Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz describes Ulysses S. Grant's Second Inaugural Ball, at which the weather was so cold that the guests wore their coats while dancing and canaries brought in for decoration dropped over dead.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz discusses the currency debate addressed in Ulysses S. Grant's first inaugural address, explaining what the controversy over whether money should be "soft" or "hard" meant.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz discusses a photograph of Abraham Lincoln's second inaugural, in which some people claim they can see John Wilkes Booth, and briefly outlines the stories of Booth's presence at the inaugural.

Library of Congress historian Marvin Kranz discusses Abraham Lincoln's first inaugural address, pointing out that research has revealed that some of the phrases in the speech were suggested to Lincoln by others, while at the same time praising Lincoln's self-taught prose writing style.

This podcast describes the signature exhibit at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia, which covers the entire Civil War and some of the war's most famous artifacts, including Robert E. Lee's camp gear and JEB Stuart's plumed hat.

In this podcast, listeners trace the Confederate attack route to the Union guns posted above them on July 1, 1862. Designed as a 10-stop walking tour, this podcast can also be listened to to gain a sense of the Civil War site's layout and history.

Fighting here June 27, 1862, resulted in Robert E. Lee's first victory as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia and was a turning point in the Seven Days battles. In this podcast, listeners will learn more about this Civil War fight. Designed as an eight-stop walking tour, this podcast can also be listened to to gain a sense of the site's layout and history.

Little Round Top on the Gettysburg battlefield was the scene of some of the most dramatic moments in American history, July 2, 1863. In this podcast, listeners will learn more about the fighting on Little Round Top. Designed as a four-stop walking tour, this podcast can also be listened to to gain a sense of the site's layout and history.

The Five Forks intersection was critical to the Confederate defense of Petersburg and ultimately Richmond in the spring of 1865. In this podcast, listeners will learn about the decisive Civil War battle here on April 1. Designed as a five-stop driving tour, this podcast can also be listened to to gain a sense of the site's layout and history.

The Union attack here June 1, 1864, nearly resulted in a breakthrough. In this podcast, listeners will learn about the specifics of this Civil War attack. Designed as a seven-stop walking tour, this podcast can also be listened to to gain a sense of the site's layout and history.