In an election season when the words “Will you condemn white supremacy” are considered a gotcha question at a presidential debate, it seems like a good time to look back at another moment in American history when race and ethnic division took center stage.

On February 20th, 1939, 20,000 people streamed into Madison Square Garden in New York City. Outside, the marquee was lit up with the evening’s main event: a “Pro-American rally.” Inside, on the stage, there was a 30-foot tall banner of George Washington, sandwiched between American flags…and two huge swastikas.

Today’s episode is a special collaboration with The Memory Palace and producer Nate DiMeo. Special thanks to Marshall Curry, whose film “A Night To Remember” inspired this story.

Music from Blue Dot Sessions.