OUT OF THE ARCHIVES
Stories make up the backbone of any culture; they tell us where we are from and who we are. The stories in our archive lift up the voices of often-marginalized communities, and create space for important conversations.
To more widely share insights from the NPHM oral history collection, in 2020 we began curating oral history excerpts into a podcast called Out of the Archives. Each episode includes a diverse range of stories from public housing residents, featuring themes that link to the NPHM mission to preserve, promote and propel the right of all people to a place where they can live and prosper—a place to call home.
Listen to current and past episodes by searching “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service or click these hyperlinks: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Radiopublic, Breaker, and Anchor!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
out of the archives episode 5, REDUX —
PLAY BALL: SPORTS AND RECREATION IN PUBLIC HOUSINg
Original re-air date June 15, 2023
Join us as we delve into stories spanning from 1943 to 1993. Experience the thrill of late-night basketball games, memories from an Olympic-level boxer, and more about the power of sports.
Storytellers for this episode include Lee Roy Murphy, Olympic boxer of the Robert Taylor Homes; James Purgatorio of the Jane Addams Homes; Gil Walker, the former director of programs of the Chicago Housing Authority; Tanisha Wright, former WNBA player of Mon View Heights; Tommy Woods of the Lathrop Homes; and Byron Dickens of the Jane Addams Homes.
Read the transcript.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 2, REDUX —
Bringing the outdoors in: community and recreation in public housing
Original re-air date March 21, 2023
"Bringing the Outdoors In: Community and Recreation in Public Housing", originally aired on April 30, 2020, shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Needless to say, this period required the world to drastically reimagine how we interact while also keeping our neighbors and broader communities safe. We shared this episode with that mentality in mind, hoping to bring listeners closer to what was familiar to them. Now, over three years later, we are still living with the ever-rippling effects of the pandemic. But through those ripples we’ve also shown how adaptable we can be, finding creative ways to convene, play, and find joy with our communities.
Narrators include Betty Howard, Tommy Woods, Phil Ayala, Janetta Pegues, and Sunny Fischer.
Read the transcript.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 22 —
The ACT OF LOVING
Original air date February 14, 2023
When considering what “love” is, many varieties come to mind. Romantic love and platonic love dominate our TV shows, movies, and music, but these are only two pieces of the picture. What about love of a place, love of a people, or love of a purpose and principles? This episode, “The Act of Loving,” shares stories of all sorts of love in public housing, expanding our definition of what love means.
The narrators in this episode include JL Gross, Reverend Marshall Hatch, Milton Reed, Former Representative Bobby Rush, Daphany Rose Sanchez, Larry Turner, and Tanisha Wright
Read the transcript
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 21 —
There’s So much magic in a place
Original air date November 11, 2022
In this episode, “There's So Much Magic in a Place,” we uplift a range of experiences of public housing residents from across the country, featuring narrators from New York City, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Chicago. These narrators share stories of how their relationships to home and place have shaped, and have been shaped by, their identities as individuals and communities.
The narrators for this episode include Ramona Ferreyra, Dante Hamilton, Connie Lindsey, and Willie McShan. The stories span from 1944 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 20 —
Everybody Needs Somebody to Love
Original air date August 25, 2022
This episode, "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love," celebrates the late Mr. Wilbur Farley, a resident from the ABLA (a Chicago public housing development comprised of the Jane Addams Homes, the Robert Brooks Homes, the Loomis Courts, and the Grace Abbott Homes). If that name sounds familiar, perhaps it is because he has appeared many times in different ABLA oral histories we have gathered. For the first time, a collection of excerpts from these stories have been curated into a podcast episode honoring the revered community icon.
Known as “Mr. Fix-It” for his ingenuity and helping neighbors with small repairs, Mr. Farley was such a hugely influential and important member of the community that “Mr. Farley Day Back to School Celebration and Party” (as it was originally called) was created in 1984 by members of the ABLA community.
