Ep 2. Zip-Lining to Freedom and More

In the second episode of season 14 of Mysteries at the Museum, entitled "Zip-Lining to Freedom and More", host Don Wildman delves into a variety of intriguing and enigmatic artifacts and stories from the past.

The episode kicks off with a visit to the Harriet Tubman Museum in Cambridge, Maryland, where Wildman explores the incredible story of Tubman's daring efforts to rescue enslaved individuals on the Underground Railroad. One of the artifacts on display at the museum is a simple, hand-carved wooden cane that belonged to Tubman, which Wildman examines closely while recounting her life and work. He also shares the story of William Still, a key figure in the Underground Railroad who wrote down hundreds of stories of enslaved individuals who had escaped to freedom, providing an invaluable historical record of this important moment in American history.

Moving on from the Underground Railroad, Wildman takes viewers to the Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he examines a painting by Frederic Church called "La Magdalena". Wildman explains that Church was a prominent American artist in the mid-nineteenth century who specialized in landscape painting, and that "La Magdalena" is one of his most striking and unique works. The painting depicts a beautiful and dramatic landscape in South America, but it's not just the scenery that's interesting -- as Wildman reveals, there's also a hidden message in the painting that provides insight into Church's worldview and beliefs.

Next up, Wildman travels to the Waring Historical Library in Charleston, South Carolina, where he explores an unusual and unsettling medical artifact: a human rib bone with deep grooves cut into it. As Wildman explains, this bone is part of the history of trepanation, the ancient practice of drilling or cutting holes into a person's skull as a medical treatment. While the idea of drilling into someone's skull might seem barbaric to us today, as Wildman explains, it was once a common medical practice that was based on the (incorrect) belief that it could cure various illnesses and conditions.

Continuing on with the medical theme, Wildman takes us to the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, Illinois, where he examines the twisted remains of a giant squid that washed up on the shores of New Zealand in the late 1800s. As Wildman explains, this was one of the first times that scientists had been able to examine a giant squid up close, and it was a major discovery that shed new light on these mysterious creatures. Wildman takes a close look at the squid's massive tentacles and sharp beak, providing fascinating insight into how these creatures live and hunt.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a trip to the Extreme World Races in Atlanta, Georgia, where Wildman investigates an exciting and dangerous new sport: zip-lining. As Wildman explains, zip-lining got its start as a mode of transportation in remote jungle areas, but in recent years it has become a popular recreational activity all around the world. But as Wildman learns, zip-lining can be dangerous if not done correctly, so he meets up with some expert guides and takes to the skies himself, soaring through the trees high above the ground.

With its diverse range of stories and artifacts, "Zip-Lining to Freedom and More" is a fascinating and entertaining episode of Mysteries at the Museum that is sure to captivate viewers. Whether you're interested in history, science, or just exciting new experiences, there's something for everyone in this thought-provoking and informative show.