 47 seconds (55.6 MB).


WINTERS OF THE REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 26th, 2008 in Waltham, Massachusetts at Bentley College for the 2008 New England Genealogical Council Annual Meeting and Seminar. Running time is 1 hour, 6 minutes and 24 seconds (60.7 MB).


HENRY KNOX CANNON TRAIN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 10th, 2008 in Westford, Massachusetts at Westford Museum for the Westford Historical Society. Running time is 1 hour, 7 minutes and 33 seconds (61.8 MB).


NEW ENGLAND'S DARK DAY right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 20, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts for the Historical Society of Watertown at Watertown Free Public Library. Running time is 59 minutes and 16 seconds (54.3 MB).


GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on March 19, 2008 in Cohasset, Massachusetts for the Cohasset Historical Society. Running time is 59 minutes and 30 seconds (54.5 MB).


WINTERS OF THE REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on February 21, 2008 at Framingham Public Library, Framingham, Massachusetts. Running time is 1 hour, 8 minutes and 12 seconds (62.4 MB).


GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on January 30th, 2008 in Norwell, Massachusetts at the South Shore Natural Science Center for the North and South River Watershed Association


EARTHQUAKES OF OLDE NEW ENGLAND right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on January 15, 2008 at Goodnow Library in Sudbury, Massachusetts for the Sudbury Community Emergenct Response Team. Running Time: 54 minutes; Size 74 MB


NEW ENGLAND'S DARK DAY right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on January 8, 2008 at Bemis Hall, Lincoln, Massachusetts for Lincoln Minutemen


GREAT BRANT ROCK FIRE right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on November 14, 2007 in Marshfield Hills, Massachusetts for the Community League of Marshfield


GREAT HURRICANE OF 1938 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on September 21, 2007 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Ventress Public Library


GREAT BRANT ROCK FIRE OF 1941 right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on April 21st, 2007 in Marshfield, Massachusetts at the Ventress Public Library, John Horrigan gives his first public lecture about the Great Brant Rock Fire of 1941. He literally lectures to the very minute of the 66th anniversary of the Great Ocean Bluff Fire before an overflow crowd of over 130 people spread between two rooms. John had to give the lecture in the doorway between both rooms!


WINTERS OF THE REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on February 22nd, 2007 on George Washington's 375th birthday, at a place that both George Washington and Henry Knox marched by in 1775 and 1776, in Watertown, Massachusetts for the Historical Society of Watertown at Watertown Free Public Library. Running time is 1 hour and 14 minutes (75 MB).


HENRY KNOX CANNON TRAIN right click - Save Target As - to download

Performed on January 2nd, 2007 in Lincoln, Massachusetts at Bemis Hall for the Lincoln Minutemen, this is John's first lecture of his "Popular Public History" series.





OTHER HISTORICAL RECORDINGS




STEPHANIE SCHOROW AND THE GREAT FIRES OF BOSTON

Author Stephanie Schorow discusses the great fires of Boston with producer and folklorist John Horrigan. This series is edited by Steve Russo.


THE GREAT FIRES OF MARSHFIELD: 1901 - 1978

Several recorded stories about the Great Fires of Marshfield, Massachusetts in 1901, 1941, 1973 and 1978. This includes a comprehensive history of the Great Brant Rock Fire of 1941.


THE DIPLOMA RIOTS (1961) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about the "DIPLOMA RIOT" at Harvard University in May of 1961. Time is :36. Size: 1 MB


THE POGO RIOT (1952) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about the "Pogo Riot" at Harvard University. After cartoonist Walt Kelly, author of the popular comic strip POGO, skipped a lecture in May of of 1952, 28 Harvard students were arrested while Cambridge Police Officers beat the "rioting" students. Time is :36. Size: 1 MB


A CONVERSATION WITH BILL SARGENT - PART I right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on March 18th, 2009 in Weymouth, Massachusetts. John talks to aviation historian Bill Sargent about the flying exploits of John's grandfather Clem. Part two can be found here. Part three is located here. Time is 6 minutes Size 5 MB


THE BATTLE OF SAN FRANCISCO right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in San Francisco, California on April 19th, 1942. Time is 1 minute; Size 2 MB


THE BATTLE OF LOS ANGELES right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in Los Angeles, California on February 25th, 1942. Time is 3 minutes; Size 2 MB


THE FIRST AIR RAID OF LOS ANGELES right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in Los Angeles, California on December 10th, 1941. Time is 3 minutes; Size 2 MB


THE BATTLE OF SEATTLE right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in Seattle, Washington on December 9th, 1941. Time is 1 minute; Size 2 MB


THE BATTLE OF SAN FRANCISCO right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in San Francisco, California on December 9th, 1941. Time is 4 minutes; Size 3 MB


THE AIR RAID OF SAN FRANCISCO right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in San Francisco, California on December 9th, 1941. Time is 9 minutes; Size 8 MB


THE SAN FRANCISCO AIR RAID right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in San Francisco, California on December 9th, 1941. Time is 12 minutes; Size 12 MB


THE NEW YORK AIR RAID right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 8th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Terrenz Sword's The Battle of Los Angeles about an air raid alert in New York City on December 8th, 1941. Time is 2 minutes; Size 1 MB