The oral history narrators featured in this episode are Al Buford, who lived in the Jane Addams Homes from 1955 until 1990, Marquita Gandy, who lived in ABLA from 1973 to 2009, Godfrey Bey, who lived in the Jane Addams Homes from 1956 to 1983, and Byron Dickens, who lived in the Jane Addams Homes from 1966 to 2001.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts.
CORRECTION: The narration of this episode states that Marquita Gandy lived in the Jane Addams Homes from 1973 to 2009. The episode notes have been edited to reflect the correction, that Marquita Gandy lived in the greater ABLA Homes complexes from 1973 to 2009. All but one of the buildings of the Jane Addams Homes were demolished between 2002-2008; the last remaining building is being preserved for the National Public Housing Museum's permanent site thanks to efforts by ABLA resident activists. (Source: Society of Architectural Historians, https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/IL-01-031-0037)
out of the archives episode 12 REDUX—
full of life
Original air date April 2, 2021
As a part of our mission to amplify the stories of public housing residents from across the country, we're revisiting some of our earlier OOTA episodes!
This episode, Full of Life, features stories about finding yourself through the arts and recreation, reclaiming and growing after trauma, and more. The storytellers from this episode include Marquita Gandy, Nakia Herron, Olga Molina, Sokeo Ros, and Henry Warfield. The stories span from 1969 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts
Out of the Archives Episode 19—
“It’s Certain Things I Think Are Human RIghts”
Original air date April 14, 2022
In this episode of Out of the Archives, “It's Certain Things That I Think Are Human Rights,” we celebrate National Fair Housing Months with an array of current and former residents from Chicago public housing.
The oral history narrators in this episode include Reverend Marshall Hatch who lived at the Jane Addams Homes from 1960 to 1974, Nakia Herron who lived at the Robert Taylor Homes from 1978–1982, and 1994–1998, Dr. Richard Morgan who lived at the Robert Taylor Homes from 1967 to 1989, Allen Schwartz who lived at the Jane Addams Homes from 1943 to 1953, and Ms. Stevenson who has lived in the Lathrop Homes from 1983 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the archives episodes 18—
pressure and time make diamonds / black history month 2022
Original air date February 17, 2022
In this episode, “Pressure & Time Makes Diamonds,” we celebrate Black History Month with a selection of narrators sharing a range of their complex experiences living in public housing in New York City. The narrators in this episode include Jayah Arnett, Bonnette Bryant, Domingo Morales, and Pamela Phillips, all of whom have lived or are currently living in the Bronx and Manhattan. The stories span from 1958 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 17—
my heart was in it: holidays in public housing
Original air date November 19, 2021
In this episode, “My Heart Was in It: Holidays in Public Housing,” narrators share a range of stories about their memories of the end of year holidays in the projects. You’ll hear about hallway decoration competitions in New York City Public Housing, special gifts, and a family’s decision to donate to those who have less. The narrators in this episode include Deonte Black, Lynn Bowens, Ida Brantley, Katherine Davis, Sunny Fischer, Carol and Diane Rizzi, Brenda Taylor, and Kimberly Wellington. The stories span from 1949 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 16—
our neighbors stepped up
Original air date October 1, 2021
This episode entitled, “Our Neighbors Stepped Up,” narrators from Chicago, Cleveland, New York City, Minneapolis, and South Bend share stories about fun competitions between neighbors during the holidays, the stress of public housing waiting lists, and the importance of community centers for youth development. The narrators in this episode include Troy Gaston, Cliff Christian, Jillian Stewart, Ladan Yusuf, Lynn Bowens, and Dante Hamilton. The stories span from 1946 to the present day.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 15—
candyman was a candyman: people of cabrini-green
Original air date September 3, 2021
This episode, “Candyman” was a Candyman: People of Cabrini Green, was co-curated with the Chicago History Museum and is inspired by the release of the new Candyman film directed by Nia DaCosta, produced by Jordan Peele, and set in Chicago’s. Cabrini-Green community. Like many other public housing complexes across the country, Cabrini-Green has a complicated history of crime and neglect. These issues were often exacerbated in the media and highlighted in popular culture during the 80s and 90s.
