HISTORY

15 Naturalists Who Died in the Field

Countless scientists, naturalists, conservationists, and support staff have died in the pursuit of knowledge that could protect vulnerable places and species, and enable people to live safer, healthier lives.

15 Forgotten Thanksgiving Dishes

Would you like some onion sauce with that eel?

Natecation, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0

The Delicious History of America's Oldest Chinese-American Restaurant

The Pekin Noodle Parlor in Butte, Montana has thrived since 1911. Read more about the restaurant's fascinating history.

Sukenobu via Wikimedia Commons // Public domain

15 Old-Fashioned Ways of Keeping Time

Humans once had to rely on shadows from the sun, the melting of a candle, or even the smells of incense to find the time.

10 Attempts to Build Better Mousetraps

With thousands of mousetrap patents in the United States, it seems people can’t resist innovating new ways to slay vermin.

Boston Public Library, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 2.0

Is This the Most Mysterious Grave in Virginia?

In 1816, a woman died and was quickly buried in Alexandria, Virginia. Two hundred years later, the "Female Stranger" remains an enigma.

The highly polished stone adze. Image courtesy of York University.

9000-Year-Old Polished Axe Uncovered in Ireland

It’s the oldest axe of its kind ever discovered.

18th Century Books Stolen in the Late '50s Found in a Locked Wardrobe

The historic books were taken from the London Library and never returned.

Supermarket Cashier Finds WWII Love Letter in Lost and Found

Now she's on a mission to track down its owner.

New York Tribune via Chronicling America

Wilson Wins Reelection

Erik Sass is covering the events of the war exactly 100 years after they happened. This is the 256th installment in the series.

Who Were Abraham Lincoln's Siblings?

Both of Lincoln's siblings helped make him the man—and president—he eventually became. Find out more about the often overlooked members of the Lincoln family.

What Did the Original U.S. Nickel Look Like?

The first five-cent coin was a "half-disme." That's not a typo.

Yetta Bronstein, the Imaginary 1960s Jewish Housewife Who Ran for President

One of her slogans: “Vote for Yetta and things will get Betta.”

The Chicago Tribune Shares Their Cover From the 1908 Cubs Win

The perfect way to celebrate the end of a 108-year-old curse.

When Theodore Roosevelt Tried to Reform the English Language

He'd had enuf of the old way. Known for his uncompromising stance on many issues, in the early 1900s Roosevelt used the full power of his position to try to force through several hundred new spelling reforms.

Kansas Tourism via Flickr//CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Kansas Museum Pays Homage to Presidential Runners-Up

The exhibition is called “They Also Ran"—and soon, it will have a new portrait gracing its walls.

Internet Archive Book Images via Wikimedia Commons

Experience a 1920s Fossil Expedition With This 360-Degree Video

The American Museum of Natural History is highlighting its artifacts in a whole new way.

10 Intentionally Deformed Skulls From Around the World

Intentional cranial deformation has been recorded on almost every continent over tens of thousands of years.

10 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in November

Some of history's greatest pioneers and artists were born in the month of November. We couldn't possibly name them all, but here are just a handful whose lives we'll be celebrating.

The Brown family was involved in New England’s vampire panic.

The Mystery Behind the 19th-Century New England Vampire Panic

Some families were so desperate to save their loved ones from a mysterious illness, they were willing to try anything, even exhuming them.

"If you can't participate in this chain letter you didn't ask for, let me know within five days so it will be fair to those participating!"

A Brief History of the Chain Letter

Chain letters aren't always about money or bad luck: Some chain letters have urged people to pass on underpants.

Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library // Public domain

Century-Old Photos From Some of the Nation's Prettiest Cemeteries

Mossy oaks, crumbling tombs, and George Washington's grave.

5 British Witch Trials

The Salem witch trials of 1692 to '93 might be among the most famous in history but they were by no means alone—and nor was the paranoia that surrounded the grim witch hunts of 17th and 18th centuries unique to New England.

Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

Needlework in Memory of the Departed

In the 1880s, nobody was excluded from elaborate mourning rituals.

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