Bedtime History: Inspirational Stories for Kids and Families

Sega and Sonic the Hedgehog

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we learn about the history of Sega, from its arcade games in Japan to its creation of the Sega Genesis, other consoles, and memorable chara...

A Tour of Paris

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a journey through Paris, France, as we visit famous sites such as The Louvre, the Seine River, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and...

The Golden Age of Islam and Houses of Wisdom

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us for a journey back in time to discover the incredible Golden Age of Islam and the Houses of Wisdom! Learn how these remarkable thinkers made g...

Jackie Chan

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Let's dive into the incredible world of Jackie Chan, the ultimate action hero! Join us as we explore his amazing journey from a young martial artist t...

Gunboat Judy, Heroic Dog of WWII

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're diving into the incredible story of Gunboat Judy, the courageous dog who became a hero during wartime. Join us as we discover how Judy's ...

Howard Carter and the Discovery of King Tut

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Discover how a young boy's fascination with ancient Egypt led him to uncover a hidden treasure trove of pharaohs' riches. Explore the suspenseful mome...

King Tut and Ancient Egypt

14 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us in this exciting episode as we journey back in time to ancient Egypt to uncover the mysteries of King Tutankhamun! From his royal lineage to h...

Hiram Bingham and Machu Picchu

07 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us as we learn about the life of Hiram Bingham and his interest in exploring far-off places, which led him to the mountaintop palace of Machu Pic...

Machu Picchu and the Inca Empire

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about King Pachacuti and the rise of the Inca Empire as it spread across northwest South America and the grand mountaintop palace they built cal...

"Big Al" the Mighty Allosaurus

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about "Big Al", the mighty predator who once ruled the Jurassic World with its powerful legs and razor-sharp teeth.Get $10 off StoryButton!https...

Franklin D. Roosevelt

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the early life and rise to the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. We'll also learn about his diagnosis of polio, his rehabilitation, and t...

Soccer | Football

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of soccer, also known as football, from its start as "folk ball" to its worldwide popularity, celebrity players, and the World...

The Fountain of Youth

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join us on an exciting adventure as we explore the legends and myths surrounding the Fountain of Youth! In this episode, we delve into ancient tales f...

Bobbie the Wonder Dog

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the amazing tale of Bobbie the Wonder Dog. Join us as we discover the incredible journey of this remarkable canine. Bobbie's story takes us ...

Annie Smith Peck

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the incredible life of Annie Smyth Peck, a trailblazing mountaineer, suffragist, and scholar, who shattered gender barriers in the early 20t...

The T-Red of Tadpoles and The Saber-Toothed Anchovy

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Journey back in time hundreds of millions of years ago to learn about some of the exotic, prehistoric creatures of the ocean. We'll be learning about ...

Bob Ross

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Dive into the life and artistic legacy of the one and only Bob Ross, a man whose soothing voice, gentle demeanor, and incredible talent brought joy to...

The Taj Mahal and Buildings in the Name of Love

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the building of the Taj Mahal in India and other architecture built in the name of love such as the Swallow's Nest, Mystery Castle, and UF...

Tony Hawk

22 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the legendary life of Tony Hawk, the skateboarding icon who revolutionized the sport. From his early days as a prodigy to his global impac...

Togo, Balto, and the Lifesaving Sled Dog Race of 1925

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Balto, Togo, Blackie, Fox, and the other Siberian huskies and mushers who saved Alaskans during the serum run of 1925.📖  Full Text @ B...

Pokémon

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Satoshi Tajiri and the creation of the video game Pokemon and the subsequent success of the card game and other media.📖  Full Text @ B...

Stone Portraits

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about world famous stone portraits such as The Great Sphinx of Giza, The Olmec Heads in Mexico, Nemrut Dag, Bayon Temple, Easter Island Heads, T...

Venice, Italy

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous Italian city built on water, from its founding to its notoriety as a tourist destination around the world.📖  Full Text @ Be...

Sandra Oh Lin and KiwiCo

20 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Sandra Oh Lin and the founding of KiwiCo, one of our favorite sponsors! My 16-yo daughter creating a KiwiCo Punch Needle Pillow:https://yo...

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the rise to fame of the professional wrestler and actor, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTub...

Serena Williams

10 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the young girl from Compton, California, who became the greatest tennis player of all time.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺...

Big Ben

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the massive clock tower and landmark in London called "Big Ben."📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 Facebook | In...

Jeep the Flying Coyote

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Jeep, the pet coyote, who followed his owner John Crump across the sea and flew with him on missions during World War II.📖  Full Text ...

Irish History, Traditions and Folklore

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day, learn about Irish history, traditions, and folklore.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 ...

Jim Thorpe

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the American athlete and Olympic gold medalist. Of the Sac and Fox Nation, Thorpe was the first Native American to win a gold medal for th...

