If you discovered a note from a loved one marked “burn without opening,” would you read it?

Author and former journalist Paul T. O'Connor did. He joins us to discuss the decision that sent him on a years-long search for the truth about his mother's past, chronicled in his new book, “The Missing Child.”

And later, we learn how Connecticut residents can begin uncovering their own family stories.

Guests:
Paul T. O’Connor: Author of “The Missing Child” 
Sierra Dixon: Director of research center, Connecticut Museum of Culture and History

If you discovered a note from a loved one marked &ldquo;burn without opening,&rdquo; would you read it?
Author and former journalist Paul T. O'Connor did. He joins us to discuss the decision that sent him on a years-long search for the truth about his mother's past, chronicled in his new book, &ldquo;The Missing Child.&rdquo;
And later, we learn how Connecticut residents can begin uncovering their own family stories.
Guests:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.ocolumn.com/">Paul T. O&rsquo;Connor</a>: Author of &ldquo;<a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-missing-child-the-life-she-lived-and-a-life-she-missed-paul-t-o-connor/c9e59d6699957aed?ean=9781611537161&amp;affiliate=100306">The Missing Child</a>&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
<li>Sierra Dixon: Director of research center,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/?utm_source=Google+Grant&amp;utm_medium=Search&amp;utm_campaign=Brand&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=15992302986&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADn2gNbj90eyRSSzoib1vLGlIFTYU&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwj7HTBhBiEiwA8s35OvbiynNLlTJsnErwX2OAhqvGbIooCravrl-qR-2qId3Pf4kaW5Z1LhoCd6oQAvD_BwE">Connecticut Museum of Culture and History</a></li>
</ul>

Produced by Connecticut Public, 'Where We Live' puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

Where We Live is a call-in talk show about who we are in Connecticut and our place in the world.

Where We Live

Produced by Connecticut Public, '<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/about">Where We Live'</a> puts Connecticut in context. Host Catherine Shen brings us fascinating, informed, in-depth conversations and stories beyond news headlines.  We start local, but we take time to explore domestic and international issues and consider how they impact us personally and here at home.

'Burn without opening:' How a mysterious note led to a family history investigation

Domestic violence is more common than many people realize, and leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous.

We talk with leaders in Connecticut’s fight to end domestic violence about recognizing unhealthy relationships, helping loved ones, and teaching young people about healthy relationships and consent. We also look at how communities can hold people who cause harm accountable and why prevention requires all of us.

And, as funding for victim services face federal funding cuts and safe housing remains difficult to find, we examine what it takes to make sure survivors can get the help they need.

If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit CTSafeConnect.org or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7. All languages are supported!

Guests:
Barbara Damon: President & CEO, Prudence Crandall Center
Meghan Scanlon: President & CEO, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is more common than many people realize, and leaving an abusive relationship can be dangerous.
We talk with leaders in Connecticut&rsquo;s fight to end domestic violence about recognizing unhealthy relationships, helping loved ones, and teaching young people about healthy relationships and consent. We also look at how communities can hold people who cause harm accountable and why prevention requires all of us.
And, as funding for victim services face federal funding cuts and safe housing remains difficult to find, we examine what it takes to make sure survivors can get the help they need.
If you need help or just someone to talk to, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctsafeconnect.org/">CTSafeConnect.org</a>&nbsp;or call or text (888) 774-2900. Advocates are available 24/7. All languages are supported!
Guests:
<ul>
<li>Barbara Damon:&nbsp;President &amp; CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://prudencecrandall.org/">Prudence Crandall Center</a></li>
<li>Meghan Scanlon:&nbsp;President &amp; CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctcadv.org/">Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence</a></li>
</ul>

What it takes to prevent domestic violence

At America's founding, who was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

This was the topic of discussion at a recent event at the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. Connecticut Public special correspondent Diane Orson led a panel discussion with several Native American historians.

