HISTORY

A Letter Written by Albert Einstein in 1922 Predicted the Rise of the Nazis

“I am doing quite well, in spite of all the anti-Semites among my German colleagues," he reassured his sister.

No Joe: The Time Coffee Was Banned in Prussia

In the late 18th century, King Frederick the Great of Prussia blacklisted coffee.

Why Are Marathons 26.2 Miles Long?

Blame it on the Royal Family—and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Dozens of Cat Mummies, Plus 100 Cat Statues, Discovered in 4500-Year-Old Egyptian Tomb

Another nearby tomb remains sealed.

8 Provocative Facts About the X Film Rating

5. The XXX mark may have stemmed from an alcohol designation.

Stan Lee Column Calling Out the Dangers of Racism Resurfaces 50 Years Later

In addition to his enormous impact in the worlds of comic books, movies, and television, Lee was also a vocal supporter of civil rights.

A Dr. Dettweiler sputum flask, circa 1910

The Anti-Spitting Campaigns Designed to Stop the Spread of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis patients were asked to carry their phlegm around all day in a flask.

9 Vintage Thanksgiving Side Dishes We Shouldn’t Bring Back

If the Thanksgiving side dish involved mixing mayo and cranberries with gelatin, it should stay in the past. The same goes for pork cake.

Arthur Rothstein, Library of Congress, Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons

5 Odd Suggestions About How To Fight the Dust Bowl

It was a disaster of mankind’s own making—and as it raged on, people piped up with some wild ideas about how to put an end to it.

50 Fun Facts About Sesame Street

On November 10, 1969, television audiences were introduced to the residents of Sesame Street—including a distinctly orange Oscar the Grouch.

In 1959, the U.S. Postal Service Attempted to Deliver Mail via Missile

The project was about more than just high-speed delivery.

8 Cures That Did More Harm Than Good

Sometimes the treatment is worse than the condition itself.

U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Wikimedia Commons // Public domain

Celebrating Amanda Crowe, Famed Native American Woodcarver

Google designed a Doodle in her honor for Native American Heritage Month.

6 Tasty Facts About Scrapple

It’s National Scrapple Day! Celebrate by learning more about this unique breakfast meat—including what the heck is in it.

8 Facts About Carl Jung

The Swiss psychologist's most intriguing work was kept from the public for decades.

A. R. Coster, Topical Press Agency/Getty Images

Wreckage of a World War II Nazi 'Flying Bomb' Found in English Forest

It was shot down by a Polish pilot in 1944.

8 Dishes Made by Notorious Poisoners

Apple pie, anyone?

5 Very Early Stories About American Women and Voting

During colonial times and in the earliest days of the U.S., a small number of women managed to vote despite circumstances stacked against them.

11 Elections Decided by One Vote (Or Fewer)

Not every politician wins by a landslide. As these elections prove, every vote really does count.

Hugh Hefner’s Personal Copy of Playboy #1 Can Be Yours

The debut issue featured Marilyn Monroe topless—without Monroe's consent.

Why Are There Two National Doughnut Days?

For Homer Simpson, every day is doughnut day. For the rest of us, there are two—one in June and one in November. But why?

11 Fast Facts About the New York City Marathon

11. The race has only been canceled once.

The Switching Hour: 14 Times People Advocated For or Rejected Daylight Saving Time

Does anybody really know what time it is?

12 Vintage Sandwiches You Can Make Today

In honor of National Sandwich Day, why not try one of these concoctions that have failed to stand the test of time.

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