THE ROBINSON CRUSOES OF WAKE ISLAND right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on October 1st, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from the diary of "Wake Island Scotty" which chronicles the exploits of two men who stowed away on Wake Island while the Japanese occupied the archipelego from December 23rd, 1941 through March 9th of 1942. The men hid in the brush and lived off of rations that were left behind in foxholes. Running Time is 1 hour; Size 57 MB


THE GREAT NEW LONDON FIRE (1938) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 15th, 2008 in New London, Connecticut. John interviews New London Town Historian Sally Ryan about the Great New London Fire that took place during the Great Hurricane of 1938. Running Time is 21 minutes. Size: 19 MB


"OH RINEHART!! (1900 and 1932) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about the origin (June, 1900) of the "Oh Rinehart!!" tradition at Harvard University. The cry of "Oh Rinehart" became the precursor to student riots as a call to action. It also preceded an uprising in Harvard Square in the Spring of 1932 after the Memorial Hall bell was stolen and Freshmen at Matthews Hall were blamed. Trolley cars were tipped over and there was a raid at Radcliffe. Time is 1:27. Size: 2 MB


THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE FOOTBALL GAME (1914) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 15th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the football game that took place between German soldiers and British soldiers took place during the 'Christmas Truce' of World War I in "No Man's Land" in December of 1914. Time is 2:35; Size 3 MB


THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE (1914) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 15th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the truce that took place during World War I in "No Man's Land" over the Christmas Holiday in 1914. Time is 10:33; Size 11 MB


THE GRAPE ISLAND SEAL (1900) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 16th, 2010 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a domesticated seal owned by Billy McLeod, who lived on Grape Island in Boston Harbor. 1:42; 2 MB


EYEWITNESS TO THE MARTHA'S VINEYARD WATERSPOUT (1896) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on June 14th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads an eyewitness account of the Great Martha's Vineyard Waterspout in August of 1896. 1:46; 2 MB


IT RAINED SALT WATER (1896) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on June 14th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the salt water rain that fell on Martha's Vineyard after the Great Martha's Vineyard Waterspout of August 19th, 1896. 1:26; 2 MB


THE WATERSPOUT ON VINEYARD SOUND (1896) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on June 14th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the historic photographs taken from Cottage City, Martha's Vineyard of the Great Martha's Vineyard Waterspout of August 19th, 1896. :53; 1 MB


THE WATERSPOUT OF AUGUST 19th, 1896 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on June 14th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the historic Martha's Vineyard Waterspouts of August 19th, 1896. Three were seen in succession. Time is 8:59; Size is 10 MB


A BRIEF HISTORY OF LIGHTS OBSERVED ON THE MOON right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 16th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads a chronology of lights that have been glimpsed on the moon by great astronomers in the 19th century. Time is 25:41; Size is 23 MB


THE DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE (May 26th, 1896) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 30th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads a very concise history of the DJIA. In 1896, Charles Dow compiled a market index of 12 companies to determine the strength of the stock market and as a barometer of the American economy. It opened in 1896 at 40.94 before dipping to 28.48. Today it sits between 12,000 and 13,000. Running Time is 13 minutes and 23 seconds.


THE LUMINOUS SNOW STORM OF 1895 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Jerome Clark's Unnatural Phenomena about a "luminous" snow storm ("a shower of cold fire") encountered by a military officer who scales Pike's Peak in Colorado. 1 minute and 51 seconds; 2 MB


THE LATTER DAY JONAHS (1891) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2009 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about two men who were swallowed by a whale - an lived to tell their stories: Peleg Nye (in 1863) and James Bartley (in 1891). 6 minute and 47 seconds; 7 MB


THE GREAT SEPTEMBER COMET (1882) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 21, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from the New York Times of December 17th, 1882 about the odd behavior of a bright comet over the skies of Hartford, Connecticut on December 3th, 1882. 1 minute and 3 seconds; 1 MB


THE GREAT FIRES OF WATERTOWN: 1841 - 1919

Several recorded stories about the Great Fires of Watertown, Massachusetts in 1841 and 1919.


THE GREAT FRESHET OF 1876 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 9, 2007 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Vermont Weather Book about a great flood along the Connecticut River in Vermont and in New Hampshire in March of 1876. 1 minute and 51 seconds; 2 MB


THE NEW HAVEN ELM CITIES (1871) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 19th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about New Haven's first professional baseball team, the "Elm Cities". This recording has two parts. Part One and Part Two. Total Running Time is approximately 3 minutes, size is 2 MB


THE HARVARD MAGENTA VS. THE CINCINNATI RED STOCKINGS (1870) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 13th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the only college team that played against professional baseball clubs in 1870: Harvard. Harvard went into the Union Grounds in Cincinnati in 1870 and nearly knocked off the undefeated powerhouse known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings. Time: :41 Size: 1 MB


THE HARVARD MAGENTA (1864) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 13th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the first Harvard baseball team in 1864 and how their uniform color of crimson was changed to magenta because the seamstress thought that the color "was much more fashionable and prettier". Harvard actually changed their name to the "Harvard Magenta" before changing it back to the original "Harvard Crimson" in 1875. Time: :59 Size: 1 MB


GREAT BOSTON HERALD FIRES OF 1855 and 1864 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 30th, 2006 at Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield, Massachusetts. John reads about the Great Fires that gutted the printing presses of the Boston Herald newspaper in 1855 and 1864.


