Most New Jersey residents have heard of the state’s most famous legend — the Jersey Devil.
Stories about this mysterious cryptid have reached across the country from the Pine Barrens, and have become a part of popular culture.
But every story has a beginning, and not everyone may know the real origin of the Jersey Devil myth. Now, Middlesex County’s UnCommon History podcast is ready to enlighten those interested in the dark origin of the Jersey Devil, according to the Middlesex County Office of Communication.
“I commend The Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage for making these audio programs available to our residents,” said Freeholder Kenneth Armwood, chair of the county’s Business Development and Education Committee. “They’re a great educational resource for students, teachers and anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating history of New Jersey.”
UnCommon History is a series of free, online podcasts that focus on rare, unknown and sometimes even bizarre pieces of New Jersey history. The average length of each podcast is five minutes, and they are available to be streamed on the county website.
To access the podcasts, visit www.co.middlesex.nj and search “Podcasts,” then select one of the 51 installments of the growing series.
The Jersey Devil installment is available now, in time for the Halloween season. The podcast can also be heard on the county’s mobile website, which can be accessed by texting the word “culture” to 56512.
The program is funded in part by the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Middlesex County Office of Culture and Heritage and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. It is presented by the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission and the Folklife Program for New Jersey.