What happens when modern historians react to historians of the past? In this episode of Boom Goes the History, Garry Adelman brings a wild idea to the table: watching and reacting to old clips of legendary historians. First up—Douglas Southall Freeman. We dive into Freeman’s thoughts on respecting the enemy, but the real surprise? Hearing his voice! Join us for a fun, slightly stunned, and occasionally irreverent look at how historians of yesterday sound to historians of today. History, reactions, and a few laughs—boom.

Why Gettysburg? What makes one battle capture a lifetime of curiosity? On this episode of Boom Goes the History, we sit down with American Battlefield Trust Chief Historian Garry Adelman to talk about his lifelong obsession with the Battle of Gettysburg. From the dramatic three days of fighting to his love of Civil War photography, Garry shares how he became completely hooked on Gettysburg—and why this pivotal moment in the Civil War still matters today. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or just Gettysburg-curious, this conversation will show you why the battle keeps pulling Garry back over and over again.

The American Battlefield Trust’s Boom Goes the History podcast is back—and it’s louder, livelier, and more fun than ever. In this reboot of the fan-favorite show, we dive headfirst into the stories, personalities, and surprising moments that shaped American history. From the drama of the Revolutionary War to the high stakes of the War of 1812 and the epic clashes of the Civil War, no battlefield—or historical rabbit hole—is off limits.

But this isn’t your typical history lecture. Boom Goes the History mixes serious storytelling with plenty of laughs, unexpected trivia, and the occasional irreverent tangent. Our hosts pull back the curtain on how the American Battlefield Trust creates its videos, maps, and educational content, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from filming trips, battlefield visits, and the occasional historical mishap.

Whether we’re breaking down a famous battle, debating if Star Wars is a Civil War or swapping stories from the road, the goal is simple: make history entertaining, approachable, and fun!

If you love great stories, fascinating history, and a healthy dose of fun, grab your headphones and join us. History has never sounded quite like this.

Join Kris White for this in-depth tour of the Bennett Place State Historic Site in North Carolina, where Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his Confederate forces to William T. Sherman in late April, 1865.

In this episode Chief Historian Garry Adelman is joined by special guests Derrick Brown and Colby Stevens. Stay tuned until the end for an impromptu stop at the Cole Plantation!

After capturing Wilmington, North Carolina in February of 1865, Union forces led by John Schofield moved inland to face Joseph E. Johnston and Braxton Bragg. Kris White gives a breakdown of the battle from the Wyse Fork battle monument in Kinston, NC.

After Fort Fisher fell to Union forces, the Confederates still held powerful Fort Anderson. Could a veteran of Antietam and Franklin compromise the fort? Join Chief Historian, Garry Adelman, historian Chris Fonvielle Jr. and Site Manager Jim McKee at the “best preserved Confederate earthen fort.”

On February 11, 1865, the little known Battle of Sugar Loaf opened up the Wilmington Campaign. Join Chris Fonvielle Jr. for this brief tour of the new Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Civil War Park, dedicated to telling the story of those who fought throughout Wilmington, North Carolina.

After Sugar Loaf, we continue onto Forks Road. In 1980, Chris Fonvielle Jr. came across a piece of land that now sits next to the Cameron Art Museum. Through further study, he realized that it was the location of a forgotten Civil War battle in the Wilmington Campaign between United States Colored Troops and Confederates. Watch to learn more about the incredible and unique story.