Arts and Humanities
The arts and humanities explore human experience through creative expression and critical analysis of history, literature, philosophy and religion
Weekend Events Feb 10-12: Mourning, The Power of Chocolate Festival, and the Emerson String Quartet
This weekend, go to the Iranian Film Festival, taste and learn why chocolate was called the "food of the gods" by the Aztecs and Mayans, and enjoy a performance by the Emerson String Quartet.
February 09, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Who Was the First to Discover Dinosaur Eggs?
Despite an immense wave of publicity heralding the discovery of dinosaur eggs in 1923, French paleontologists had discovered them decades earlier
February 08, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
When Uncle Sam Backs Your Film
How Act of Valor is only the latest in a long history of official military involvement in the film industry
February 08, 2012 |
By Daniel Eagan
Charles McIlvaine, Pioneer of American Mycophagy
"I take no man's word for the qualities of a toadstool," said the man who took it upon himself to sample more than 600 species
February 08, 2012 |
By Peter Smith
Sugar of Lead: A Deadly Sweetener
Did ancient Romans, Pope Clement II or Ludwig van Beethoven overdose on a sweet salt of lead?
February 07, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers
From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, contemporary art, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we'll find an answer
February 07, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Man Who Wouldn’t Die
The plot to kill Michael Malloy for life-insurance money seemed foolproof—until the conspirators actually tried it
February 07, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
Bedtime Reading From Beatrix Potter: Amateur Mycologist
Would Flopsy, Mopsy and Peter Cottontail have been conceived had it not been for the biases of Victorian era science?
February 06, 2012 |
By Peter Smith
What Ever Happened to the Short Film?
Why short films still win Oscars.
February 06, 2012 |
By Daniel Eagan
Events Feb 7-9: Water Matters, Multiplicity, and Touki Bouki
This week, learn why water matters, take a guided tour of the American Art Museum's exhibition, Multiplicity, and enjoy a free film at the African Art House Film Festival.
February 06, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Squishy History of Bath’s Buns
Was Sally Lunn a 17th-century Huguenot refugee named Solange Luyon? Or just a great tall tale?
February 03, 2012 |
By Guest Blogger
Nice Things to Say About Attila the Hun
How did the terrible Attila the Hun command so much loyalty—and why, in death, was he so mourned?
February 03, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Giants and Patriots at the Smithsonian
Just in time for the Super Bowl, take a look at giants and patriots of all kinds in the Smithsonian
February 03, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Super Bowl’s Love Affair With Jetpacks
Thankfully, this Super Bowl spectacle never had a wardrobe malfunction
February 03, 2012 |
By Matt Novak
Clint Eastwood Honored at the American History Museum
The legendary actor and director presided over the opening of the museum's new state-of-the-art Warner Bros. Theater
February 03, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Weekend Events Feb 3-5: Under the Stars, Black History Month Family Day, and The Big Sleep
This weekend, explore the night sky at the Air and Space Museum, celebrate Black History Month at the American Art Museum, and watch The Big Sleep at the new Warner Brothers theater in the American History Museum.
February 02, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The Battle for Food in World War II
A new book examines how food figured into the major powers' war plans
February 02, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
Scrambled Eggs and the Demise of the Dinosaurs
Did egg-eating lizards and snakes contribute to the dinosaurs' extinction?
February 02, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
What to Look for on the Train Ride From New York to Washington
Sure, the view along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor has its share of grime. But there are also sights that'll make you want to put away your smart phone
February 02, 2012 |
By Susan Spano
Celebrate Black History Month with the Smithsonian
From Kenyan storytelling performances to Black Power film screenings, February on the Mall is buzzing with Black History Month events.
February 01, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