THE BOSTON FIRES AND RIOTS OF 1852 AND 1854 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 30th, 2006 at Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield, Massachusetts. John reads about the Great Fires in Boston in 1852 and the Great Boston Riots in 1854. He also speaks about the killer granite block that fell off of a building under construction in Boston and crushed several people on August 23rd, 1854.


THE PURPLE FIRE SNOWSTORM (1853) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 14th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a strange electric snowstorm on the 13th of February, 1853 that saw several people struck by purple ball lightning in Maine. Time: 2:19; Size: 2 MB


DESTRUCTION OF THE CHICKERING PIANO FACTORY (1852) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 30, 2006 at Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield, Massachusetts. John reads from the Illustrated News of January 1st, 1853 about a tragic fire in a famous Boston piano factory on December 3rd, 1852.


THE TREMONT TEMPLE FIRE OF 1852 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 5th, 2006 at Ventress Memorial Library in Marshfield, Massachusetts. John reads about a fire that took one of Boston's most cherished theatres on March 31st, 1852. It was re-built twice and burned down in 1879 and again in 1893.


THE NEW ENGLAND LIGHTHOUSE STORM (1851) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on April 15th, 2009 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a nasty gale that toppled Minot's Lighthouse off the coast of Cohasset in April of 1851. Time: 16:51 Size 16 MB


THE YANKEE GALE (1851) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on April 15th, 2009 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a surprise October Gale that wiped out the North Atlantic fishing fleets of the United States and Canada in 1851. Time: 8:42 Size 8 MB


THE GREAT MIDDLESEX TORNADO OF 1851 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on April 15th, 2008 at Waltham, Massachusetts. John reads about a tornado that raced through Middlesex County (along modern day Route 60) on August 22nd, 1851 (from David Ludlum's Early American Tornadoes). Time: 13:07 Size 12 MB


THE GREAT MIDDLESEX COUNTY TORNADO OF 1851 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on April 15th, 2008 at Waltham, Massachusetts. John reads about a tornado that raced through Middlesex County (along modern day Route 60) on August 22nd, 1851 (from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England. Time: 20:35 Size 19 MB


THE STONEY MONDAY RIOTS (1849) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 26th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts about a series of revolts in Canada in September of 1849. Running Time is 1 minute and 29 seconds. Size is 1 MB.


THE MONTREAL RIOT (1849) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 26th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts about a revolt in Montreal, Canada in 1849. Running Time is 1 minute. Size is 1 MB.


THE ENIGMA OF SNOW FIRE (1817 and 1845) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 15th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts about two "snow fires" (luminous snow storms): one that took place in 1817 and another that happened in 1845. Running Time is 5 minutes. Size is 3 MB.


THE REBELLION LOSSES BILL right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on March 22nd, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a bill introduced by the Canadian Parliament to remunerate those people and businesses that were effected by the Rebellions of 1837. Time is approximately 3 minutes and the size is 4 MB.


THE 1837 REBELLIONS right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on March 2nd, 2009 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about 2 armed uprisings in Canada in 1837 and 1849. Time is approximately 7 minutes and the size is 7 MB.


THE GREAT HARVARD STUDENT BLOW-UP OF 1834 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about the Great Harvard Student Blow Up in the Spring of 1834 which escalates out of control after a tutor is attacked. Consequently, the entire Sophomore Class is "dismissed" by schoolmaster Quincy. Old Quincy then called the cops, breaking a long term agreement in place since 1659, that town authorities would not be called if there was ever a disturbance in Harvard Yard. A burning effigy of the faculty was hung from the "Rebellion Tree". Time: 1:41 Size: 1 MB


THE BURNING OF PARLIAMENT (1834) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 14th, 2009 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the fire at the Palace of Westminster, home the British Parliament that was started by "tally sticks". Author Charles Dickens writes about how dangerous these tally sticks were. Time is 2:59; 3 MB


THE GREAT LUMINOUS SOLAR STORM OF 1823 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about two independent witnesses who corroborate a large solar protuberance on December 1st, 1823. 1:36; 2 MB


THE GREAT HARVARD STUDENT REBELLIONS OF 1814 AND 1823 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about the Great Harvard Student Rebellion of 1823 when members of the rowdy Senior Class gathered underneath the "Rebellion Tree" at Harvard Hall to protest the expulsion of one of their classmates. The faculty responded by expelling 43 of 70 members of the Senior Class. Time: :59 Size: 1 MB


THE PANIC OF 1819 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 15th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads two summaries of the Panic of 1819 which resulted in widespread speculation, inflation and overpricing of commodities after the War of 1812. The unemployment rate in Philadelphia was 75%!


