Historic and Cultural Monuments
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Tracking History Through Rainbow Bridge
Old photographs of early 20th century outdoorsmen outline the path used by hikers today seeking the American Southwest landmark
May 24, 2010 |
By Jim Conaway
Legends of the Apollo
For more than 75 years, some of the world’s greatest entertainers have performed at the famous Harlem theater
May 10, 2010 |
By Lucinda Moore
The Story of Thunder Mountain Monument
An odd and affecting monument stands off a Nevada highway as a testament to one man’s passions
April 09, 2010 |
By Kristin Ohlson
How Dolley Madison Saved the Day
As invading British troops approached in August 1814, the first lady coolly took command of the White House
March 2010 |
By Thomas Fleming
Can Auschwitz Be Saved?
Liberated 65 years ago, the Nazi concentration camp is one of Eastern Europe's most visited sites—and most fragile
February 2010 |
By Andrew Curry
The Mystery of Bosnia's Ancient Pyramids
An amateur archaeologist says he's discovered the world's oldest pyramids in the Balkans. But many experts remain dubious
December 2009 |
By Colin Woodard
Urban Legends About the Smithsonian
Ever since its inception, the Smithsonian has been the subject of wild rumors about the Hope Diamond, Noah’s Ark and more
September 01, 2009 |
By Jesse Rhodes
A New Chapter in the Hope Diamond’s History
The National Museum of Natural History’s most famous gem gets a modern update
August 18, 2009 |
By Abby Callard
Decorating the White House with Smithsonian Art
Continuing a Washington tradition, the Obamas selected artwork from the Smithsonian collections to hang in their historic home
August 04, 2009 |
By Abby Callard
Energy Efficiency at the White House
How environmental change can begin at the president's home
March 02, 2009 |
By Sarah Zielinski
Endangered Site: Fenestrelle Fortress, Italy
The "Great Wall of the Alps" covers 320 acres and is one of the largest fortified structures in Europe
March 2009 |
By T. A. Frail
Endangered Site: Xumishan Grottoes, China
This collection of ancient Buddhist cave temples date back to the fifth and tenth centuries, A.D.
March 2009 |
By Lyn Garrity
Endangered Site: Visoki Decani Monastery, Kosovo
The fate of the 14th-century abbey has been darkened by ethnic violence in the Balkans
March 2009 |
By Kathleen Burke
Who Discovered Machu Picchu?
Controversy swirls as to whether an archaeologist's claim to fame as the discoverer of Machu Picchu has any merit
March 2009 |
By Peter Eisner
The White House’s First Celebrity Dog
Bo, the Obama’s First Pooch, has a legacy to live up to in Laddie Boy, the family pet of President Harding
January 22, 2009 |
By Diane Tedeschi
A Capitol Vision From a Self-Taught Architect
In 1792, William Thornton designed America's defining monument, where a new visitor center opens in December
December 2008 |
By Fergus M. Bordewich
A Monumental Struggle to Preserve Hagia Sophia
In Istanbul, secularists and fundamentalists clash over restoring the nearly 1,500 year-old structure
December 2008 |
By Fergus M. Bordewich
Star-Spangled Banner Back on Display
After a decade’s conservation, the flag that inspired the National Anthem returns to its place of honor on the National Mall
November 2008 |
By Robert M. Poole
New Light on Stonehenge
The first dig in 44 years inside the stone circle changed our view of why—and even when—the monument was built
October 2008 |
By Dan Jones
The Great Wall of China Is Under Siege
China’s ancient 4,000-mile barrier, built to defend the country against invaders, is under renewed attack
August 2008 |
By Brook Larmer