Today, we listen back to that conversation. It's an extension of Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England — a special series from Connecticut Public, featuring radio storytelling, in-depth videos, digital stories, pictures and a community conversation.

Guests:
Lorén Spears: Executive Director of the Indigenous-led Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island
Nakai Clearwater Northup: Manager of Public Programs and Outreach at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center
Ned Blackhawk: Professor of History at Yale University and author of "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History"

This episode originally aired on April 23, 2026.

At America's founding, who&nbsp;was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
This was the topic of discussion at a recent event at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.connecticutmuseum.org/event/ken-burns-the-american-revolution/">Connecticut Museum of Culture and History</a>. Connecticut Public special correspondent Diane Orson led a panel discussion with several Native American historians.
Today, we listen back to that conversation. It's an extension of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/still-here-native-american-resilience-in-new-england">Still Here: Native American Resilience in New England</a>&nbsp;&mdash; a special series from Connecticut Public, featuring radio storytelling, in-depth videos, digital stories, pictures and a community conversation.
Guests:
<ul>
<li>Lor&eacute;n Spears:&nbsp;Executive Director of the Indigenous-led&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tomaquagmuseum.org/">Tomaquag Museum in Rhode Island</a></li>
<li>Nakai Clearwater Northup:&nbsp;Manager of Public Programs and Outreach at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pequotmuseum.org/">Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center</a></li>
<li>Ned Blackhawk:&nbsp;Professor of History at Yale University and author of&nbsp;<a href="https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300276671/the-rediscovery-of-america/">"The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History"</a></li>
</ul>
This episode originally aired on April 23, 2026.

Examining America's promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for Indigenous communities

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After nearly seven years with Where We Live, Senior Producer Tess Terrible is moving on to her next adventure of public radio. This episode is a collection of her favorite segments.

Here on Where We Live, no matter what the topic is, we always try to end the hour with hope. We’re listening back to a few interviews that have stayed with us: they’re conversations that have encouraged optimism, courage, generosity, and kindness.

These conversations are about love, purpose and keeping the faith when you don’t know which way is up.

Episodes featured in this broadcast:


From opera to bluegrass, CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer has done it all


Rev. James Martin on work and life's spiritual journey


Thinking of eloping? One Connecticut couple shares their story

Where We Live is available on Apple Podcasts,Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

After nearly seven years with Where We Live, Senior Producer <a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/people/tess-terrible">Tess Terrible </a>is moving on to her next adventure of public radio. This episode is a collection of her favorite segments.
Here on Where We Live, no matter what the topic is, we always try to end the hour with hope.&nbsp;We&rsquo;re listening back to a few interviews that have stayed with us: they&rsquo;re conversations that have encouraged optimism, courage, generosity, and kindness.
These conversations are about love, purpose and keeping the faith when you don&rsquo;t know which way is up.
Episodes featured in this broadcast:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2026-05-14/charlie-widmer-connecticut-state-trouabdour-interview">From opera to bluegrass, CT State Troubadour Charlie Widmer has done it all</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2026-06-25/father-james-martin-jesuit-work-in-progress-book-interview">Rev. James Martin on work and life's spiritual journey</a>
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.ctpublic.org/show/where-we-live/2025-05-22/thinking-of-eloping-one-connecticut-couple-shares-their-story">Thinking of eloping? One Connecticut couple shares their story</a>
</li>
</ul>
Where We Live is available on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-we-live/id706066099">Apple Podcasts,</a> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0j08SgnZIU5BmjDyHbgjgP">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/43f3a507-ebfa-4876-b34a-030759a8924c/where-we-live">Amazon Music</a>, <a href="https://tunein.com/podcasts/Government/Where-We-Live-p1207905/">TuneIn</a>, <a href="https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/where-we-live-connecticut-public-radio-lz9NAwSEexh/">Listen Notes,</a> or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

'Burn without opening:' How a mysterious note led to a family history investigation

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