History Detectives Season 6 Episode 8 John Adams Book; Mankato Spoon; NC-4: First Across the Atlantic

In season 6, episode 8 of the popular PBS series History Detectives, the team investigates three intriguing historical artifacts with mysterious backstories.

The first item up for investigation is a book once owned by founding father John Adams. The book is an early copy of The Law of Nations, a French work that profoundly influenced the writing of the US Constitution. The book contains several inscriptions, including one that seems to suggest it was owned by Adams himself. The detectives set out to verify whether the book is truly connected to Adams and, if so, what that might tell us about his views on government and law.

The second item is a silver spoon discovered in Minnesota with a curious inscription. The spoon appears to commemorate a meeting between a group of Sioux Native Americans and General Henry Sibley in 1858. The inscription raises questions about the nature of the meeting, the relationship between the Sioux and the US government, and the role of silver spoons in Native American diplomacy.

Finally, the detectives turn their attention to a piece of aviation history: the NC-4 seaplane that completed the first transatlantic flight in 1919. The NC-4 was part of a team of planes that set out from the US to Europe in an attempt to win a $25,000 prize from the US Navy. After encountering numerous challenges, the NC-4 was the only plane to make it all the way across the Atlantic. The detectives explore the story of this historic flight and the brave crew members who made it possible.

As they investigate each artifact, the detectives use a variety of tools and resources, including archival documents, expert interviews, and forensic testing. Along the way, they uncover surprising connections and insights that shed new light on these fascinating pieces of history.

With its combination of mystery, history, and forensic investigation, History Detectives remains a favorite of history buffs and armchair detectives alike. This episode is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, aviation, or Native American culture.