Access to knowledge for the masses. For many years in the United States, you had to pay a membership fee to a subscription library if you wanted access to books and information. That all changed in the early 1800s when the first publicly funded library opened in CT.

The end of the world. It was on a Wednesday in November of 1873. One hundred believers gathered on an island in a New England river to ascend into heaven. This episode traces the incredible story of how the Second Day Adventists selected the day and then waited for the cataclysmic event.

Ground zero. 9-11. World Trade Center. John Maher was one of the first TV cameramen inside the buildings, while they were still burning. He shares his surreal memories and experience.

It's an ancient European tradition. Hiking a town’s boundaries still occurs in three CT towns (Madison, Guilford, and Durham). They conducted theirs recently, complete with the carved ceremonial stone, for placement where the towns meet. Madison First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons has the story.

She was a boxer, an opera singer, and a rum runner. Nellie Green made it through 13 years of Prohibition with just one team member getting arrested, while keeping her patrons well supplied with alcohol. She also distributed some of her liquor to other bootleggers further inland, making hefty profits. How did this singing sensation – with a knock-out punch – end up being one of the biggest rum runners in the northeast?

PT Barnum – the world’s greatest showman. His legacy lives on. The 75-year-old Barnum Festival keeps the showman alive. It gives residents a chance to celebrate the man annually. Barnum was a major benefactor of Bridgeport. He served as Mayor and donated his estate to create beautiful Seaside Park. And, it will surprise you just how many important businesses and civic enterprises he established. We’ll hear about Barnum from this year’s Ring Master for the Barnum Festival, Greg Gnandt.

Skydiving became a sport in the U.S. in the 1950s. The first commercial jumping operation was at a rural grass landing strip in Litchfield County that catered to college students with money and nerves of steel. The special guest telling this story, Russ Wheeler, was at the airstrip and was a stunt skydiver with hundreds of jumps to his credit, including in several locations that will absolutely amaze you.

An island of miracles. Retreats at Enders Island re-instill virtue and provide hope. A Catholic ministry has a remarkable record with 12-step programs held on the island. But, it almost wasn’t so. The island was nearly closed 30 years ago due to financial struggles. Now, it’s flourishing. It’s beautiful. It’s serene. Its dahlia gardens are internationally renowned. Delicious jelly is made from local fruit trees. Its sacred art program has achieved distinction. And there’s a highly unusual religious relic – an 800-year-old arm. All of this on just 11 acres. You must hear about Enders Island from Father Thomas Hoar, who runs it.