HISTORY

14 Things You Might Not Know About ‘Whistler’s Mother’ (a.k.a. ‘Arrangement in Grey and Black No.1’)

While affection grew for this painting, its true intentions—and even its real name—got lost.

The National World War I Museum and Memorial is set to unveil its century-old time capsule.

The National WWI Museum Is About to Open Its 100-Year-Old Time Capsule

Reportedly, it doesn’t contain 1920s fashions or jazz records.

According to hotel visitors, people can expect paranormal activity at these places.

The 13 Most Haunted Hotels, According to Guest Reviews

You may be in for a spooky adventure if you reserve a room at one of these hotels.

5 Weird American Cemetery Legends

These strange, spooky cemetery tales of vampires, ghosts, and bloody headstones will keep you up at night.

When President Grover Cleveland Was Given a Proto-Ouija Board as a Wedding Present

The gift helped commercialize the “talking board,” and paved the way for future models.

The Surprising Origins of 25 Animal Names

From rabbits to butterflies, learn the surprising origins of these animal names.

How Do Hurricanes Get Their Names?

Beryl, Helene, Milton—recent hurricane monikers aren’t exactly the most popular girls’ and boys’ names.

The Global Origins of Town Names in Every U.S. State (With Maps!)

There are lots of UK place names—and plenty of surprises in store.

9 Facts About Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”

“Once upon a midnight dreary” begins “The Raven,” setting the mood for one of the most recognizable poems written in English.

Crystal balls were all the rage among spiritualists a century ago.

A Brief History of the Crystal Ball

Crystal balls aren’t just a prop in your Halloween décor—they represent our ancient desire for otherworldly knowledge.

Would You Have Been Accused of Witchcraft in the 17th Century?

You didn’t have to be out casting spells and stirring bubbling cauldrons in the dead of night to be at risk of being labeled a witch in the 1600s. Would you have been one of the accused?

Getting Saucy: 13 Condiments From Around the World

These delicious sauces will have you shoving ketchup and mayonnaise aside.

The modern version does not include any flames.

The Fiery Halloween Tradition That Gave Us Bobbing for Apples

Bobbing for apples, though sometimes comparable to dunking your head in a cesspool of saliva, wasn’t always the kid-friendly activity we know today.

Some of these presidents were well versed in October surprises.

Where Did the Term ‘October Surprise’ Originate?

Its political legacy began during the Iran hostage crisis, but other kinds of October surprises had been happening for decades.

Nancy Barnett’s family would not allow a road to disturb her final resting place.

The Reason There’s a Gravesite in the Middle of an Indiana Road

This isn't something you want to pass late at night.

One of the original samples of Alexander Fleming’s penicillin mold.

Old Mold to Be Sold: Fleming’s Original Penicillin Sample Up for Auction

Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and FDR once owned one of Fleming's penicillin mold samples. Now you can, too.

Nintendo’s newest attraction is now open.

Attention Video Game Fans: A Nintendo Museum Just Opened in Japan

Here’s another reason to add Japan to your bucket list: a Nintendo museum just opened in the country.

5 Famous Authors Who Were Awarded MacArthur “Genius” Grants

‘Severance’ author Ling Ma is a 2024 MacArthur Fellow; here are some other famous authors who were awarded the grants.

Assault, Robbery, and Murder: The Dark History of “Bedsheet Ghosts”

Pretending to be a ghost was a popular pastime in 19th century England. But in London's neighborhood of Hammersmith, it could also get you killed.

6 Infamous Poisoners with Unforgettable Nicknames

Thanks to his outrageous crimes, Graham Young will always be known as the Teacup Poisoner. Here are five others with unforgettable monikers.

Friends consult a Ouija board during a séance.

8 Notorious Séances Involving Celebrities

Harry Houdini and Princess Diana are just a few of the spirits that mediums have tried to contact over the years.

When France’s Père Lachaise Cemetery Used Celebrity Remains to Boost Business

The cemetery failed to interest the public until it started seeking out famous corpses.

You may not want to be alone in some of these libraries.

6 Supposedly Haunted Libraries

Libraries are usually quiet, secluded spots. But not all are as peaceful as they may seem.

11 Facts About the Zodiac Killer

Read up on the case before the new documentary ‘This Is the Zodiac Speaking’ hits Netflix on October 23.

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