Humanities
Critical analysis and thought in the fields of history, law and philosophy
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
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
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
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
The Top Five Most Anticipated Exhibits of 2012
Take a look at the five upcoming exhibits we're most excited about.
February 01, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Jose Andres and Other Toques of the Town Honor Alice Waters
What do you cook for famed chef Alice Waters? Washington's culinary celebrities faced this challenge at the unveiling of her portrait at the Smithsonian
January 31, 2012 |
By Jeanne Maglaty
“Paradox of Liberty” Tells the Other Side of Jefferson’s Monticello
Presented by the National Museum of African American History and Culture, this exhibit looks at the iconic founding father through the eyes of his slaves.
January 31, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
What is The Godfather Effect?
An obsessed film buff (and Italian-American) reflects on the impact of Francis Ford Coppola’s blockbuster trilogy
January 31, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Frito Pie and the Chip Technology that Changed the World
As we approach one of the biggest snack days of the year, meet the "Tom Edison of snack food" who brought us the "Anglo corn chip"
January 30, 2012 |
By Peter Smith
L.A.’s Answer to the Yellow Brick Road
A group including the actor Jack Nicholson has tried to get Dirt Mulholland on the National Register of Historic Places
January 30, 2012 |
By Susan Spano
The Most Terrible Polar Exploration Ever: Douglas Mawson’s Antarctic Journey
A century ago, Douglas Mawson saw his two companions die and found himself stranded in the midst of Antarctic blizzards. His epic three-week march to safety is one of the greatest survival stories in the history of polar exploration
January 27, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
