History Detectives Season 5 Episode 3 GAR Photograph; Jefferson Pledge; Dempsey Fight Bell
- July 9, 2007
In the third episode of season five of History Detectives, titled "GAR Photograph; Jefferson Pledge; Dempsey Fight Bell," the team investigates three intriguing historical artifacts, each with its own unique story to tell.
The first artifact is a photograph of a group of men in military uniform with the initials "GAR" on their hats. The client who submitted the photo believes it may be connected to her great-grandfather who fought in the Civil War. The team sets out to determine the identity of the men in the photograph and learn more about the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) - an organization of Union veterans founded in 1866 that played a significant role in post-war politics.
Next up is a framed pledge signed by Thomas Jefferson. The client inherited the pledge from her father, who claimed that it was handed down through their family for generations. The pledge bears Jefferson's signature and promises to "support the constitution of the United States" and "protect it from all enemies." The team sets out to authenticate the document and determine its historical significance.
The final artifact is a bell from the famous boxing match between Jack Dempsey and Georges Carpentier in 1921. The client inherited the bell from his grandfather, who claimed that it was used at the fight. The team sets out to determine if the bell is genuine and if it was indeed used at the "Battle of the Century" - a match that captivated the nation and forever changed the sport of boxing.
Throughout the episode, the History Detectives take viewers on a fascinating journey through American history, delving into the lives of Civil War veterans, the origins of American democracy, and the golden age of boxing. With each artifact they investigate, the team uncovers new details and sheds light on the people and events that shaped our nation. Ultimately, the episode demonstrates the power of historical artifacts to connect us to the past and help us understand the present.