Fun
The Memory Palace
Dear Ann,
I owe our pal Elisabeth Palladino for this gem: The Memory Palace, a storytelling podcast hosted by Nate DiMeo. Lis recommended that I start with the episodes that DiMeo made while he was an artist-in-residence at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, so that’s what I did. Each short, almost meditative, episode focuses on a single work of art in the museum. I love short, well-crafted stories, and I also love museum audio guides, of which these are a very special example. I was happily knitting my way through the first few, when I arrived at story number 4, A Portrait.
Which blew me away.
No spoilers. I’ll just say that it’s a tiny morsel of American history that I’ll not soon forget.
You’ll want to be looking at this painting while you listen:
Portrait of William Duguid by Prince Demah Barnes, 1773. Metropolitan Museum of Art. Public Domain.
The painting itself doesn’t give anything away, but don’t look it up until you’ve listened to the story.
I’m now hooked on The Memory Palace. Thanks, Lis!
Love,
Kay
Thank you so much for this!! I am always looking for new podcasts to listen to while I knit and this sounds terrific. This is especially true during this pandemic when I will be staying close to home and really hunkering down with my queue. Thank you!!
Ditto everything you said, Linda!
Here’s so more info on Prince Demah: https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/TheHistoryList/prince-demah-portrait-painter-presented-at-history-camp-2015-in-boston
Thank you for sharing more about this extraordinary man and his story.
Me too! Thanks so much, it looks fascinating. Can’t wait to listen.
The Memory Palace is precious. The museum work is particularly special. He’s a good egg. Nice that you’re telling people about this.
Love this podcast. My favorite was the Ferris wheel episode. ❤️❤️❤️
Episode 132 on Ida Lewis is one of his absolute best!
This is one of the most amazing storytelling podcasts out there. I don’t know how he does it. He brings every little piece of history to life. Just incredible. If only our history textbooks presented history this way…
This sounds like the perfect way to spend most of the self-quarantined day/weekend/week/month/who-knows-what? I’m immunocompromised, so I stay away from everything I can, though I do keep Dr.’s and health-related appointments (where I interact with other immunocompromised people and chemo nurses who might have been exposed… what’s wrong with this picture?). Anyway, lots of good knittin’ time ahead, so happy to hear about this apparently-wonderful podcast!
Thank you, Kay. The episode you highlighted is extraordinary. Deeply moving
Once again you’ve provided us with a delight! So welcome in our world right now.