THE DARK DAY IN CANADA (1819) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 22, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the "Phenomenon of 1819" when on November 8th of that year, a strange greenish tint in the skies over Montreal preceded an anamolous dark day. Time is 4 minutes and 24 seconds; 4 MB


CANADA'S DARK DAY (1819) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 28th, 2009 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads (for a third time) about a bizarre dark day in Montreal in 1819. Time is 4 minutes and 24 seconds; 4 MB


THE EXTRAORDINARY DARKNESS OF NOVEMBER, 1819 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 9, 2007 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Vermont Weather Book about a strange darkness that enveloped the Vermont daylight from November 9th through the 11th in the year 1819. 4 minutes and 26 seconds; 4 MB


THE GREAT REBELLION OF 1818 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on February 8th, 2009 at Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about a food rebellion at Harvard University in 1818 when the entire class was expelled. 1:09; 1 MB


THE AURORA BOREALIS OF 1818 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about sailors who witness a bright and vivid aurora borealis in November of 1818 where a compass could be read on deck due to the luminosity. 1:33; 2 MB


THE GREAT LUMINOUS SNOW STORM OF 1817 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 20, 2008 (during a blizzard) at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Winters I and gives the most complete account (by reading the original testimony of John Farrar) ever recorded concerning the Great Luminous Snow Storm of January 17th, 1817. 8 minutes and 35 seconds; 9 MB


THE LUMINOUS SNOW STORM OF 1817 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Extreme Weather about a "Luminous" snow storm (i.e. "snow fire") that struck northern New England on January 17th, 1817. 2 minutes and 54 seconds; 3 MB


THE ELECTRICAL SNOW STORM OF 1817 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about various "luminous" snow storms including one in both January and March of 1817. There is also an account of an electrical thunderstorm in Woburn, Massachusetts in July of 1771 that causes a man to be electrified. 2 minutes and 55 seconds 3 MB


THE GREAT AURORA BOREALIS OF AUGUST, 1817 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a spectacular aurora borealis that was closely observed from the Shetland Islands in August of 1817. 3:42 3 MB


THE AURORA BOREALIS OF SEPTEMBER, 1817 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a vivd aurora borealis that was observed and heard from the Shetland Islands on September 6th, 1817. 2:03; 2 MB


THE LUMINOUS SNOW STORM OF 1813 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a luminous snowstorm in Scotland that fell in March of 1813. 56 seconds; 1 MB


A SMALL COLLECTION OF HARVARD FOOD RIOTS right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads a few accounts regarding the Bread and Butter Rebellion of 1805 and the Great Rebellion of 1818. Time: 1:35 Size: 1 MB


THE GREAT ROTTEN CABBAGE REBELLION OF 1807 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads a compendium of accounts regarding the Great Harvard Rotten Cabbage Rebellion of 1807 when Harvard students stormed the home of the college's president to protest the bug-infested soup that they were being served in the dining hall. Time: 1:22 Size: 1 MB


THE METEORITE OF 1807 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 28th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads about a bolide that streaked across Western New England skies just before dawn on December 14th, 1807. Time: 3:54 Size: 4 MB


THE HARVARD BREAD AND BUTTER REBELLION OF 1805 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 18th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads two accounts regarding the Harvard Bread and Butter Rebellion of 1805. Time: 1:12 Size: 2 MB


THE LATE-SEASON HURRICANE OF 1804 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 2nd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a late-season Atlantic hurricane that struck New England on October 9th, 1804. Time: 3:54 Size: 4 MB


THE GREAT OCTOBER HURRICANE OF 1804 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 2nd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Winters, Volume I about a hurricane that struck New England in October of 1804. Time: 7 minutes Size: 8 MB


THE GREAT SNOWICANE OF 1804 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 2nd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from the Mass Moments website about a 'snowicane' that struck New England in October of 1804. Time: 4 Minutes Size: 4 MB


THE GREAT WHITE HURRICANE OF 1804 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 2nd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Edward Rowe Snow's Storms and Shipwrecks of New England about a 'white hurricane' that struck New England in October of 1804. Time: 3 Minutes Size: 3 MB


THE GREAT OCTOBER STORM OF 1804 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 2nd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about an October hurricane' that struck New England in 1804. Time: 11 Minutes Size: 11 MB


THE GREAT NEW ENGLAND SNOW HURRICANE OF 1804 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 2nd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from the Cape Cod Today website about a 'snow hurricane' that struck New England in October of 1804. Time: 4 Minutes Size: 4 MB


18th CENTURY COLLEGE RIOTS (1786 - 1802) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 30th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about 13 major riots at colleges during the late 18th century and early 19th century including the Yale Riot of 1786, The Harvard Riot of December of 1788, The Princeton Riots of 1800 and 1802 and the William and Mary Riot of 1802. 1 minute and 7 seconds; 2 MB


THE MIRAGE OF 1798 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 1st, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about mirages of ships seen in the sky above the coastal waters of England in 1798. This is known as a "looming". Running Time is 4:33 minute. Size is 5 MB.


THE NAPOLEON MIRAGE OF 1798 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 1st, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a mirage encountered by Napoleon and his army in 1798. Running Time is 2 minutes. Size is 2 MB.


THE MIRAGE OF MAINE (1793) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 1st, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a mirage glimpsed in Cumberland, Maine in 1793 classified as an 'extraordinary refraction'. Running Time is 1:28. Size is 2 MB.


