Arts and Humanities
The arts and humanities explore human experience through creative expression and critical analysis of history, literature, philosophy and religion
The History of the Flapper, Part 5: Who Was Behind the Fashions?
Sears styles sprung from the ideas of European artists and couturiers
April 05, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
Events April 5-7: Japanese Art, Poetry Month and African-American Architects
This week, experience Japanese design, celebrate poetry with your family and learn about African Americans' roles in shaping Washington, DC's architecture
April 04, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
This Picture of Boston, Circa 1860, Is the World’s Oldest Surviving Aerial Photo
A sight from 2,000 feet, a view of 1860s Boston
April 03, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
When New York City Tamed the Feared Gunslinger Bat Masterson
The lawman had a reputation to protect—but that reputation shifted after he moved East
April 03, 2013 |
By Gilbert King
How the Chess Set Got Its Look and Feel
The vaunted Staunton Chess Set, the standard chess set you probably grew up with, has its roots in neoclassical architecture
April 03, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
A Georgia Town Is Requiring Gun Ownership. So Did the Founding Fathers.
A Georgia town may have just mandated gun ownership, but early Americans had the same idea back in 1792
April 02, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Dave Brubeck’s Son, Darius, Reflects on His Father’s Legacy
As a global citizen and cultural bridge-builder, Dave Brubeck captivated the world with his music, big heart and a vision of unity
April 02, 2013 |
By Joann Stevens
Michael Benson’s Awe-Inspiring Views of the Solar System
A photographer painstakingly pieces together raw data collected by spacecraft to produce color-perfect images of the Sun, planets and their many moons
April 02, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
How That Annoying Drone From Inception Took Over Movie Trailers
There's this weird, droney sound that nearly every action movie seems to employ. But where did it come from?
April 01, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events April 2-4: Native Sousa Music, Free Art Lessons and Gerhard Richter
This week, learn about a little-known Native American musical tradition, make something creative and see a world-class painter in action
April 01, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
How Crisco Went From Cryst to Disco
The American History Museum covers all things grease for its April Fool's Day conference open to the public
April 01, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Sagging Pants Butt Up Against the Law
Yet the droopy trousers trend lives on
April 01, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
Stop Trying to Live Like a Caveman
Modern humans are doing it all wrong - they eat wrong, they run wrong, they work wrong, they get married wrong. But is the life of cave people really what we should be striving for?
April 01, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Kon-Tiki Sails Again
A new film recreates the epic voyage—and revives the controversy over its legendary leader, Thor Heyerdahl
April 2013 |
By Franz Lidz
Photos: The U.S. Military’s Prototype for a Flying Submarine
Capable of carrying 66 tons of cargo, the Aeroscraft could bring airships back to the skies
April 2013 |
By Mark Strauss
Meet the Artist Who Blows Things Up for a Living
With ethereal artworks traced in flames and gunpowder, Cai Guo Qiang is making a big bang
April 2013 |
By Ron Rosenbaum
America’s Got a Case of Souvenir Mania
A new book from a Smithsonian curator looks at the culture and business of memorabilia
April 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
