HISTORY

Man reading from a microfilm machine, which uses a similar technology to Brown's "Readies."

Before E-Readers, a 1930s Writer Reinvented the Book With “Readies”

Machines called “Readies” were writer Bob Brown’s answer to “talkies” in the 1930s.

Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ (black border added).

15 Facts About Leonardo Da Vinci's ‘The Last Supper’

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is one of the most admired, most studied, and most reproduced paintings the world has ever known—and it has inspired some wild theories.

AnnaPustynnikova/iStock via Getty Images

Ignacio Anaya García: The Genius Who Invented Nachos

Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya García invented his namesake bar snack while working in a restaurant near the Texas-Mexico border.

A mural showing Harvey Milk inside the San Francisco politician's former camera shop.

7 LGBTQ Landmarks Besides the Stonewall Inn

Stonewall is the most famous, but it’s just one of many American sites that hold significance for LGBTQ history.

10 Explorers Who Vanished Without a Trace

From a record-breaking mountain climber to a British adventurer who may have died searching for a city that doesn’t exist and beyond, these explorers have fates that are shrouded in mystery.

Feeling Adventurous? The U.S. Government Is Giving Away Lighthouses

If you've always wanted to live in a lighthouse, now is your chance.

The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, California.

8 Historic National Park Hotels for Your Bucket List

From a 175-year-old farmhouse to a luxury lodge on the Grand Canyon, these are the most historic places to stay in eight national park properties.

He's mad as hell and he's not going to take this anymore.

“Which Side Are You On?”: How Florence Reece Gave Strikers a Theme Song

The classic labor song "Which Side Are You On?" was born during the Harlan County Wars of the 1930s.

11 Sounds Today’s Kids Have Probably Never Heard

Who knew that certain noises would eventually become as extinct as the dodo or the flash cube some day?

10 Facts About King James VI and I

James VI and I was the first monarch to rule both Scotland and England. He also spearheaded the Scottish witch trials.

John Wilkes Booth shooting Abraham Lincoln, with Clara Harris and Henry Rathbone seated to the right of the president and first lady.

The Couple Who Sat with Lincoln on the Night of His Assassination

The Lincolns weren't alone in the presidential box at Ford's Theater that night.

Joyce Chen on the set of "Joyce Chen Cooks"

7 Facts About Joyce Chen, the TV Chef Who Introduced Americans to Chinese Cuisine

Through her restaurant, cookbook, and television show, Joyce Chen introduced many Americans to Chinese cuisine.

Memorial Day is a day to remember those lost to war.

10 Things to Remember About Memorial Day

Memorial Day arose from the tragedy of the Civil War. It's a time to remember the people who sacrificed their lives for their country.

Nope, Rhode Island is definitely not part of New York.

1 Misconception About Each of the 50 States (and D.C.)

We debunk one myth about each state in the U.S., from the Rocky Mountain not-so-high of Colorado to New Mexico. That’s right, New Mexico.

Her reign was short, but her legacy is long.

The Lasting Legacy of Elizabeth Stuart, the ‘Winter Queen’ of Bohemia

The daughter of King James VI and I was Electress Palatine of the Rhine and Queen of Bohemia, and through her grandson, the founder of a new British ruling dynasty.

100 Facts About Gen X

If you've ever been called a "latchkey kid," this list of facts about Gen X is for you.

'Budgie Smugglers': A Scandalous History of Speedos

Speedos, the famously ultra-tight swimming attire, showed so much leg on the conservative beaches of Australia that men were arrested.

Johnny Cash (left) in 1969 and Elvis Presley in 1958.

Watch Johnny Cash Impersonate Elvis Presley For a 1959 Rendition of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’

Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley occasionally impersonated each other in concerts—here’s the proof.

This man is very much alive—as are misquotations of his famous statement.

Reports of Mark Twain’s Quote About His Own Death Are Greatly Exaggerated

“The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated” is a little exaggerated itself. Find out the real story behind this famous quote.

7 Dangerous and Deadly Toys From History

The toys on this list include "what were they thinking?" oddities—like a children's laboratory kit that included uranium—but also some seemingly innocuous recreational offerings.

7 Ships That Disappeared Without a Trace

The true fate of many of these ships will never be known, but speculation suggests that storms, piracy, mutiny, accidental bombing, and even the attack of a giant squid could be responsible for their vanishings.

From left: Gabriela Mistral, José Rizal, Anna Cooper.

6 Little-Known Writers of Color Who Transformed Their Countries

Though their contributions were immense, many aren’t well-known outside of their nations’ borders.

This little symbol has a fascinating history.

Where Did the Ampersand Symbol Come From?

From what an ampersand symbol is to where it came from, here's what you need to know about this little symbol's surprisingly long history.

10 Facts About Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkshire Terrier dogs—better known as Yorkies—have a lot of personality packed into their tiny bodies. Learn more about this energetic breed and its history.