THE "BACKWARD SPRINGS" OF VERMONT (1789 - 1817) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 9, 2007 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Vermont Weather Book about several snow storms during the month of May in Vermont during "the cold years" from 1789 through 1817. 2 minutes and 23 seconds; 2 MB


A CHRONOLOGY OF LUMINOUS WEATHER (1788 - 1895) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 15th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts about a chronology of luminous electrical snow storms in the 19th century in the Northeastern United States, including the famous "luminous snow storm" of 1817 in Vermont and New Hampshire. Running Time is 5 minutes. Size is 5 MB.


THE GREAT BOSTON FIRE OF 1787 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 21st, 2007 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a great fire in Boston in 1787. Running Time is 1 minute. Size is 1 MB.


THE METEOR OF 1787 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 5th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about a bright bolide that streaked across New England skies on August 30th, 1787. Time: 5:48 Size: 5 MB


THE HURRICANE OF 1782 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 9th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about a tornado that swept across western Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire in June of 1782. Running Time is 3:19. Size is 6 MB.


THE BURNING OF NEW LONDON (1781) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 15th, 2008 in New London, Connecticut. John interviews New London Town Historian Sally Ryan about the burning of New London during the Revolutionary War on September 6th, 1781 by turncoat Benedict Arnold. This the most comprehensive recording of the New London Fire. Running Time is 52 minutes. Size is 47 MB.


THE FRENCH STORM (1778) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on February 1st, 2010 at Watertown, Massachusetts by John Horrigan, who tells the story of a storm that helped British fleet escape the wrath of the French Navy. Time is approximately 3:08 and the size is 3 MB.


REVOLUTIONARY WAR SNIPER (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on February 2nd, 2010 at Bemis Hall in Lincoln, Massachusetts for the Lincoln Minutemen by historian Jim Hogan, who tells the story of the greatest sniper in Colonial America. Time is approximately 3:41 and the size is 4 MB.


READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Read on November 3rd, 2009 on the stairs of Bemis Hall in Lincoln, Massachusetts for the Lincoln Minutemen. Time is approximately 8 minutes and the size is 8 MB.


THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 3rd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John's first practice read of the Declaration of Independence which he performed that evening (November 3rd, 2009) for the Lincoln Minutemen.


THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on November 3rd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John's second practice read of the Declaration of Independence which he performed that evening (November 3rd, 2009) for the Lincoln Minutemen.


DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 3, 2009 at 6:40 PM in Watertown, Massachusetts. John's first cold practice read of the Declaration of Independence which he performed the following morning (July 4th, 2009) for the town of Lincoln, Massachusetts.


THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on July 3, 2007 at 11:45 PM in Watertown, Massachusetts. John's first cold practice read of the Declaration of Independence which he performed the following morning (July 4th, 2007) for the town of Lincoln, Massachusetts.


ADAM SMITH AND THE WEALTH OF NATIONS (1776) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 2nd, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about Adam Smith's theory of "Laissez-Faire" (government hands-off) which gave birth to modern free capitalism. Running time 5 minutes and 55 seconds.


HARVARD BUTTER REBELLION right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 30th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the Great Butter Rebellion ("behold our butter doth stinketh") at Harvard on September 9th, 1766 that resulted in the suspension of 155 students. 1 minute and 55 seconds; 3 MB


THE GREAT HARVARD BUTTER REBELLION (1766) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 19th, 2008 in Cambridge, Massachusetts about a student uprising in 1766 at Harvard College known as the "Great Butter Rebellion". Running Time 2:14. Size is 2 MB.


THE HARVARD EARTHQUAKE RIOT OF 1761 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 1st, 2007 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from a diary written by Dr. Nathaniel Ames about an "Earthquake Riot" at Harvard College in 1761 whereby some underclassmen ran about the streets yelling "earthquake!!!" and were subsequently punished and demoted.


THE AURORA BOREALIS OF 1740 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about an aurora borealis that was observed by Celsius and an associate in 1740 where electromagnetic interference was detected on a compass. 3:25; 3 MB


THE HURRICANE OF LEICESTER (1759) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 10th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about a tornado that wiped out Leicester, Massachusetts in 1759. 2 minute and 27 seconds; 3 MB


THE MOODUS NOISES (1729) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 2nd, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads a 1729 letter from Rev. Stephen Hosmer about "fearful and dreadful sounds that unnerve locals" in Moodus, Connecticut. Time is 4:21, Size 4 MB


A BRIEF HISTORY OF HARVARD AND YALE STUDENT RIOTS AND REBELLIONS (1728 - 1768) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 30th, 2008 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a series of student rebellions at Harvard in 1728, 1766, 1767 and 1768. There is also a cursory mention of student riots at Yale in 1755, 1761, 1762 and 1766. 2 minutes and 35 seconds; 4 MB


THE AURORA BOREALIS OF 1726 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 2nd, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about an Aurora Borealis of 1726 and 1716 (that was seen by Edmund Halley).


THE SOUTH SEA BUBBLE (1720) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 15th, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts. John reads from Wikipedia about rampant speculation and unfettered investment in the South Sea Company in 1720 that artificially elevated its value before a sudden drawdown that saw speculators lose their entire investment.


