Hometown History
Forgotten stories from America's small towns.
Hosted by Shane Waters
196 episodesEpisodic
About Hometown History
Discover forgotten stories from small-town America that never made it into history books. Hometown History is the podcast uncovering hidden American history—overlooked events, local mysteries, and untold tragedies from communities across the nation. Every week, meticulous research brings pre-2000 small-town stories to life in 20-minute episodes. From forgotten disasters to local legends, hidden chapters to pivotal moments, each episode explores a different town's overlooked history. Perfect for history enthusiasts seeking forgotten American stories, small-town history, and local history that shaped our nation. Respectful storytelling meets educational depth—history podcast content for curious minds who want to learn about America's hidden past without hour-long episodes.
What Listeners Are Saying
“This is such a great new podcast on history, I can't wait to hear more about other towns.”
JDfromMI · Apple Podcasts
“I love these wonderful stories of history. Everything Shane does is perfection, and this is no exception. Thank you for your detailed research and for sharing the history behind these locations.”
Apple Podcasts Listener · Apple Podcasts
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Walking Tours
Explore the places behind the stories. Free self-guided tours with audio you can listen to while you walk.
Meet the Host
Shane Waters
Founder & Host
Investigative crime journalist who pioneered crime podcasting in 2008. Shane brings nearly two decades of storytelling experience and a deep commitment to giving victims' stories the rigor and respect they deserve.
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