Humanities
Critical analysis and thought in the fields of history, law and philosophy
The Deerstalker: Where Sherlock Holmes’ Popular Image Came From
The literary detective's hunting cap and cape came not so much from the books' author as from their illustrators
July 26, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
The Long Journey of Chief Joseph’s War Shirt
Important Native American artifact seen in Smithsonian portrait fetches $877,500 at Nevada auction
July 25, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Amelia Earhart, Fashionista
A few highlights of coverage celebrating Amelia Earhart's 115th birthday.
July 24, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Today’s the Shared Anniversary of Ruin Porn Poster Children Detroit, Machu Picchu
July 24th marks double jackpot for the intrepid explorers of years past as well for as fans of the latest photographic trend, "ruin porn."
July 24, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Q&A: Archaeologist Unearths 600-year-old Bra in Castle
Though in tatters, the undergarment looks thoroughly modern. But was it comfortable!?
July 23, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
On the Trail of the Warsaw Basilisk
The basilisk was just a legendary monster–until the day in 1587 that word swept through Warsaw that one was hiding in a cellar in the Polish capital, killing anybody who approached it
July 23, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Should Dolphins and Whales Have Human Rights?
Because of their complex brains and rich social lives, should dolphins and whales be considered non-human legal persons, with full legal rights?
July 23, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Great Books—and the Best Places to Read Them
Reading while traveling can serve as a sensory supplement to one's surrounding environment. Here's a list of some of my favorite books and where to read them
July 21, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
City Officials Declare War on Lawn Gardens
To the urban gardener's dismay, it seems that, at least for city officials, the sight of glistening berries and bountiful veggies is an offense warranting reprimand and bulldozers.
July 20, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes with “Parks and Rec” at the Smithsonian
Amy Poehler and Adam Scott talk about filming at the Smithsonian and around D.C. for NBC's Parks and Recreation
July 20, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Here’s What Nixon Would Have Said If Apollo 11 Hadn't Returned
Forty three years ago today, the crew of Apollo 11 set down on the surface of the Moon. In the event that things had gone horribly wrong, Safire had a speech ready for then-President Nixon
July 20, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The History of the Olympic Pictograms: How Designers Hurdled the Language Barrier
Infographic design first appeared at the Olympics in 1948, when the games were last in London.
July 20, 2012 |
By Sarah C. Rich
Six Guys Stood At Nuclear Ground Zero And Lived To Tell The Tale
In 1957, five Air Force officers volunteered (and one cameraman was voluntold) to stand directly below a mid-air detonation of a 2-kiloton nuclear warhead.
July 19, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Navy’s Plan To Go Green Is Falling Apart
The US Navy had a bold plan to redesign its fleet to operate on renewable energy, a plan that may be falling apart.
July 18, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Mesa Verde’s Mary Jane Colter Collection (But Don’t Call it That)
Among the treasures that will be on display when the park's new museum opens later this year are 30 pieces donated by the legendary architect
July 18, 2012 |
By Susan Spano
Where the Buffalo No Longer Roamed
The Transcontinental Railroad connected East and West—and accelerated the destruction of what had been in the center of North America
July 17, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Five Things Leslie Knope Should See at the Smithsonian
As NBC's "Parks and Recreation" prepares to shoot its season five opener in D.C., we offer up five must-sees for the newest city councilmember of Pawnee, Indiana
July 17, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Remembering Bloomingdale’s Chairman, the Dearly Departed Martin Traub, 1925-2012
The department store chain's visionary executive beat the competition in exotic fashion flair
July 13, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
$2 Million in Ivory Seized From Manhattan Jewelers
Two New York City jewelers, caught with $2 million worth of illegal ivory, plead guilty to charges of commercializing wildlife.
July 13, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Events July 13-15: After Hours at the Museum of African Art, Cranes and Clouds, “Don Juan” Screening
This weekend, hit up the Museum of African Art after hours, create Korean art and view a screening of "Don Juan."
July 12, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
