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The Best Episodes of History Detectives

Every episode of History Detectives ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of History Detectives!

The Best Episodes of History Detectives

A group of researchers help people to find answers to various historical questions they have, usually centering around a family heirloom, an old house or...
  1. Background image for Bob Dylan Guitar; Beatles Autographs; Frank Zappa Collage
    8.2/10(8 votes)

    #1 - Bob Dylan Guitar; Beatles Autographs; Frank Zappa Collage

    S10:E1

    The Season 10 premiere investigates the history of an electric guitar to determine if Bob Dylan played it at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival. Also: possible Beatle autographs from 1964 Miami Beach; a $5 thrift-store find that may have a Frank Zappa link.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  2. Background image for New York
    7.8/10(5 votes)

    #2 - New York

    S1:E8

    Ventriloquist Dummy The Place: Brooklyn, New York Where did ""Sam"" the first black ventriloquist dummy, come from? Did he change the way Americans viewed race in the early 20th century? Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot? The Place: Greenwich Village, New York Did John Wilkes Booth, the infamous assassin of Abraham Lincoln, spend time in this woman's house planning the assassination? 34 Star Flag The Place: Staten Island, New York Did a 34-star Civil War-era flag in the possession of a New York historical society once save a boarding house from being burned down? Legend says it replaced a confederate flag hung at the height of Civil War hysteria.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  3. Background image for Orphan Film Reel; Chinese Opium Scale; Hermann Goering’s Shotgun
    7.6/10(7 votes)

    #3 - Orphan Film Reel; Chinese Opium Scale; Hermann Goering’s Shotgun

    S4:E6

    Puzzles involve a film reel of 1920s stuntman Eddie Polo; scales used by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century; and a shotgun that belonged to Nazi henchman Hermann Goering.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  4. Background image for St. Valentine's Day Massacre; Booth Letter; Cemetery Alarm
    7.5/10(6 votes)

    #4 - St. Valentine's Day Massacre; Booth Letter; Cemetery Alarm

    S7:E3

    Items include a shotgun believed to have been used by a member of Al Capone's gang during the St. Valentine's Day Massacre; a threatening letter to President Andrew Jackson believed to have been written by John Wilkes Boothe's father; and an alarm which is thought to have been an alarm against grave robbers in a cemetery.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  5. Background image for St.Valentine's Day Massacre; G. Washington Miniature; Stalag 17 Portrait
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #5 - St.Valentine's Day Massacre; G. Washington Miniature; Stalag 17 Portrait

    S8:E7

    St.Valentine's Day Massacre: Family lore says their shotgun played a role in the Chicago St. Valentine's Day Massacre. G. Washington Miniature: Why is this miniature of Washington more than a piece of art? Stalag 17 Portrait: A portrait sketched in a WWII prison leads to a meeting 65 years later.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  6. Background image for World War II patches; Cheyenne possessions; Lincoln note; Civil War Fabric
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #6 - World War II patches; Cheyenne possessions; Lincoln note; Civil War Fabric

    S10:E4

    Whether two patches that feature a symbol of a bird dropping a bomb are from a World War II unit; if a neckpiece and leggings belonged to Chief Black Kettle, a Cheyenne leader; whether a President Lincoln-signed note is authentic. Also: A tattered piece of red fabric is linked to a pivotal moment in the U.S. Civil War.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
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    The 20 WORST Episodes of History Detectives

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  8. Background image for WPA Mural Studies; George Washington Miniature; Japanese Balloon Bomb
    7.3/10(6 votes)

    #7 - WPA Mural Studies; George Washington Miniature; Japanese Balloon Bomb

    S7:E9

    Items look at include six paintings by Thelma Johnson Streat, which may have been mural studies commissioned by the WPA in the 1930s or '40s; a 1790 miniature color portrait of a "G. Washington" which was found stored above a Manhattan tavern in a box of documents; and a scrap of material believed to have come from a Japanese balloon bomb used during WWII.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  9. Background image for Hindenburg Artifact; John Adams Book; Birthplace of Hip-Hop
    7.2/10(5 votes)

    #8 - Hindenburg Artifact; John Adams Book; Birthplace of Hip-Hop

    S7:E7

    A man from New Jersey claims to have the instrument panel from the Hindenburg in his possession, in which his family lore claims it came from the blimps 1937 crash site. Then, an 18th-century book titled "Trials of Patriots," may contain John Adams signature and an inscription to his son, Charles. And a search is on at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx to see, as legend has it, the origins of hip-hop music.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  10. Background image for Arthur Szyk's Earliest Cartoons
    7.0/10(5 votes)