THE GREAT AURORA BOREALIS OF 1719 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 3rd, 2007 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about a rare and spectacular display of the Northern Lights as glimpsed by residents all over New England in 1719.3:00, 3 MB


THE GREAT SNOW STORMS OF 1717 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 20, 2008, in Watertown, Massachusetts (during a blizzard). John reads the firsthand account as given by the extremely pious Cotton Mather about a series of snowstorms that thumped New England in February of 1717. It was one of the biggest blizzards in the history of New England. The frozen sheep account is most extraordinary! Time: 2 minutes and 8 seconds; 2 MB


THE GREAT SNOW STORM OF 1717 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 14, 2008, in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a series of four snowstorms that slammed New England in 1717. It was one of the biggest snow wallops in New England history. Time: 1 minute and 23 seconds; 2 MB


THE NEW ENGLAND DARK DAY OF 1716 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on May 26th, 2008 on the banks of the River Charles in Waltham, Massachusetts. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about an odd "dark day" that enveloped New England on Sunday, October 21st, 1716.


THE DEERFIELD MASSACRE (1704) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on February 6th, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. John reads about a massacre in Deerfield, Massachusetts on February 29th, 1704 when French and Indian raiders burned the village, captured 112 men, women and children and marched them to Canada. Time: 6 minutes and 17 seconds Size: 6 MB.


17th CENTURY ARSON right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on August 16th, 2007 at Stricom Productions in Franklin, Massachusetts. John teams up with producer Steve Russo to make an audio track about an arsonist in Boston in the late 17th century. Listen for Cotton Mather as he pleads for God's mercy.


17th CENTURY EARTHQUAKE right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on May 9th, 2007 at Stricom Productions in Franklin, Massachusetts. John teams up with producer Steve Russo to make an audio track about an earthquake in the late 17th century in Boston, Massachusetts. Listen for Cotton Mather as he pleads for God's mercy.


THE VIOLENT HURRICANE OF REHOBETH (1671) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on May 4th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Tornados about a tornado that rakes a southern Massachusetts community in 1671.


JOHN WINTHROP'S SUDDEN GUST OF 1643 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on May 4th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Tornados about a "sudden gust" recorded by John Winthrop in his diary that moves on a northern line and scours land from Lynn, Massachusetts to Hampton, New Hampshire in 1643.


WINTHROP'S SUDDEN GUST right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 27th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Tornados about a "severe line squall" recorded by John Winthrop in his diary on July 5th, 1643 (O.S.) that hit Newbury, Massachusetts. 2 minutes and :08 seconds, 2 MB


THE GREAT COLONIAL HURRICANE OF 1635 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on May 4th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Hurricanes about a mammoth hurricane that struck New England. William Bradford and John Winthrop record their observations of one of the three most severe hurricanes in the history of New England in August of 1635.


COLONIAL HURRICANE OF 1635 right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on June 4th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts at the Charles River. John reads from Sidney Perley's Historic Storms of New England about a tremendous tempest that devastated New England. One of the most severe hurricanes in the history of New England. Running Time 17:52


MASSACRE AT JAMESTOWN (1622) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on June 14th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a Massacre at Jamestown, Virginia in an attempt by Native Americans to rid Virginia of the English settlers. Running Time 4:32, Size is 5 MB


RIP VAN WINKLE OF THE BLUE HILLS (early 17th century) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 16th, 2010 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a Native American who allegedly fell asleep for 14 years on top of Blue Hills in Milton, Massachusetts in the early 1600's. Running Time 7:16, Size is 7 MB


ROANOKE COLONY WATERSPOUTS (1590) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 27th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. Culled from his Classic Weather of the 16th Century series, John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Hurricanes about the relief expedition that arrives at Roanoke Colony in 1590 to find everyone gone. John White, a passenger on the relief ships, recorded that they encountered "much rain, thundering and great spouts" in Albemarle Sound in August of 1590. Running Time: 1 minute and :02 seconds, 1 MB


ROANOKE COLONY WATERSPOUTS (1586) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 27th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. Culled from his Early American Weather of the 16th Century series, John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Hurricanes about a man (Ralph Lane) who served with famous English Explorer (Sir Francis Drake) as the leader of the Roanoke Colony landing party, describes an encounter with hail and waterspouts whilst anchored off Cape Hatteras on June 13-16, 1586 (O.S.). Running Time: 1 minute and :09 seconds, < 1 MB


FIRST AMERICAN WINTER (1585-86) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 27th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. Culled from his Classic American Weather of the 16th Century series, John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Winters, 1604-1820 about the first American Winter that was experienced by the Roanoke Colony of North Carolina in 1585 and 1586. Colonist Thomas Hariot refers to "the temperature of the air there being good at all seasons". Running Time: :46 seconds, < 1 MB


CARTIER'S PLUNGE (1535-36) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 27th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. Culled from his Early American Weather of the 16th Century series, John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Hurricanes about a French Explorer (Jacques Cartier) who experienced a very mild Winter while camping near Quebec in 1535 and 1536. Cartier mistakenly thinks that the climate of Canada is similar to the climate of France. Running Time: :55 seconds, < 1 MB


GOMEZ VOYAGE TO MAINE (1525) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 27th, 2006 at Watertown, Massachusetts. Culled from his Classic American Weather of the 16th Century series, John reads from David Ludlum's Early American Hurricanes about a Portuguese explorer (Estevan Gomez) who cruises the waters near Maine in January and February of 1525. Running Time: :49 seconds, < 1 MB


THE PRICE REVOLUTION (1470 - 1620) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on December 22, 2008, in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the Price Revolution (inflation) which was a consequence of the Conquistadors pouring gold and silver into a depleted European population's (the Black Death) economy. Time: 7 minutes and 9 seconds; 7 MB


THE GREAT PRICE DEBASEMENT (1470 - 1620) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on March 2nd, 2009, in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the Great English Price Debasement during the reign of Henry VIII that saw inflation take hold while currency lost value. Time: 14 minutes and 8 seconds; 13 MB


THE GREAT FIRE OF ROME: 64 A.D.