The area has seen major redevelopment due to its proximity to downtown, including a combination of upscale high-rises and townhouses, with some units remaining public housing, creating a mixed-income neighborhood, garnering mixed reactions.
In this episode, narrators from the community share their experiences of life in Cabrini Green, with stories including residents’ creative aspirations, an uneasy gang truce after the murder of 7-year old Dantrell Davis, the ins and outs of socializing in school, as well as insight to who the infamous Candyman really was. The narrators for this episode all lived in Cabrini-Green and include Delores Van Pelt, JR Fleming, Betty Howard, Roger Prosise, Tenika Chew, Raymond McDonald, Katherine Davis, and Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. The stories span from 1954 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the archives episode 14—
mind to grow
Original air date August 6, 2021
This episode, the Mind to Grow, you will hear from storytellers that share their unapologetic love for their homes, memories of childhood summer fun, and the strength within the community. The storytellers from this episode include Carrie Torres, Doris Johnson, Mike Johnson, Gregory Sain, Nakia Herrron, and Janet Williams. The stories span from 1954 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 13—
hidden history america
Original air date May 7, 2021
This episode, Hidden History America, you will hear from storytellers analyzing the state of public housing in New York City, moving out of public housing into Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, and the tireless efforts of parents working nights to give their children a better life. This episode of Out of the Archives also explores topics of racism and contains racial slurs, which may be distressing to some listeners. The storytellers from this episode include Roger Prosise, Robert Scott, Daphany Rose Sanchez, Blanche Winstone, Charlene Purnell, and Daniel Nicholson. The stories span from 1954 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 12—
full of life: learning and personal growth
Original air date April 2, 2021
This episode, Full of Life: Learning and Personal Growth, features stories about finding yourself through the arts and recreation, reclaiming and growing after trauma, and more. The storytellers from this episode include Ben Baker, Marquita Gandy, Nakia Herron, Olga Molina, Sokeo Ros, and Henry Warfield. The stories span from 1969 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 11—
silent voices among us: stories from Chicago’s henry horner homes
Original air date March 5, 2021
In tandem with our virtual exhibition, Silent Voices Among Us, this episode shares stories from residents of the Henry Horner Homes, known to many of its residents as the Hornets, and includes narrators Crystal Palmer, Marina Pullom, Patricia Smith, John Pettiford, Sharon Leggitt, and Maria Moon. The stories span from 1962 to 2013.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 10—
black is beautiful ii: reflections on family, activism, and perseverance
Original air date February 5, 2021
In this episode, Black Is Beautiful Two: Reflections on Family, Activism, and Perseverance, we celebrate Black History Month by continuing the narrative from our June 2020 episode by the same name, which highlights stories from the Black community. You’ll hear about one storyteller’s development as a community organizer, finding strength in family in the face of difficulties, and more.
