American History
Time Capsule: A Peek Back to the Day When Elvis Made It Big
On this day in 1956, Elvis appeared on the CBS program, The Stage Show, to skeptical critics and enthused audiences
January 28, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Museums Delay Opening Due to Weather
Smithsonian museums in the Washington, D.C. area as well as the National Zoo will open at noon Monday, due to inclement weather
January 28, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
For Dogs, Max Is the New Spot, Even in New York City
In the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and Australia, Max ranks as the number one name for male dogs
January 25, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Events January 25-27: Persian Drama, Inuit Face Tattoos and Schubert’s Fantasy
Friday, January 25: A Modest Reception Black comedy, handguns and huge bulging bags of money—three tantalizing teasers offered up in the intriguing trailer for the 2012 award-winning Persian film, A Modest Reception. The story opens on a couple from Tehran who hand out large sums of cash to the residents of an impoverished town and then documents their [...]
January 24, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Sonar Uncovers Amazing Photograph of Sunken Civil War Ship
The USS Hatteras, sunk 150 years ago, was discovered and photographed recently using 3D sonar
January 23, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Dungeons & Dragons Is So Classic It Now Has Its Own Digital Archive
Guides and books from the past 40 years of Dungeons and Dragons are to be preserved online
January 23, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Sweet Potato Genes Say Polynesians, Not Europeans, Spread the Tubers Across the Pacific
Sweet potato samples preserved in centuries-old herbariums indicate that Polynesian sailors, rather than Spanish or Portuguese explorers, introduced the now-ubiquitous yam across Southeast Asia and the Pacific
January 23, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Events January 22-24: Persian Tile Lessons, Arts & Craft Beer and MLK Book Signing
This week, learn to be a Persian artist, get crafty in Renwick Gallery and pick up an illustrated copy of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s most famous speech
January 22, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
In Europe, These People Wouldn’t Be Allowed To Drive
A recent study found that drivers with blind spots were more likely to hit pedestrians and less able to respond to hazardous situations
January 21, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Inauguration Day 2013
All you need to know for the day: where to eat, rest and what to see
January 21, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
That Time a Chicken Crashed Nixon’s Inaugural Ball and Other Crazy Inaugural Tales
Ten quirky moments from inaugural history, including presidential lassoing
January 18, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Dear Abby, America’s Favorite Advice Columnist, Dies at 94
Nearly 60 years ago, Pauline Phillips became Dear Abby, and her advice has since been read by tens of millions
January 17, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Events January 18-20: A Multicultural Festival, the Voices of Emancipation and the Smithsonian Staff’s Best Photos
This week, travel around the world in one museum, celebrate the Emancipation Proclamation and see the world through the Smithsonian staff's eyes
January 17, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
The U.S. Once Wanted To Use Nuclear Bombs as a Construction Tool
From digging a harbor to expanding the Panama Canal, how couldn't nuclear bombs be used?
January 16, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
How to Win Inauguration Weekend: There’s an App for That
Only one man won the election, but with free tours and insider information, you can still win the weekend. Plus hours, eating spots and where to rest your feet
January 16, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Document Deep Dive: The Menu From President Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Ball
What delicacies and confectionaries were found on the 250-foot-long buffet table?
January 15, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Monopoly Tokens Are Being Updated, And Your Favorite One Could Get the Ax
On February 5, players may have a Monopoly identity crisis as one of the classic Monopoly pieces is sent to jail for good
January 14, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
VIDEO: The Story Behind the Emancipation Proclamation
You've seen Spielberg's "Lincoln," now hear director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Lonnie Bunch talk about the forces behind the January 1, 1863 order and the eventual abolition of slavery
January 14, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Ongoing Drought Could Send the Chicago River Flowing in Reverse
Low water levels in Lake Michigan could cause the Chicago River to start flowing the other way
January 10, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Events January 11-13: Civil Disobedience, Farm-Fresh Foods and Arabic Calligraphy Lessons
This week, protest racial segregation in the 1960s, discover DC's "slow food" movement and learn to write in Arabic
January 10, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
