Support provided by:
The Case:
A man from Pennsylvania thinks his great grandfather was a World War I spy. As evidence he has a notebook he believes details his great grandfather’s investigations.
Inside the book we see typed entries and handwritten notes, such as the word “pro-German” beside some names, and a section about “The Goldman Case,” which appears to outline a possible assassination plot concocted by anarchist Emma Goldman and her cohorts.
Who was John H. Brady and is this his spybook? History Detectives sorts through War Department records, speaks with an historian of the American homefront in WWI and finally heads to the Emma Goldman Papers in Berkeley, California to track down the secrets of this mysterious little black book.
Document: John Brady's Notebook
View some scanned pages from John Brady’s notebook.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Star Spangled Banner
Is this the first official copy of the national anthem?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Cesar Chavez Banner
What role did this banner play in one of the most famous civil rights campaigns in U.S. history?
-
Also in Season 8
Bartlett Sketchbook
Does a leather bound sketchbook hold the key to some of the US' most significant history?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Fiery Cross
What is the story behind this record?
-
Also in Emerging Modern America: 1890-1930
Transatlantic Cable
How did this twisted fragment of metal spark a communications revolution?
-
Also in Season 8
St Valentine's Day Massacre
Was this weapon fired in one of the nation's most infamous crimes?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have an object from an Emerging Modern America?
- Latest CommentWhat is this glorifying the firearm (which is a semi-automatic by the way) of a criminal? (3 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookSome wisdom as the day draws to a close. Like my page for more conversations. Enjoy your evening. Peace, Tukufu. (1 day ago)