History Archives | Wisdom Harbour

The Unusual History of Jewelry

From crawling beetles to priceless diamonds, jewelry has a history far stranger than most people realize. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Joy Randle explores how ancient cultures wore live insects for protection and fashion, why silver was once more valuable than gold, and how gemstones earned their names and status over time. Along the way, you’ll discover surprising facts about rubies, sapphires, engagement rings, and the real meaning behind the word “jewel.” It’s a sparkling journey through history—with a few bugs thrown in for good measure.

A Hallelujah Christmas!

Holidays | Andy Andrews Christmas History

The “Hallelujah Chorus” has become one of the most joyful sounds of the Christmas season—but it wasn’t written for Christmas at all! In this festive piece, Andy Andrews shares the surprising origins of Handel’s Messiah, the critics who doubted it, and how a song meant for Lent became a celebration of hope heard around the world. Blending history, insight, and holiday wonder, Andy reminds us that what we create in one season may bless countless others in ways we never expect.

A Thanksgiving Reflection: Roots, Gratitude, and a Song We All Know

Holidays | History Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, this is the perfect moment to pause and revisit the origins of this uniquely American celebration. Before the excitement of cooking, traveling, and gathering begins, there’s tremendous value in grounding ourselves in the history behind the holiday.

The Gettysburg Address

In Other Words | Armon J. Newton History

Discover the profound impact of the Battle of Gettysburg in this captivating video, delivered by Armon J. Newton. Witness the historic moment when President Abraham Lincoln delivered the iconic Gettysburg Address, not as the main speaker, but in a speech lasting less than two minutes that still echoes through history. Lincoln’s timeless words on liberty, equality, and the essence of the American spirit are as relevant today as they were in 1863. Don’t miss this powerful reflection on one of the most significant events in American history…In Other Words.

Why Pencils Are Yellow

Betcha Didn't Know | History Joy Randle

Ever wonder why your pencil is yellow? This Betcha Didn’t Know uncovers the surprisingly colorful history behind that familiar classroom classic! Learn how a 19th-century marketing idea, inspired by Chinese royalty and launched at the 1889 World’s Fair, turned yellow into the world’s signature pencil color. From school buses to taxi cabs, Joy Randle connects the dots between psychology, science, and design—and even explains why “pencil lead” isn’t lead at all. Grab your No. 2 and get ready to take notes—you’ll never see a pencil the same way again!

Celebrating I Love Lucy: A Look Back at America’s Favorite Redhead

Just For Fun | History

Join us in celebrating the anniversary of one of television’s most beloved shows — I Love Lucy, which first aired on October 15, 1951.

The U.S. Cities That Aren’t Where You Thought They Were

Betcha Didn't Know | Andy Andrews History

Think you know where America’s cities are? Think again. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Andy Andrews uncovers the surprising geography quirks that will flip your mental map upside down. From Kansas City straddling two states, to Detroit sitting north of Canada, to Vegas’ famous Strip not even being in Las Vegas, the borders aren’t always where you expect. Get ready for mind-twisting facts that prove U.S. geography is anything but straightforward.

The High School Project That Become a National Symbol

Betcha Didn't Know | History Rick Burgess

Think you know who made the first American flag? Chances are, your fourth-grade test tricked you into writing “Betsy Ross.” But in this Betcha Didn’t Know, Rick Burgess unravels the legend and reveals how the real story belongs to a 17-year-old high schooler from Ohio. From a B-minus history project to a call from President Eisenhower, Bob Heft’s persistence turned a sewing-machine experiment into the 50-star symbol we salute today.

The Great Molasses Flood of 1919

Betcha Didn't Know | Briley Crisafi History Science

Molasses isn’t exactly what comes to mind when you think of a natural disaster—but in 1919, Boston learned otherwise. In this Betcha Didn’t Know, Briley Crisafi tells the incredible true story of the Great Molasses Flood, when a massive storage tank burst and sent a fifteen-foot wave of sticky syrup barreling through city streets at nearly thirty miles per hour. You’ll discover how the disaster unfolded, why it was completely preventable, and how molasses itself has a surprising history, from its role in rum-making to its unexpected nutritional benefits.