The storytellers from this episode include H Demetrius Bonner, JR Fleming, Michael Miles, Colette Payne, DaVida Rowley Blackman, and Dolores Van Pelt. The stories span from 1958 to 2006.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 9—
close to home: reflections on the animal court
Original air date December 28, 2020
In this episode, entitled Close to Home: Reflections on the Animal Court, features a selection of stories that are central to the Museum’s future home in Chicago’s Little Italy neighborhood; the Jane Addams Animal Court. You'll hear from residents as they share stories reminiscing on the magical Edgar Miller animal sculptures that served as a meeting ground and landmark for generations of its residents. Storytellers include Duane Crockett, Byron Dickens, Phron Freeman, Marquita Gandy, JonTia Pegues, James Purgatorio, and Gloria White. The Animal Court sculptures could be found at the Jane Addams Homes from 1937 to 2007.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the archives episode 8—
we’re connected to everybody: connecting stories, connecting dots
Original air date November 30, 2020
In this episode, entitled We’re Connected to Everybody: Connecting Stories, Connecting Dots, you’ll hear about quarter parties that were organized in the Henry Horner Homes to help residents pay for their rent, finding the good in a community when you’re in a difficult time, and a family’s first television set at the Lathrop Homes. The storytellers for this episode include Harold Brown, Sunny Fischer, Dr. Cranston Knight, Gertrude Mendoza, and John Pettiford. The stories span from 1943 to 1996.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
out of the archives episode 7—
a change in season: resident adaptation and resilence
Original air date October 30, 2020
This episode, A Change of Season: Resident Adaption and Resilience looks at the changing of the Little Italy neighborhood over the years, finding housing in a big city, and more. The storytellers for this episode include Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Ida Brantley, Liz Torres, and Ned Lufrano. The stories span from 1938 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the archives episode 6—
taking care of us: Community care in public housing
Original air date September 30, 2020
In this episode, entitled Taking Care of Us: Stories of Community Care in Public Housing, interns from Roosevelt University made selections from their favorite parts of the museum’s oral history collection, which collectively discuss the ways our communities shape us. The intern team included Skye Darke, Victoria Limon, River Toomer, and James Wilson. The storytellers for this episode include Dominica Abbot, Phron Freeman, JonTia Pegues, and Kimberly Wellington. The stories span from 1939 to the present day.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the Archives Episode 5—
Play Ball! Sports and Recreation in Public Housing
Original air date August 27, 2020
In this episode, former public housing residents and housing authority workers share a range of stories about how late night games of basketball would make a positive impact on communities and how diligent practicing could be life changing. The storytellers you’ll hear from include Lee Roy Murphy, Olympic boxer of the Robert Taylor Homes; James Purgatorio of the Jane Addams Homes; the former director of programs of the Chicago Housing Authority, Gil Walker; and former WNBA player of Mon View Heights, Tanisha Wright. The stories span from 1943 to 1993.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the Archives Episode 4—
Black is Beautiful: Reflections on Arts, Culture and Activism
Original air date June 25, 2020
In this episode, Black is Beautiful: Reflections on Arts, Culture, and Activism, current and former public housing residents share a range of stories that exemplify not only that Black lives matter, but that they are creative, full of joy, courageous and essential. This episode’s storytellers include Mary Baggett of the Jane Addams Homes, Fred Cash of the Dearborn Home, Sequane Lawrence of the Robert Taylor Homes, Raymond McDonald of Cabrini-Green, Congressman Bobby Rush of the Hilliard Homes, Francine Washington of Stateway Gardens and Bruce Wilkerson of the Ida B. Wells Homes. The stories span from 1953 to the present day.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
OUT OF THE ARCHIVES EPISODE 3—
ORDINARY, BUT EXTRAORDINARY: EVERYDAY STORIES FROM CHICAGO PUBLIC HOUSING
Original air date May 28, 2020
In this episode, we took cues from our past exhibition, Everyday Objects from Chicago Public Housing, focus on how everyday and ordinary stories can be used to expand the base of American history. The stories span from 1943 to the present day.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
OUT OF THE ARCHIVES EPISODE 2—
BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN: COMMUNITY AND RECREATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING
Original air date April 30, 2020
During these uncertain times, we find the strength of storytelling to be even more poignant. For April's episode, we are focusing on community and recreation; two aspects of our lives that have been altered but remain a cornerstone of our lives through technology, social distancing, and other means.
Read the transcript here.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.
Out of the Archives Episode 1—
Surviving and Thriving in Public Housing: Stories of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Economies
Original air date February 26, 2020
In this episode of Out of the Archives, we explore solidarity economies, cooperatives and innovative forms of entrepreneurship, from candy ladies to barber shops, in public housing communities across time and across the country.
To listen, search “National Public Housing Museum” in your preferred streaming service and navigate to the episode, or click these hyperlinks: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Google Podcasts.