HISTORY

7 of History’s Strangest Mass Hysteria Events

Whether an entire town can’t stop dancing or people suddenly start worrying about minor marks on their windshields, these seemingly unbelievable events have had some surprising (and sometimes devastating) effects.

The Sistine Chapel's no-photo policy has an unexpected origin.

The Reason Why No Photography is Allowed in the Sistine Chapel

Visitors to the chapel will find their experience peppered with terse shouts of “No photo! No video!” from security guards.

Larry Kramer in Manhattan's Washington Square in 2007.

10 Fascinating Facts About Larry Kramer

While co-founding two of the most influential HIV/AIDS organizations in the U.S., he still had time to pen a landmark play and be nominated for an Academy Award.

8 Historical Methods of Detecting Pregnancy

Before home pregnancy tests, the most reliable test was just to wait and see. But people still wanted to know as early as possible whether they were harboring a tiny human.

Remembering Christine Jorgensen, America’s First Trans Celebrity

When news of Christine Jorgensen’s gender-affirming surgery made headlines, she decided to use the exposure to help people.

There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding social media.

7 Misconceptions About Social Media

In the latest episode of Misconceptions, host Justin Dodd debunks some commonly held beliefs about social media, from who owns what you post to what happens to your data.

These books altered history in ways big and small.

46 Books that Changed the World

Here, in no particular order, are just a few of history’s most influential tomes—and how they made humanity look at things in a new light.

What Does the Juneteenth Flag Symbolize?

On June 19, 2023, the United States will celebrate Juneteenth and the anniversary of Black emancipation. Here’s the meaning behind the holiday’s official flag.

4 Big Misconceptions About Spies

No, spies aren't all focused on national security. Yes, the CIA did deploy a mission called Operation Acoustic Kitty.

Alfred L. Cralle: The Black Businessman Who Invented a Better Way to Scoop Ice Cream

Alfred L. Cralle made scooping ice cream a one-hand job with his ingenious patent.

How Marcus Garvey Bean Salad Became a Traditional Juneteenth Dish

Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey played a major role in the early civil rights movement. This Juneteenth dish has more of a connection to him than just his name.

'Weird Tales' was a pioneer in fantasy and horror.

8 Things You Might Not Know About 'Weird Tales' Magazine

The pulp magazine, which turns 100 this year, inspired Stephen King and made a star out of Conan.

Contestants chasing cheese down Cooper’s Hill during 2022's Cheese-Rolling contest.

Canadian Woman Wins First Prize in Cheese-Rolling Race After Knocking Herself Unconscious

Nineteen-year-old Delaney Irving was unconscious when she crossed the finish line of Gloucester's 2023 cheese-rolling contest.

The first African American dictionary of its kind is due in 2025.

Scholars Have Released the First Words Chosen for The Oxford Dictionary of African American English

The years-in-the-making Oxford Dictionary of African American English will offer proper attribution to words and phrases that originated in Black culture.

Man reading from a microfilm machine, which uses a similar technology to Brown's "Readies."

Before E-Readers, a 1930s Writer Reinvented the Book With “Readies”

Machines called “Readies” were writer Bob Brown’s answer to “talkies” in the 1930s.

Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ (black border added).

15 Facts About Leonardo Da Vinci's ‘The Last Supper’

Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper" is one of the most admired, most studied, and most reproduced paintings the world has ever known—and it has inspired some wild theories.

AnnaPustynnikova/iStock via Getty Images

Ignacio Anaya García: The Genius Who Invented Nachos

Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya García invented his namesake bar snack while working in a restaurant near the Texas-Mexico border.

A mural showing Harvey Milk inside the San Francisco politician's former camera shop.

7 LGBTQ Landmarks Besides the Stonewall Inn

Stonewall is the most famous, but it’s just one of many American sites that hold significance for LGBTQ history.

10 Explorers Who Vanished Without a Trace

From a record-breaking mountain climber to a British adventurer who may have died searching for a city that doesn’t exist and beyond, these explorers have fates that are shrouded in mystery.

Feeling Adventurous? The U.S. Government Is Giving Away Lighthouses

If you've always wanted to live in a lighthouse, now is your chance.

The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park, California.

8 Historic National Park Hotels for Your Bucket List

From a 175-year-old farmhouse to a luxury lodge on the Grand Canyon, these are the most historic places to stay in eight national park properties.

He's mad as hell and he's not going to take this anymore.

“Which Side Are You On?”: How Florence Reece Gave Strikers a Theme Song

The classic labor song "Which Side Are You On?" was born during the Harlan County Wars of the 1930s.

10 Facts About King James VI and I

James VI and I was the first monarch to rule both Scotland and England. He also spearheaded the Scottish witch trials.

John Wilkes Booth shooting Abraham Lincoln, with Clara Harris and Henry Rathbone seated to the right of the president and first lady.

The Couple Who Sat with Lincoln on the Night of His Assassination

The Lincolns weren't alone in the presidential box at Ford's Theater that night.

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