The Lost City of Atlantis

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the mysterious civilization written about by Plato and the search to find the ruins of the lost city. In the episode, we ask the big quest...

Grace O'Malley, Irish Pirate Queen

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the fierce Irish landowner and head of the O'Malley Dynasty in West Ireland.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 F...

Rachel Carson

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the passionate conservationist, marine biologist, and author of Silent Spring who helped advanced the global environmentalist movement.📖...

Anthony van Leeuwenhoek

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the 18th century Dutch microbiologist best known for the extraordinary microscopes he built and his study of microscopic biological life. ...

Seven Wonders of the Natural World

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the Seven Wonders of the Natural World: The Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Aurora Borealis, Rio Harbour, Victoria Falls, Paricutin Volcano, ...

Groundhog Day

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of Groundhog Day, from the early Celtic tradition to the big party that happens every year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania.📖 ...

Desmond Tutu

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Desmond Tutu, the South African Anglican bishop, who worked against apartheid and racism and eventually won the Nobel Peace Prize.📖  F...

Lunar Chinese New Year

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about all of the traditions and customs surrounding the Chinese New Year.Submit your thoughts here:https://forms.gle/AV3cWqMPTujDTMSK7📖  Ful...

Smallpox Vaccine

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of smallpox and the innovative scientists who helped create the smallpox vaccination.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories....

Climbing Mount Everest

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of people who have climbed Mount Everest and the local sherpas who have helped them do so.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistorySto...

New Year's Eve Around The World

26 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how people celebrate New Year's Eve across the world.What are your favorite holiday traditions?Form: https://forms.gle/M5SnxS4Rj5cgW3j86📖  F...

Christmas Traditions Q&A

19 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Discover a few answers to questions about Christmas traditions with us. What is figgy pudding? What are sugar plums? Why do we decorate Christmas tree...

Winter Holidays Around the World

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about winter holiday traditions around the world such as Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Boxing Day, St. Nicholas Day, Ligligan Parul, Las Posadas, and Kramp...

Unsinkable Sam the Battleship Cat

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the legendary cat who survived multiple battles during World War II in Europe.📢 Donate and get a shout-out from Breck!https://www.patre...

Midnight Ride of Sybil Ludington

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the young heroine of the American Revolution, who rode over 40 miles alone in total darkness to warn fellow New York patriots of an impend...

Native Americans in North America [Rerelease]

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Native American Heritage this month, we wanted to combine and rerelease our past episodes about Native Americans in North America. Learn a...

Voyage of the Mayflower

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about the famous voyage that carried pilgrims from England to America in 1620.📢 Donate and get a shout-out from Breck!https://www.patreo...

Frederick Douglass

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the trying and extraordinary life of the former slave turned abolitionist, writer, and statesman.📢 Donate and get a shout-out from Brec...

William and Caroline Herschel

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous brother and sister astronomers who changed history with the invention of new telescopes and the discovery of many new stars, ne...

Isaac Newton

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous mathemetician, physicist, and discoverer of the laws of motion.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 Fac...

Bicycles

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of the bicycle including early versions called the laufmachine and penny-farthing, and inventors such as Karl Drais and Karl K...

King Ludwig II and Neuschwanstein Castle

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the creative ruler who with his wild imagination designed Neuschwanstein Castle in present-day Germany.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistorySt...

Elizabeth "Betty" McIntosh

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the clever writer and World War 2 spy for the OSS, Elizabeth "Betty" McIntosh.📖  Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍...

Sally Ride

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the physicist and astronaut, Sally Ride, who became the first American woman to fly in space.📖  @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTub...

Whales and Dolphins

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about these amazing marine mammals, some of the most intelligent and graceful animals on earth.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 Yo...

Navajo Code Talkers

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about communications during World War II and the Native American code talkers who sent secret messages during the Pacific Theater.📖 Full Text...

Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about Queen Elizabeth II and the celebration of her 70th year of reign also called the "Platinum Jubilee".Bertie: The Best Stuttering King📖...

Benjamin Banneker

29 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the brilliant African-American naturalist, mathematician, astronomer and almanac author.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 You...

Antikythera Mechanism

22 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the ancient Greek astronomical analog computer discovered in a shipwreck off the island of Antikythera.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStor...

Indus Valley Civilization

15 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the advanced Bronze Age culture and civilization located in South Asia.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 Facebook...

Dragons

08 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about the history of these mythical, fearsome creatures across many cultures throughout time.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺...

The Grimké Sisters

01 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about Sarah and Angelina Grimke, the southern suffragists, and abolitionists, who spoke out against slavery during the 1800s. 📖 Full Text @ B...

Oregon Trail

25 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous trail that pioneers in the early United States traveled to settle the West.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTu...

Louis Pasteur

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the French chemist and microbiologist known for his discoveries in fields such as vaccination, fermentation, and pasteurization. 📖 Full...

