Humanities
Critical analysis and thought in the fields of history, law and philosophy
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
Finding Duriavenator
Jaws once thought to be from Megalosaurus belong instead to this little-known species
November 06, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Favorites From the Cooper-Hewitt’s New Online Collection
The museum's clothing and textiles are unwrapped for view as never before
November 06, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Uncovering the Truth Behind the Myth of Pancho Villa, Movie Star
In 1914, the Mexican rebel signed a contract with an American newsreel company that required him to fight for the cameras. Too good to be true? Not entirely
November 06, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Why Can’t Voters Get Free Stuff?
Turns out, rewarding voters for voting is illegal
November 06, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Brits Have Invaded Nine Out of Ten Countries
At various times, a new study found, the British have invaded almost 90 per cent of the countries around the globe
November 05, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
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
Faces From Afar: Two Oregonians on the Hunt for Exotic Durians
Meet Lindsay Gasik and Rob Culclasure, who are spending a year of their lives in Southeast Asia feasting on the bizarre fruit
November 02, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
Incredible Political Fashion Statements From Past Elections
Forget buttons and T-shirts. Check out these mini dresses, bell bottoms and digital watches from old campaign trails
November 01, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Food During Times of Grief
In a funereal setting, food often servers a number of symbolic functions
November 01, 2012 |
By Jesse Rhodes
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
In the Middle East, Female Scientists Face Different Challenges
Rana Danaji, a professor of molecular biology in Jordan, weighed in in the journal Nature on what it's like to be a woman in science in an Arab world
November 01, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
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
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
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
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