Three recorded stories about the Great Fire of Rome in 64 A.D.


THE AMBUSH AT TEUTOBURG FOREST (9 A.D.) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 11th, 2010, in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the Battle of Teutoburg Forest, where the Roman Legions were slaughtered by the Germanic Tribes. Time: 13 minutes and 20 seconds; 14 MB


THE CRUCIFIXION DARK DAY (0 A.D.) right click - Save Target As - to download

Recorded on January 11th, 2010, in Watertown, Massachusetts. John plays a recording about the dark day that took place as Jesus Christ was crucified. Time: 1 minutes and 9 seconds; 1 MB




  • At a Knox Trail Marker in Otis, Massachusetts





    PARANORMAL RECORDINGS




    THE UNINVITED GUEST right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on October 15th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John's friend Maria relates an eery ghost encounter at a haunted hotel in New Hampshire to paranormal investigators Matt Moniz and Andrew Lake.


    THE ASHTAR COMMAND / VRILLON SPACE SIGNAL

    On November 26th, 1977 a United Kingdom news broadcast was interrupted by what some consider to be an alien warning from "Vrillon of the Ashtar Command".


    BIG YELLOW right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on May 11, 1993 in Dedham, Massachusetts. One of his most popular recordings, John reads from Martin Caidin's book Natural or Supernatural book about an alleged yellow bigfoot that was encountered by American soldiers in Viet Nam.


    1966 CAPE COD ALIEN ABDUCTION? right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded from Unsolved Mysteries. A new Air Force recruit named Bob Matthews gets off a bus in front of a grocery store in North Truro, Massachusetts at 8:45 PM On October 1st, 1966. He makes a call from a payphone to the base and asks for a ride. Suddenly, he sees odd lights in the sky and then has a "missing time" experience. Author Budd Hopkins is interviewed extensively in this piece. Time: 13 minutes and 8 seconds Size: 12 MB


    BIGFOOT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?

    Recorded in August and September of 1998, here is a selection of New Hampshire bigfoot yarns as told to John Horrigan by David Smith of Keene, New Hampshire.


    THE RED-HEADED HITCHHIKER OF ROUTE 44

    A series of audio recordings made on November 11th, 2006 as three men seek out an alleged phantom hitchhiker.


    HAUNTED REHOBOTH right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on June 7th, 2008 in Rehoboth, Massachusetts from 9:00 - 11:30 PM. John (along with Spooky Southcoast" reporter Matt Moniz, Greenville Paranormal Society leader Andrew Lake and author Thom D'Agostino appear on a live remote while investigating haunted cemeteries and a haunted schoolhouse in Rehoboth, Massachusetts in the heart of the Bridgewater Triangle.


    DOVER DEMON right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on April 21st, 2007 on Springdale Avenue in Dover, Massachusetts at 10:00 PM. John (along with Spooky Southcoast" reporter Matt Moniz) records a live remote recording on the 30th anniversary of the "Dover Demon" encounters.


    JOHN LENNON'S UFO (1970's) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Former Beatle John Lennon briefly explains his ufo encounter in New York City in the 1970's. Time is 0:19, Size: 1 MB


    THE SCITUATE SEA MONSTER (1970) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on May 17th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads Edward Rowe Snow's account of an alleged sea monster that washed up on the shore of Mann Hill Beach in Scuituate, Massachusetts in November of 1970. Time is 7:05, Size: 7 MB


    WITNESS OF THE SCITUATE SEA MONSTER (1970) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on May 15th, 2009 in Taunton, Massachusetts. John interviews David Downs, who visited the carcass of the Scituate Sea Monster in November of 1970, which later turned out to be a decaying basking shark. Time is 10:47, Size: 12 MB


    THE SEA SERPENT OF MARSHFIELD (1969) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on December 17th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about an encounter with an alleged sea serpent off the coast of Marshfield, Massachusetts by a lobsterman in November of 1969. Time is 1:10. Size: 2 MB


    THE MARSHFIELD SEA SERPENT (1962) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on December 17th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about an encounter with an alleged sea serpent off the coast of Marshfield, Massachusetts in 1962. Time is :44. Size: 1 MB


    THE BLACK MASS OF MONTANA (1915) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on March 3rd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a strange airship ("black mass") seen in the skies of Montana on February 9th, 1915. Time: 38 seconds; Size is 1 MB.


    THE STRANGE FLYING MACHINE (1906) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on March 3rd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a strange object seen in the skies of Connecticut in October of 1906. Time: 43 seconds; Size is 1 MB.


    THE DEVIL OF DEVONSHIRE right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on December 20th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the odd cloven hoofprints that tracked for 40 miles throughout a district of England on February 8, 1855. Time: 10 minutes and 40 seconds; Size is 10 MB.


