HISTORY

Albert Einstein is credited with more famous quotations than he actually came up with.

‘Definition of Insanity’: Did Albert Einstein Really Coin This Famous Phrase?

Is Einstein's definition of insanity world-famous or just a myth?

Queen Elizabeth II sometimes went by Sharon.

11 Royal Code Names

When she was trying to fly under the radar, Queen Elizabeth II went by the name ‘Sharon.’

The 50th anniversary cover of Peter Benchley’s ‘Jaws.’

“[It] Looked Like a Penis”: The Origin of the Iconic ‘Jaws’ Art

A nude swimmer and a phallic-looking fish nearly sunk one of the most recognizable book covers of modern times.

What Is a Gift Horse, and Why Shouldn’t You Look Inside Its Mouth?

Not looking a gift horse in the mouth means being thankful for a gift, even if you secretly wished for something better—and it originated long before the invention of cars.

‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’ by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

16 Fascinating Facts About Renoir’s ‘Luncheon of the Boating Party’

Set in a real-life cafe overlooking the Seine, the painting captures a joyous moment among friends—but the history around this iconic Impressionist work makes it all the richer.

When George Washington Nearly Kidnapped a British Prince

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington approved a plan to kidnap Prince William Henry, a son of King George III.

Andrew Irvine (left) circa 1920 and George Mallory circa 1915.

George Mallory’s Final Dash up Mount Everest: 100 Years of Mystery and Myth

What happened during George Mallory's fatal Everest ascent is one of mountaineering's greatest mysteries. Here's what we know.

In his House Divided speech, Lincoln feared the outcome of the Missouri Compromise would be civil war.

“A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand”: Deciphering Lincoln’s Warning About Civil War

In his famous 1858 speech, Abraham Lincoln warned that only civil war would resolve the issue of slavery in the U.S. He wasn’t wrong.

Why Is It Called a “Hamburger” If It Doesn’t Contain Ham?

Here's how the hamburger came by its misleading name.

Recent decades have witnessed too many music festival disasters.

9 of the Worst Music Festival Disasters in United States History

The Route 91 Harvest Festival, Astroworld, South by Southwest, and more have been afflicted by tragedy.

This illustration features elements of both circuses and carnivals.

Carnival vs. Circus: What’s the Difference?

Although the line between the two is sometimes a little blurred, their origins are actually very distinct.

An illustration of the counting-out game “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” from Clara E. Atwood’s ‘A Book of Nursery Rhymes,’ published in 1901.

“Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe”: The Dark Theories—and Racist History—Behind the Childhood Rhyme

Different versions of “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” exist around the world, and there seem to be just as many theories about the rhyme’s potential origin—ranging from shepherds counting sheep to priests selecting sacrificial victims.

Quiz: Can You Guess the Summer Jobs of These Future U.S. Presidents?

These future presidents worked some not-so-glamorous jobs as teenagers.

American troops helping their injured friends from a dinghy after the landing ship they were on was hit by enemy fire during the Allied invasion of France on D-Day

Watch Vintage Newsreel Footage of the D-Day Landings in Normandy

This 80-year-old archival footage shows Operation Neptune—the code name for the landings on the beaches at Normandy.

Why Is It Called an “Elevator Pitch”?

A quick sales attempt is said to be an “elevator pitch.” But does it actually have anything to do with elevators?

Smokey Robinson, Dolly Parton, and Bruce Springsteen.

The Strange Origins of 25 Popular Songs

You’ve hummed along to them in the car, belted them out in the shower, and performed them on karaoke night. But do you really know what the lyrics to even some of your favorite songs are talking about?

Leo Tolstoy with grandchildren Leo and Sofia, 1909

Inside the Tolstoy Family Reunion

Author Leo Tolstoy had a big family with his wife, Sophia. Now, you can get an inside glimpse at what a family reunion is like for his living descendants.

Stanford’s interactive map shows where school segregation persists.

Interactive Map Shows How School Segregation Has Changed in Your Town

See how your neighborhood is faring.

7 of the Creepiest Abandoned Amusement Parks in the U.S.

From Holy Land USA to Chippewa Lake Park, discover some of the eeriest abandoned amusement parks across the United States.

Lewis and Clark encountered grizzly bears, coyotes, and pronghorns.

14 Animals Lewis and Clark “Discovered”

Lewis and Clark were not the first people to see animals like coyotes, elk, and pronghorn, but they did introduce them to Western science.

GPS is just one thing in our daily lives originally invented for military use.

9 Everyday Things Originally Invented for the Military

From Jeeps to GPS and jerrycans, the military has fostered inventions that we use every day.

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.

25 Outrageous Quotes from Salvador Dalí

Salvador Dalí had a lot of interesting things to say about art, ambitions, and more.

What Are the National Animals of the United States?

The bison and bald eagle have been chosen to represent the U.S. Here's why.

Prev Next