HISTORY

Watch Rare Movie Footage of Early 20th Century Artists

In 1915, Renoir, Degas, and more appeared on film created with the then-new-fangled technology of motion pictures.

Meet George Murphy, the Tap-Dancing Senator

Long before Arnold Schwarzenegger made the transition from acting to politics, and even before Ronald Reagan went from Gipper to governor, George Murphy paved the way with his tap shoes.

Why Do We Use Salt and Pepper to Flavor Food?

If variety is the spice of life, why do we always use these two seasonings?

The Buckminster Fuller Institute/Facebook

15 Geodesic Facts About Buckminster Fuller

Born on this day in 1895, Bucky had an enormous impact that is still felt today.

theimpulsivebuy via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0

10 Frozen Facts About Breyers Ice Cream

This years marks the brand's 150th anniversary.

Physician Thinks Mary Todd Lincoln May Have Had a Vitamin Deficiency

It would have explained a range of the First Lady's physical and mental health symptoms.

8 Facts About Theodosia Burr Alston

She may have been close to explorer Meriwether Lewis.

Gaze at Hand-Colored Photos of 19th Century Japan

Recently digitized photos show the nation just a few decades after it opened to the West.

Science Museum, London, Wellcome Images // CC BY 4.0

A 17th Century Birthing Plate

The modern "push present" has centuries-old roots.

William Moulton Marston, the Psychologist Who Created Wonder Woman

Marston created Wonder Woman as the embodiment of his version of feminism—and she may owe something to his unusual romantic life.

The Oriental Institute via The History Blog

10 Revealing Scans of Historical Artifacts

Technology has made non-invasive examination possible in such detail that using your eyeballs pales in comparison.

The World's Oldest Library in Morocco Reopens Its Doors to the Public

al-Qarawiyyin University's historic book repository in Fez, Morocco, has a fresh new look.

Rome's Colosseum Is Getting a Massive (and Much-Needed) Makeover

After nearly 2000 years of visitors, pollution, and quick repairs, the ancient structure needed a lot of TLC.

6 American Wars You Didn't Learn About in School

Opus Clavicembalisticum: The Longest Piece of Piano Music Ever Performed

In 1930, Kaikhosru Sorabji's piano composition was thought to be the longest and most difficult piece of solo music ever conceived. Not much has changed.

10 Quirky Families That Still Rule the World

You’d never confuse them for the Rockefellers. But you also wouldn’t have curling without ’em. Or Kikkoman soy sauce.

8 Surprising Places That Were Once U.S. Capitals

The Founding Fathers spent a lot of time moving to safer locations.

This Country Hosts the Biggest Fourth of July Celebration Outside the U.S.

Glad Fjerde Juli!

When Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford Considered a Co-Presidency in 1980

One of the most fascinating "What if?" scenarios in U.S. political history occurred during the 1980 presidential election, when Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford considered a co-presidency.

Canada's Trippy History of LSD Therapy

In the 1950s, Saskatchewan was home to a group of doctors who had an answer for alcoholism: tons of acid.

The Great Farini, Canada's Most Fascinating Man

For William Leonard Hunt, life was a high wire act.

Black Mike Winage, the Most Determined Prospector in the Klondike

He managed to strike a bonanza six decades after the Gold Rush ended.

A California Dream

California’s third-largest city by area is an urban-planning disaster, a sprawl of empty grids that aspired to become a megacity—and failed. But as the desert works to reclaim the land, it’s become a mecca of another kind.

Artist Unknown via Wikimedia Commons // Public Domain

Opera Star’s Skeleton Shows Evidence of Castration, Singing Career

Researchers say the childhood castration and subsequent opera career of 19th-century singer Gaspare Pacchierotti left permanent marks on his skeleton.

Prev Next