Ep 16. Yellow Fever Fiend, Angel in Bordeaux, Invention of Jaywalking

Mysteries at the Museum season 11 episode 16 delves into three intriguing stories: the Yellow Fever Fiend, Angel in Bordeaux, and the Invention of Jaywalking. Each story explores strange and unusual events that have left a lasting impact on history.

The first story, Yellow Fever Fiend, takes us back to 19th century New Orleans, where a mysterious figure known as the Yellow Fever Fiend was terrorizing the city. With no known cure for the deadly disease, thousands of people were dying every year. But this fiend took advantage of the chaos, donning a yellow cloak and mask and preying on the vulnerable. He would enter homes and hospitals, claiming to be a doctor or nurse, and then rob and murder his victims. The city was left in a state of panic until a determined group of citizens banded together to catch the fiend. This story is a chilling reminder of the dark side of human nature and the lengths people will go to when faced with a deadly epidemic.

The second story, Angel in Bordeaux, is a heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice. During WWII, a small group of nuns in Bordeaux, France, risked their lives to save Jewish children from the Nazi regime. One of these nuns, Sister Marguerite, went above and beyond the call of duty, using her own resources to smuggle children out of the country and hiding them in her convent. But when the Gestapo began closing in, Marguerite knew she had to act fast. She reached out to a local winemaker, asking him to help transport the children to safety. The winemaker, André Brulé, agreed without hesitation, and thus began a dangerous mission to get the children across the border to Spain. This incredible story is a testament to the power of human kindness in the face of overwhelming evil.

The final story, Invention of Jaywalking, is a fascinating exploration of a term that has become ubiquitous in modern society. Did you know that the concept of jaywalking was actually invented by car companies in the early 20th century? Prior to this, pedestrians had the right of way on city streets, but as cars became more prevalent, accidents increased. So car manufacturers launched a campaign to shift the blame onto pedestrians, claiming that they were recklessly walking into traffic and causing accidents. The term "jaywalking" was created to stigmatize this behavior and make it seem like a foolish and dangerous practice. This story sheds light on the power dynamics of society and how language can be used to shape perceptions and behavior.

Overall, Mysteries at the Museum season 11 episode 16 is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of history's oddities and curiosities. With its mix of chilling crime stories, inspiring tales of heroism, and insightful cultural commentary, this episode is sure to leave viewers both entertained and enlightened.