About
We believe the decade from 1857 to 1866 is the most consequential in American history — and the least understood. Ten Tumultuous Years exists to change that.
History Worth
Knowing Deeply
Ten Tumultuous Years is an independent educational podcast and program dedicated to the years 1857–1866 — from the Dred Scott decision through the end of the Civil War and the first stirrings of Reconstruction.
We combine rigorous historical scholarship with narrative storytelling, making this pivotal era accessible to general audiences, students, and educators alike. Every episode is grounded in primary sources and peer-reviewed research.
Our educational programs extend that mission into classrooms, providing teachers with the tools to bring this history to life for the next generation.
"You cannot understand America today without understanding what happened between 1857 and 1866. Every fault line in our national character — race, democracy, federalism, freedom — was tested to its breaking point in those ten years."
The People Behind the Story
Dr. Eleanor Marsh
Host & Executive Producer
A historian of 19th century America with a doctorate from Yale, Eleanor has spent two decades studying the political and social upheaval of the Civil War era. She brings rigorous scholarship and a gift for narrative to every episode.
James Calloway
Research Director
James leads the archival research behind each episode, drawing on primary sources from the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and university collections across the country. His specialty is the political history of Reconstruction.
Priya Nair
Educational Programs Director
A former high school history teacher and curriculum designer, Priya develops the lesson plans, discussion guides, and classroom resources that bring the podcast into schools and universities nationwide.
How We Got Here
Ten Tumultuous Years launches with its first episode on the Dred Scott decision.
The podcast reaches 100,000 listeners and launches its first educator resource pack.
Named one of the top history podcasts of the year by The Atlantic.
Educational Programs division launches, partnering with 200+ schools.
Season 3 — covering Reconstruction — premieres to record listenership.
Expanding into documentary video and live lecture events.