American History
Henry Wiencek Responds to His Critics
The author of a new book about Thomas Jefferson makes his case and defends his scholarship
November 14, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
These Scientists Want The Election To Go On Even Longer
If these computer scientists have their dastardly way, the election season will be extended by a whole week - all for voting
November 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Pilgrims on Parade at the American History Museum
Pilgrim interpreters from the Plimoth Plantation arrive at the National Museum of American History
November 09, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways
This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker
November 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The 2012 Election’s Big Winner: Math
Independently of President Barack Obama's win last night, this year's campaign was one in which numbers trumped gut
November 07, 2012 |
By Sarah Laskow
Marian Anderson: Freedom Singer and Mentor To Generations
How a gifted black singer transformed opera and the nation through a lifetime of giving
November 06, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
New Jersey Will Be Able to Vote Online This Year, But You Probably Never Will
This week, the state is grappling with how to bring their citizens the vote
November 05, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Why Do We Vote on Tuesdays?
Tomorrow, Americans across the country will head to the voting booth and cast their ballots for the next president of the United States - but why always on Tuesday?
November 05, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Cities, Bridges And Burning Man Don’t Build Themselves
As humankind expands into the far reaches of the world - we build things. Bridges, cities, buildings. How do those things get built?
November 02, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events November 2-4: Political Machines, Moon Rocks and Substantial Music
This weekend, survey the technologies of campaigns past, learn about the quirky history of moon rocks and catch a show by hip-hop artist Substantial
November 01, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Speech That Saved Teddy Roosevelt’s Life
Campaigning for president 100 years ago, Roosevelt was spared almost certain death when 50 pieces of paper slowed an assailant’s bullet headed for his chest
November 2012 |
By Patricia O'Toole
PHOTOS: The History of Abraham Lincoln on Film
The 16th president has been a Hollywood star and box office attraction since the earliest days of Hollywood
November 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
Did the Pilgrims Really Land on Plymouth Rock and More Questisons From our Readers
Where do hurricanes start, the Big Bang, sea gulls and other answers from the Smithsonian’s experts
November 2012 |
By Smithsonian Magazine
Sandy Unearths Skeleton on New Haven Green
Hurricane Sandy delivered a gruesome mystery, just in time for Halloween
October 31, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
A Tale of Two Screams: Which Stock Horror Scream is Better?
Often, screams in horror movies come from stock files. Chances are, they're one of two stock screams: the Wilhelm or the Howie
October 31, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Candy From Halloween’s Past
From candy's lackluster beginnings to the Halloween boom, Smithsonian shares some tricks and treats
October 30, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Events Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Empires, Spooky Stories and American Artists
This week, a look at changing relationships with Latin America, Halloween stories and the rise of the late William H. Johnson
October 30, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Top Ten Most Damaging U.S. Hurricanes
Surprisingly, Hurricane Katrina is not the most damaging storm on record
October 29, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Before Salem, There Was the Not-So-Wicked Witch of the Hamptons
Why was Goody Garlick, accused of witchcraft in 1658, spared the fate that would befall the women of Massachusetts decades later
October 26, 2012 |
By John Hanc
