Ep 4. Kensington Runestone, Smile! You're Being Hijacked and Harriet the Spy

In season 12, episode 4 of Mysteries at the Museum, viewers are transported into a world of hidden secrets and puzzling mysteries. The episode is titled "Kensington Runestone, Smile! You're Being Hijacked and Harriet the Spy," and features three distinct stories from history that have left experts puzzled and intrigued.

The first segment of the episode delves into the mystery surrounding the Kensington Runestone. The Kensington Runestone is a large slab of greywacke rock that was found in 1898, buried under a tree in Minnesota. The stone is inscribed with runes that are believed to date back to the 14th century, and suggest that a group of Scandinavian explorers may have reached the American Midwest almost 200 years before Columbus. In this segment, viewers will learn about the various theories that have been put forward to explain the origins of the Kensington Runestone, and discover how new evidence is shedding light on this historic artifact.

The second segment of the episode explores the strange story of a mid-air hijacking that took place in 1972. The story centers on a group of American passengers who were on a flight from New York to Florida, when their plane was hijacked by three men claiming to have a bomb. The hijackers demanded that the plane be flown to Cuba, but what followed was a tense stand-off with the authorities and a daring escape that has become the stuff of legend. Using rare archival footage and interviews with survivors and experts, this segment uncovers the truth behind this extraordinary event.

The final segment of "Kensington Runestone, Smile! You're Being Hijacked and Harriet the Spy" focuses on the life and work of author Louise Fitzhugh, who is best known for creating the iconic character Harriet M. Welsch in her 1964 novel, "Harriet the Spy." Through interviews with authors, academics and fans of the book, viewers will learn about the impact that "Harriet the Spy" has had on generations of readers, and discover the hidden stories and secrets behind this beloved literary classic.

Throughout the episode, viewers will be treated to stunning visuals, mysterious soundscapes, and fascinating interviews with historians, researchers, and experts. From ancient runes to daring hijackings and literary icons, "Kensington Runestone, Smile! You're Being Hijacked and Harriet the Spy" is a thrilling and thought-provoking exploration of some of history's most intriguing mysteries.