History Detectives Season 9 Episode 10 Order of Leopold, Suffrage Pennant, WB Cartoon

In season 9 episode 10 of History Detectives, the team of investigators sets out to uncover the mysteries behind three intriguing objects - the Order of Leopold, a Suffrage Pennant, and a WB Cartoon.

The first object is the Order of Leopold, a prestigious medal awarded by the Belgian government to foreign citizens for their contributions to society. The History Detectives are tasked with finding out why a certain American woman, Edith May, was awarded this medal in the early 1900s. Was she a spy, a philanthropist, or a war hero? The team delves into the archives and consults with historians in Belgium and the United States to piece together Edith's life and her connection to King Leopold II.

Next up is the Suffrage Pennant, a small piece of fabric that played a big role in the fight for women's right to vote. The pennant was carried by a group of suffragists in a parade in Washington D.C. in 1913, but little is known about its origin or the women who carried it. The History Detectives enlist the help of a textile expert to analyze the pennant's construction and fabrics, and a historian specializing in women's history to trace the route and impact of the suffrage parade. Through their investigation, they uncover a surprising link between the suffragists and the fashion industry.

Last but not least is the WB Cartoon, a 16mm film reel containing an old Warner Bros. cartoon. The reel was discovered in a metal box hidden in a wall during a renovation project, and the homeowners want to know if it's worth anything. The History Detectives turn to animation experts and film historians to identify the cartoon and determine its rarity and value. Along the way, they learn about the history of animation and the complex copyright issues surrounding early cartoons.

Throughout the episode, the History Detectives work tirelessly to uncover the stories behind these seemingly disparate objects. As they unearth clues and interview experts, they weave together rich histories of individuals, movements, and cultural phenomena. Ultimately, they demonstrate that even the smallest object can hold a wealth of information and serve as a window into the past.