    #9 - Arthur Szyk's Earliest Cartoons

    S3:E3

    Arthur Szyk's Earliest Cartoons Professor Lowe's Hot Air Balloon Chemical Warfare Map

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  11. Background image for Coca-Cola Trade Card; Vicksburg Map; Lawrence Strike
    7.0/10(6 votes)

    #10 - Coca-Cola Trade Card; Vicksburg Map; Lawrence Strike

    S4:E3

    Puzzles involve an 1886 Coca-Cola trade card, a map connected to a Civil War battle and a billy club from a 1912 textile-factory strike in Lawrence, Mass. Included: a trip to Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta to try to verify the trade card info; digging up details pertaining to the 1863 siege of Vicksburg, Miss.; a journey to Lawrence to investigate the Bread and Roses strike.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  12. Background image for U.S.S. Indianapolis; Highlander Badge; Spirit of St. Louis
    7.0/10(5 votes)

    #11 - U.S.S. Indianapolis; Highlander Badge; Spirit of St. Louis

    S4:E5

    Puzzles concerning items believed to have come from a WWII kamikaze attack; a badge that may have belonged to a British soldier in the Revolutionary War; and two New Jersey brothers who suspect that their uncle built the Spirit of St. Louis's Wright Whirlwind J-5C engine.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  13. Background image for NC-4: First Across the Atlantic; Howard Hughes Crash; Civil War Balloon
    7.0/10(6 votes)

    #12 - NC-4: First Across the Atlantic; Howard Hughes Crash; Civil War Balloon

    S5:E6

    A square of fabric that may have been part of an NC-4 aircraft, which was the first to fly across the Atlantic; and an altimeter that might have been part of the XF-11 aircraft flown by Howard Hughes in 1946. Also: a piece of material that may have been part of a Civil War-era hot-air balloon designed for the U.S. Army.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  14. Background image for Bill Pickett Saddle; Hitler Films; McKinley Casket Flag
    7.0/10(5 votes)

    #13 - Bill Pickett Saddle; Hitler Films; McKinley Casket Flag

    S5:E11

    A saddle that may have been owned by cowboy legend Bill Pickett; a flag that might have been draped over the casket of President William McKinley; and film cans that may contain archival footage of Nazi officials.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  15. Background image for Tokyo Rose; Crazy Horse; World War II Diary
    7.0/10(6 votes)

    #14 - Tokyo Rose; Crazy Horse; World War II Diary

    S7:E5

    Items explored include a recording believed to be from the trial of Iva Toguri, better known Tokyo Rose, the Japanese American woman who made propaganda broadcasts for the Japanese during WWII; a possible photograph of the legendary Crazy Horse, the Lakota warrior. Also, a diary written by a pilot during WWII who perished in action is returned to his family.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  16. Background image for Iwo Jima Map; Copperhead Cane; Theremin
    7.0/10(6 votes)

    #15 - Iwo Jima Map; Copperhead Cane; Theremin

    S8:E2

    Iwo Jima Map - What role did this map play in one of WWII’s fiercest battles? Copperhead Cane - How did this cane inspire a fiery political movement that threatened Lincoln’s presidency? Theremin - How did this strange instrument help spark a rock n’ roll revolution?

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  17. Background image for Siberian Bullet; John Brown Pike; Ronald McDonald Costume
    7.0/10(6 votes)

    #16 - Siberian Bullet; John Brown Pike; Ronald McDonald Costume

    S9:E3

    Rummaging through a box of shells and bullets at a Colorado gun show, a History Detectives fan discovered a World War I vintage cartridge with a curious etching: Leo V. Thompson, CO E 31st Inf., A.E.F. Siberia. Our contributor bought a spear, or pike, from an antique shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He knows abolitionist John Brown lived near Chagrin Falls and wonders if rebels used this blade in John Brown’s famous raid at Harpers Ferry, VA. Have we found the original costume that launched Ronald McDonald? The label credits a well-known costume designer, and the costume looks similar to the suit we see in an early Ronald McDonald commercial: the yellow balloon coverall, red and white striped shirt and long stockings, and red oversized shoes.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  18. Background image for 3D Cuban Missile Crisis; Amos 'n Andy Record; Women's Suffrage Painting
    6.8/10(6 votes)

    #17 - 3D Cuban Missile Crisis; Amos 'n Andy Record; Women's Suffrage Painting

    S5:E1

    The fifth season begins with a portable projection screen that may have been used by President Kennedy to view spy photos during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Also: an aluminum record that might contain an original recording of the “Amos 'n' Andy” program; and a painting that may have been an original portrait used in the women's suffrage movement.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  19. Background image for Lauste Film Clip; Baker's Gold; Transatlantic Cable
    6.8/10(6 votes)

