Ep 4. Smokey's on Fire and More

In season 14 episode 4 of Mysteries at the Museum, titled "Smokey's on Fire and More," host Don Wildman takes viewers on a journey through some of the most intriguing and mysterious artifacts in history.

The episode opens with a visit to the National Museum of Forest Service History, where Wildman explores the story of Smokey Bear, the iconic mascot of fire prevention. He discovers the real-life inspiration behind the beloved bear, which goes far beyond just a cartoon character.

From there, Wildman heads to the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, where he investigates a unique piece of art that has puzzled experts for decades. The sculpture, known as the "Ecological Crucifix," is a haunting depiction of a crucified Christ with a tree growing out of his wounds. Wildman uncovers the fascinating history behind the work and the intriguing religious beliefs that inspired it.

Next, Wildman travels to the Polk County History Museum in Iowa, where he examines a mysterious piece of cloth that has been shrouded in superstition and folklore for years. The fabric, known as the "Betsy Ross Flag," is said to have been the original flag that Ross designed for the United States. But is it the real deal? Wildman delves into the conflicting accounts of its history and reveals the surprising truth.

The episode then takes a turn towards the strange and unusual, with a trip to the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia. Here, Wildman explores the bizarre history of a brain specimen known as the "Sphynx's Brain." This fascinating organ belonged to a man who had a rare disorder that gave him the ability to speak multiple languages without ever having learned them. But how did this brain end up in the museum's collection? Wildman investigates.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a visit to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma, where Wildman delves into the story of one of the most legendary cowboys of all time: Buffalo Bill. Specifically, he examines the gun that Buffalo Bill used in his famous Wild West Show. But it's not just any gun – this one has a distinctly strange story behind it, involving a murder case and a vengeful spirit. Wildman uncovers the twists and turns of this bizarre tale and sheds new light on the history of the Old West.

Overall, "Smokey's on Fire and More" is a thrilling and intriguing episode of Mysteries at the Museum, filled with fascinating stories and artifacts that are sure to capture viewers' imaginations. From the inspirational story of Smokey Bear to the haunting mystery of the Ecological Crucifix, this episode has something for everyone.