Unicorns

11 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of these mythical creatures and how they came to fill the imagination of many cultures across the world!📖 Full Text @ Bedti...

Dippy the Dinosaur

04 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about "Dippy the Dinosaur", the diplodocus discovered on July 4th, 1899 in Wyoming, USA.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍...

Wangari Maathai

27 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner, her childhood in Kenya, and her efforts to lessen suffering and protect the environment in Kenya.📖...

Major Taylor

13 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous cyclist Marshall "Major" Taylor.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 Facebook | Instagram🇲🇽 Spanish...

Skyscrapers

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of tall buildings and skyscrapers from Ancient Egypt and Rome to the modern-day metropolis. 📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistorySt...

Sophie Germain

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the young, French mathematician who impressed experts in her field with her insights about topics such as Numbers Theory.📖 Full Text @ ...

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetary in Virginia. Learn more about why it was created, the soldiers it honors, and the im...

Bees & Beekeeping

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of bees and beekeeping, also known as apiculture.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 Facebook | Instagr...

Transatlantic Communications

09 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the project to connect North America and Europe by first laying telegraph cables across the Atlantic Ocean, and from this early project to...

Louis Braille

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the young inventor of the Braille writing system, Louis Braille.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺 YouTube👍 Facebook | Inst...

Mount Rushmore

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the ambitious and creative sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, and his son Lincoln, who managed the creation of the Mount Rushmore statues. 📖 Ful...

Jules Verne

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the world-famous French author whose interest in science, technology, and adventure wrote books like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and beca...

Transcontinental Railroad (Remastered)

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the railroad that stretched across the United States and transformed the country by providing faster access to the West.📖 Full Text @ B...

King George VI

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about King George VI, his struggles as a child with stuttering, and other challenges growing into the King of England.To learn more be sure to c...

Industrial Revolution

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the period of significant technological change in Europe and the United States, known as the Industrial Revolution, and inventors just as ...

Rosalind Franklin

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the brilliant scientist who first photographed DNA and discovered its double helix structure.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistoryStories.com📺...

Maya Civilization

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the development of the Maya Civilization in Mesoamerica. Topics include the walled city of Tulum, Chichen Itza, Maya gods, and the early a...

Meteors and Meteorites

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about "shooting stars," the makeup of meteors, meteorites, and the history of human belief and research about this spectacular astronomical phen...

Sandra Day O'Connor

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the first woman Supreme Court Justice, from her childhood growing up on a ranch in Arizona, to her important position on the United States...

Voyager Program

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about NASA's ambitious project to observe several planets in the Solar System. 📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistory.org📺 YouTube👍 Facebook | I...

Samurai

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of these Japanese warriors and their code of honor, the "bushido." 📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistory.org📺 YouTube👍 Faceboo...

Submarines & Submersibles

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of the invention of the submarine from the original simple designs to the nuclear class submarines used today.📖 Full Text @...

Roald Dahl

07 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous children's author who wrote books such as Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the BFG, and James and the Giant Peach.📖...

Abigail Adams

31 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the incredible woman who was both a wife and mother of the United States Presidents and is known today by her many letters.📖 Full Text ...

Money, Bartering, and Cryptocurrency

24 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the history of money, from the early systems of bartering to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in the digital age.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHist...

Area 51, Roswell, and UFOs

17 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the top-secret military Nevada Test Site and Area 51 which has been a mystery since its creation in the 1940s. We'll learn more about the ...

J.R.R. Tolkien

11 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about the author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings and the creator of the Middle Earth universe.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistory.org📺 Y...

Beach Relaxation

03 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Fall asleep to this relaxing story that takes place on a beach. Get HelloFresh for 50% off and 15% off the next two months! Support the show📢 Get a...

Catherine the Great of Russia

27 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about young Sophie who would become Catherine the Great of Russia.📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHistory.org📺 YouTube👍 Facebook | Instagram🇲🇽...

Jane Goodall

20 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about the famous primatologist who developed new methods for learning about chimpanzees and other apes in the wild. 📖 Full Text @ BedtimeHist...

Louis Armstrong

13 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about one of the most famous jazz musicians of all time, Louis Armstrong, and how he changed the world with his trumpet, voice, and unique style...

Mammoth Cave

06 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about the history of Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. From its geological formation to its use by Native Americans and later tours which were give...

The Wright Brothers

29 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about Orville and Wilbur Wright, the brothers who invented flight along with those who inspired them like Otto Lilienthal, the German inven...

Costa Rica

22 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Learn more about the formation of the Isthmus of Panama and the geological, anthropological, and environmental history of Costa Rica. Check out our Co...

Native Americans of North America: Part 2

15 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Native American Heritage Month! Learn about the history of Native Americans in North America. How they came to be in the Americas and the histor...

Native Americans of North America: Part 1

08 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Native American Heritage Month! Learn about the history of Native Americans in North America. How they came to be in the Americas and the histor...