    #18 - Lauste Film Clip; Baker's Gold; Transatlantic Cable

    S8:E3

    A collector who may possess part of the first talking movie; a Cape Cod beachcomber's discovery of what may be a section of the first transatlantic cable. Also: the story behind sketches of five- and eight-pound gold nuggets.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  20. Background image for Amelia Earhart Plane; Fillmore Pardon; Boxcar Home
    6.7/10(6 votes)

    #19 - Amelia Earhart Plane; Fillmore Pardon; Boxcar Home

    S7:E6

    A Honolulu flight mechanic's grandson believes he possesses a piece of Amelia Earhart's airplane but needs help identifying it. Next, the 1851 presidential commutation of a death sentence to life in prison in the case of See See Sah Mah, a Native American who was charged with murdering a a St. Louis trader. Lastly, a home in Colorado which is believed to have been built solely from railroad boxcars.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  21. Background image for Drug Smuggling Doll; Florida Map; Marion Carpenter Camera
    6.6/10(5 votes)

    #20 - Drug Smuggling Doll; Florida Map; Marion Carpenter Camera

    S9:E8

    A camera may have been used to photograph President Truman; Civil War doll may have been used to smuggle medicine; a 15th-century map shows how Europe colonized Florida.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  22. Background image for Leopold Medal; Suffrage Pennant; WB Cartoons
    6.4/10(6 votes)

    #21 - Leopold Medal; Suffrage Pennant; WB Cartoons

    S9:E10

    No description available

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  23. Background image for Lost Gold Ship / John Hunt Morgan Saddle / Cesar Chavez Banner
    6.2/10(5 votes)

    #22 - Lost Gold Ship / John Hunt Morgan Saddle / Cesar Chavez Banner

    S2:E9

    Lost Gold Ship The Place: Alaska Environmentalist Gabriel Scott was working in the Copper River Delta near Cordova, Alaska, when he came across the wreckage of an old ship. According to locals, these are the remains of the SS Portland, the famous steamship that carried 68 miners and nearly two tons of gold from the Klondike River to Seattle harbor and began the great Klondike Gold Rush of 1897. The History Detectives team mixes maritime history and forensic science to reveal the dramatic story of the SS Portland and confirm that the remains are of this legendary ship. John Hunt Morgan Saddle The Place: Paris, Kentucky A Kentucky man owns a beautifully preserved, Western-style saddle, believed to have been used by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan on his audacious raid into Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio in July 1863. History Detective Wes Cowan has a surprising personal connection to the case - his great-grandfather was actually one of ""Morgan's Raiders"" and was captured alongsi

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  24. Background image for Atocha Spanish Silver; Ernie Pyle's Typewriter; Lucy Parsons Book
    6.2/10(5 votes)

    #23 - Atocha Spanish Silver; Ernie Pyle's Typewriter; Lucy Parsons Book

    S5:E4

    Two bars of silver that may have been from a Spanish ship that went down off Florida; a book that might have belonged to social activist Lucy Parsons; a typewriter that may have belonged to WWII journalist Ernie Pyle.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  25. Background image for Continental Currency; Short-Snorter; Liberty Bell Pin
    6.0/10(5 votes)

    #24 - Continental Currency; Short-Snorter; Liberty Bell Pin

    S5:E2

    A possible Colonial-era $6 bill found by a Nebraska family; and a British 10-shilling note said to have been signed by FDR, Winston Churchill and George Patton. Also: A North Carolina woman has a pin she claims was made from metal taken from the Liberty Bell.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown
  26. Background image for Psychophone; War Dog Letter; Pancho Villa Watch Fob
    5.7/10(7 votes)

    #25 - Psychophone; War Dog Letter; Pancho Villa Watch Fob

    S7:E1

    Season 7 begins with a closer look at the "Psycho-Phone," a device presumed to have been built by Thomas Edison and was designed to communicate with the dead. Then, a WWII letter between two soldiers which talks about a third man's qualifications to become a dog trainer. Lastly, a watch fob which commemorates Pancho Villa's infamous raid on Columbus, New Mexico in 1916.

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    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

Best Episodes Summary

"Bob Dylan Guitar; Beatles Autographs; Frank Zappa Collage" is the best rated episode of "History Detectives". It scored 8.2/10 based on 8 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 7/17/2012. This episode scored 0.4 points higher than the second highest rated, "New York".