    HAUNTED PLYMOUTH LIGHTHOUSE right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on December 20th, 2008 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about the ghost of Hannah Thomas (the first American female lightkeeper), who some say is still watching for her husband John, who never returned from the Revolutionary War after he left in 1776. Time: 10 minutes and 40 seconds; Size is 10 MB.


    ROSWELL UFO CRASH DEBATE right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded in June of 2007 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on SPOOKY SOUTHCOAST. John Horrigan debates Matt Moniz as to the authenticity of the Roswell UFO Event. Time is 60 minutes and size is 30 MB.


    EARLY 19th CENTURY MIRAGE right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on March 23rd, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads about a strange mirage (a ship) seen in the skies of Maine in the early 19th century. Time: 42 seconds; Size is 1 MB.





    SPORTS ANNOUNCING



    HOCKEY: Boston Bruins Alumni vs. Maine Mariners Alumni right click - Save Target As - to download

    Player Introductions of the 2nd Annual Boston Bruins Alumni / Maine Mariners Alumni Charity Hockey Game at Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine on November 20th, 2008. Running time is 25 seconds (24 MB).


    HOCKEY: GAZPROM vs. ASPENTECH - 1st Period right click - Save Target As - to download

    Performed on December 2nd, 2007 at The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, Massachusetts. John had a severe case of the flu when he called this historical game between natural gas giant GAZPROM and ASPENTECH (a team comprised of former Olympians and NHL stars). This is the first period. Running time is 23 minutes 52 seconds (33 MB).


    HOCKEY: GAZPROM vs. ASPENTECH - 3rd Period right click - Save Target As - to download

    Performed on December 2nd, 2007 at The Edge Sports Center in Bedford, Massachusetts. This is the third period of the aforementioned game. Running time is 33 minutes and 49 seconds (46.5 MB).





    MUSIC



    Da VARONISTAS FINAL CONCERT - PART 1 right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on May 10, 2008 at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington in Arlington, Massachusetts at 7:00 PM. This is part one of the final concert of my wife's choral group known as the Da Varonistas which is conducted by legendary choir director Lorna Cook da Varon. Part one is recorded from about 40 rows back.


    Da VARONISTAS FINAL CONCERT - PART 2 right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on May 10, 2008 at First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington in Arlington, Massachusetts at 8:00 PM. This is part two of the final concert of my wife's choral group known as the Da Varonistas which is conducted by legendary choir director Lorna Cook da Varon. Part two is recorded from the front row.





    TALK SHOW APPEARANCES



    MIDNIGHT RIDE PODCAST WITH J.F.K. right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on August 3rd, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. John appears on the Midnight Ride podcast with John F. Kennedy impersonator Mike Lowe. Time: 45 minutes; Size is 47 MB

    LISTEN TO PART TWO HERE. Time: 90 minutes; Size is 94 MB. Finally, here is the blooper reel from that broadcast.


    WEATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on June 9th, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts. John appears on the Midnight Ride podcast andtalks about historical and timely weather evetns that helped assist the colonists during the American Revolution. Time: 40 minutes; Size is 40 MB


    STUDIO 360 right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on July 24th, 2009 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. John appears on Studio 360 on National Public Radio and talks about his New England History Festival. Time: 6 minutes; Size is 4 MB


    SPOOKY SOUTHCOAST RADIO SHOW (2007) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded in 2007 in Fairhaven, Mass. John appears on Spooky Southcoast radio. Time: 30 minutes; Size is 14 MB


    BEYOND THE EDGE right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on October 11th, 2009 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. John appears on Beyond The Edge radio. Time: 90 minutes; Size is 108 MB


    SASQUATCH TRIANGLE RADIO SHOW (9/24/09) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on September 24th, 2009 in Newcomerstown, Ohio. John appears on Sasquatch Triangle radio. Time: 60 minutes; Size is 14 MB


    SASQUATCH TRIANGLE RADIO SHOW (2/18/09) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on February 18th, 2009 in Newcomerstown, Ohio. John appears on Sasquatch Triangle radio. Time: 60 minutes; Size is 14 MB. John also appeared on Sasquatch Triangle radio on May 24th, 2007, July 26th, 2007, September 27th, 2007, October 22nd, 2007 and on September 25th, 2008.





    POETRY



    ALL THE BEST COWBOYS HAVE CHINESE EYES right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on March 11th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads the liner notes from Peter Townshend's album All the Best Cowboys Have Chinese Eyes from 1982, a piece that was very influential on his life and helped him find his focus and direction of historical research. Time: 7 minutes and 11 seconds; Size is 7 MB.


    THE POETRY OF EWEN McTEAGLE right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on March 11th, 2009 in Watertown, Massachusetts. John reads the poetry of Monty Python's Scottish poet Ewen McTeagle. Time: 2 minutes and 25 seconds; Size is 3 MB.


    TO THE RIVER CHARLES (1842) right click - Save Target As - to download

    Recorded on May 22nd, 2008 at the Charles River in Newton, Massachusetts. John reads a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow about the famous Charles River.






    HIRE JOHN FOR YOUR SPORTING EVENT



    HIRE JOHN FOR YOUR HISTORY EVENT



    REFERENCES







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