Leif Transtad with King Haakon VII, 1944Lake Tinnsjo, sight of the SF Hydro sinkingThe ferry SF HydroKing Haakon VII congratulating Telemark commandos.
Shortly after the conquest of Norway by Nazi Germany, Allied intelligence determined that an electrical plant at Rjukan, Norway was providing a crucial element in a potential German atomic bomb. As a result, Norwegian commandos embarked on one of the most successful and heroic operations of World War II.
Discover the untold story of the Norwegian heroes who sabotaged Hitler’s atomic weapons program. This episode delves into the daring Operation Freshman and the subsequent Operation Gunnerside, revealing how a small group of resistance fighters and Allied commandos risked everything to destroy the Nazi heavy water production facility at Vemork. Learn about Leif Tronstadt, the brilliant chemist-turned-spy, and the brave men who skied across treacherous terrain to change the course of World War II. Uncover the high-stakes world of wartime espionage, cutting-edge science, and unsung heroism in this gripping tale of courage against overwhelming odds.
Discover the fascinating life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a trailblazing art collector and socialite who left an indelible mark on Boston’s cultural landscape. This episode delves into Gardner’s journey from New York socialite to renowned art patron, her creation of the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the shocking 1990 heist that rocked the art world. Learn how Gardner’s unconventional personality and passion for art shaped her legacy, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the largest unsolved art theft in history. Perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by untold stories of influential figures. Don’t miss this captivating tale of wealth, culture, and intrigue in early 20th century America.
Isabella Stewart GardnerJohn Lowell (Jack) Gardner Jr.Bernard Berenson in his Italian villa.Botticelli, The Tragedy of LucretiaRembrandt, Storm on the Sea of GalileeRembrandt, Self-Portrait, damaged, not stolen.Titian, Rape of EuropaVermeer, the Music LessonManet, Chez TortoniRembrandt, A Man and Woman in BlackFlinck, Landscape with ObeliskJohn Singer Sargent, Isabella Stewart GardnerGardner Museum, Central Courtyard
Discover the fascinating life of Isabella Stewart Gardner, a trailblazing art collector and socialite who left an indelible mark on Boston’s cultural landscape. This episode delves into Gardner’s journey from New York socialite to renowned art patron, her creation of the iconic Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the shocking 1990 heist that rocked the art world. Learn how Gardner’s unconventional personality and passion for art shaped her legacy, and uncover the mysteries surrounding the largest unsolved art theft in history. Perfect for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by untold stories of influential figures. Don’t miss this captivating tale of wealth, culture, and intrigue in early 20th century America. Like, subscribe, and explore more episodes of bite-sized biographies that bring forgotten legends to life.Gardner Museum security guard, Rick AbathMyles Connor, later in life.William Youngworth III, Late 90’s.Robert “Bobby” Donati, as a young manIsabella Stewart Gardner, 1907Gardner Museum, 1920Robert GentileRyan McGuiganOne of the three searches of Robert Gentile’s propertyRecent photo of the original Gardner buildingRecent photo of Gardner 2012 addition.Isabella Stewart Gardner, 1922, by John Singer SargentGardner Family Mausoleum, Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Cambridge, MA
IN 1911, an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, re-discovered the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, helping to popularize this site, which today is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
Hiram Bingham, at Harvard, with wife AlfredaChurch built on the former site of the Coricancha, Cuzco, PeruFrancisco PizarroCapture of Atahualpa by Pizarro at CajamarcaExecution of Atahualpa by Pizarro, CajamarcaSacsayhuaman fortress ruins, Cuzco
IN 1911, an American explorer, Hiram Bingham, re-discovered the Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, helping to popularize this site, which today is one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
Hiram Bingham, 1912Machu Pichu, Hayna Picchu in the backgroundMachu Picchu, photographed by Hiram BinghamHiram Bingham, Air Corps during WWIBingham, US SenatorBingham with other members of President’s Coolidge’s committee on Aviation .Hiram Bingham Grave, Arlington National Cemetery
The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.
Charles with his father.Lindbergh as Air CadetAnne Morrow, as a young girlLindbergh, with The Spirit of St. LouisThe Spirit of St. Louis at the SmithsonianLindbergh and his plane, mobbed at Croyden, England, 1927Anne Morrow LindberghThe former Lindbergh Estate in Hopewell, New Jersey, now a state facility for juvenile youthCharles A. Lindbergh, Jr.The Lindbergh baby, cover of Time.Wanted poster, after the child’s kidnappingWith Goering in Germany, 1936
The triumph, tragedy and bizarre secrets of one of the 20th century’s most prominent figures.
Bruno Richard HauptmannJohn Condon on the witness standLindbergh on the witness stand.Gasoline can which contained ransom cash, found in Hauptmann’s garageNorman Schwarzkopf, Sr., New Jersey State Police, father of subsequent Desert Storm commander.Lindbergh in the Pacific, 1944Charles and Anne Lindbergh, with JFKLindbergh, later in life, in the Philippines.Lindbergh grave, Kipahalu, Maui, Hawaii
In 1963, two British criminals masterminded the robbery of 2.6 million pounds in cash from a Royal Mail Train, an amount worth 45 million pounds today. The robbery and its aftermath caused a nationwide sensation.
Bruce ReynoldsGordon GoodyRecent photo, Sears CrossingBridge #127, Bridego BridgeRonnie Biggs, mug shotRonnie Biggs, Bruce Reynolds and their sons
In 1963, two British criminals masterminded the robbery of 2.6 million pounds in cash from a Royal Mail Train, an amount worth 45 million pounds today. The robbery and its aftermath caused a nationwide sensation.
Detective Tommy ButlerLeatherslade FarmJudge Edmund Davies, entering courtPlaque at Crewe railroad station commemorating Jack Mills and David WhitbyCharmain Biggs, in later yearsGordon Goody, later yearsGrave of Bruce Reynolds, sculpted by his son Nick, Highgate Cemetery
Acclaimed in his lifetime for his remarkable literary career, Charles Dickens’ private life was wracked by dysfunction, scandal and the cruelty he inflicted on his wife and his children.
Charles Dickens, as a younger manCatherine Dickens, 1838Ebeneezer Scrooge and Marley’s ghost, A Christmas CarolGrip, the Raven. Barnaby RudgeFreddy Bartholomew, in the original MGM version of David CopperfirldDickens, in later life
