Maryland Unfolded is a history podcast from Baltimore Public Media and WYPR. Twice a month, a rotating cast of hosts and guests explores the people, events, and ideas that continue to shape Maryland's story. By challenging familiar narratives and elevating undertold stories, the podcast uncovers new perspectives on the state's history and its lasting impact today.
Willkommen in Maryland: Germans in the Old Line State
German immigrants have shaped Maryland’s history for generations, leaving their mark on everything from the farms of Frederick County to the churches, businesses, and cultural institutions of Baltimore. In this episode of Maryland Unfolded, we explore the waves of German immigration to Maryland, the communities they built, and the discrimination they sometimes faced, especially during times of war. Host Sheilah Kast speaks with historian Shelley Arnold about why Maryland was so attractive to Germans and how Germans helped shape the state’s history. Then Pastor Anke Diebler shares the story of Zion Church of the City of Baltimore, where German-language worship and traditions have endured for nearly three centuries. Maryland Unfolded is made possible in part by Gallagher LLP.
18 Sept 2026
Oyster Wars: The Fight for the Chesapeake Bay
In the nineteenth century, oysters fueled Maryland’s economy—but competition over the Chesapeake’s oyster beds led to violent clashes known as the Oyster Wars. Host Gabe Ortis speaks with historian Noah Ulrich and oyster farmer Patrick Hudson about the Oyster Wars and their lasting impact on Maryland’s seafood culture, regulatory system, and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland Unfolded is made possible in part by Gallagher LLP.
4 Sept 2026
The Black Ship Caulkers of Baltimore
For much of the nineteenth century, Black workers, both enslaved and free, dominated the ship caulking trade. The work was dangerous and demanding, but it also gave some Black Baltimoreans a path to economic power and autonomy, allowing them to buy their freedom, purchase property, support their families, and build community institutions. Among Baltimore’s best-known Black ship caulkers was Frederick Douglass. On this episode of Maryland Unfolded, host Dr. Kalima Young speaks with architectural historian Sarah Groesbeck about Baltimore’s Black ship caulkers, the lives they built along the waterfront, and efforts to preserve the historic Ship Caulkers’ Houses in Fells Point. Groesbeck is a board member of the Friends of the Ship Caulkers' Houses and the Society for the Preservation of Federal Hill and Fells Point. Maryland Unfolded is made possible in part by Gallagher LLP.
20 Aug 2026
The Rise, Fall, and Revival of Maryland Rye Whiskey
Long before Kentucky and Tennessee became synonymous with whiskey, Maryland was one of the country’s premier whiskey-producing states. Maryland played a central role in the development of American rye whiskey, but by the mid-20th century, most of the state’s distilleries were gone. Today, Maryland is reclaiming its rye whiskey tradition. On this episode of Maryland Unfolded, host Tom Hall talks with Braeden Bumpers, head distiller and owner of McClintock Distilling in Frederick, about the history of Maryland rye, why the state lost its place at the center of the U.S. whiskey industry, and how a new generation of distillers is bringing Maryland rye back. Maryland Unfolded is made possible in part by Gallagher LLP.
7 Aug 2026
Mobtown: The Know-Nothings and Political Violence in Baltimore
Baltimore has many nicknames: the Monumental City, Charm City, the City That Reads. But one of its oldest is Mobtown, a name earned through a long history of political violence, riots, and street fighting. And at no time was that reputation more deserved than in the decade before the Civil War, when election days in Baltimore meant armed gangs, volunteer firefighters, police officers, and political operatives battling in the streets At the center of this violence was the Know-Nothing movement, officially known as the American Party. A nativist, anti-Catholic, and anti-immigrant political movement, the Know-Nothings dominated Baltimore politics for much of the second half of the 1850s and helped cement the city's reputation as Mobtown. Host Marc Steiner speaks with political scientist Matthew Crenson, author of "Baltimore: A Political History," about the rise of the Know-Nothings, the violent struggle for political power, and what this turbulent chapter reveals about democracy, immigration, and power in nineteenth-century Maryland.
17 Jul 2026
Pride of Baltimore II and Maryland's Maritime Heritage
Host Mark Gunnery climbs aboard the Pride of Baltimore II for a three-night voyage from Norfolk to Baltimore, experiencing firsthand what life is like aboard Maryland's iconic sailing ambassador. Along the way, he explores the history of Baltimore Clippers, their role as privateers during the War of 1812, the loss of the original Pride of Baltimore, and the community effort that brought the ship back to life. Featuring conversations with Captain Jan Miles, Captain Jeff Crosby, Chief Mate Taylor Methven, Deckhand Sean Zimmerman, and Bosun Tanith Anhaiser, this episode examines the history, traditions, and enduring spirit of one of Maryland's most recognizable symbols.
2 Jul 2026
Drag Balls and Hidden Havens: Maryland's LGBTQ+ History
Drag balls, bar raids, horse thieves, and hidden havens. Host Dr. Kalima Young talks with public historian and librarian Ben Egerman about Maryland's LGBTQ+ history.
18 Jun 2026
Black Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution
How did Black Marylanders navigate the American Revolution? Sheilah Kast examines Patriots, Loyalists, and the fight for freedom.
2 Jun 2026
Maryland's Revolutionary Past and Lucille Clifton's Legacy
In the premiere episode of Maryland Unfolded, host Marc Steiner explores two distinct chapters of Maryland history. First, he speaks with political scientist Matthew Crenson about Baltimore politics in the Revolutionary era, examining the often-contentious relationship between the city and the rest of Maryland and how the Revolution shaped state politics for generations. Then, Steiner celebrates the life and legacy of poet Lucille Clifton, Maryland's first African American Poet Laureate, with her daughter, Sidney Clifton. Their conversation explores Clifton's poetry, influence, and impact.
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