Ep 7. Charley Ross Kidnapping

In season 6, episode 7 of Mysteries at the Museum, the focus is on the infamous Charley Ross kidnapping. The episode explores the events surrounding the abduction of four-year-old Charley Ross in 1874 from his family's home in Pennsylvania, which was one of the first kidnappings of a child for ransom in American history.

The host, Don Wildman, takes us on a tour of various museums and archives across the country to uncover the many clues and theories of what happened to Charley Ross. He tracks down a rare piece of evidence from the kidnapping - a so-called "kidnapper's letter" - and interviews historians and experts in the field.

Throughout the episode, we learn about the Ross family, including the father's business ventures and the circumstances leading up to the kidnapping. We also learn about the investigation into the case, which unfortunately did not lead to Charley's recovery.

The episode delves into the various theories and rumors surrounding the case, including rumors that Charley was sold to a traveling circus or that he was raised as a member of the Cherokee Nation. Wildman explores several possibilities and examines the veracity of each one.

In addition, the episode discusses the legacy of the Charley Ross kidnapping, including the development of the Amber Alert system and the impact the case had on public awareness of child abductions.

Overall, the Mysteries at the Museum episode on the Charley Ross kidnapping is a fascinating look into one of the most infamous crimes in American history and a testament to the power of archival research and investigative journalism.