Humanities
Critical analysis and thought in the fields of history, law and philosophy
This Nostalgic Private Collection Has 1,713 Photos of Old-Fashioned Cans, Jars and Clippings
Flickr user Roadsidepictures offers hundreds of images of vintage product packaging spanning most of the 20th century
December 14, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
White Gold: How Salt Made and Unmade the Turks and Caicos Islands
Turks and Caicos had one of the world's first, and largest, salt industries—which led, indirectly, to their becoming the only tropical jurisdiction to have a pair of igloos on their flag.
December 14, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
How Change Happens: The 1863 Emancipation Proclamation and the 1963 March on Washington
At the 150th and 50th anniversary of two historic moments, the African American History and Culture Museum and American History Museum team up to shed new light
December 14, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
We Prefer Our Leaders to Have Deep Voices, Even If They Are Women
Our biology may be influencing our decision making when it comes to how we select our leaders
December 14, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
The Legend of the Christmas Stocking
What's behind the holiday tradition of hanging hosiery on the fireplace?
December 14, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Events December 14-16: Ai Weiwei’s Ceramics, Mayan Calendar and Stradivari’s Instruments
This weekend, learn about the contemporary artist's use of historic objects, why the world didn't end and just what's so special about Stradivari in concert
December 13, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Before the Civil War, There Were 8,000 Different Kinds of Money in the U.S.
It wasn't until after the war that the U.S. started to really use the dollar
December 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
As the World Warms, the Future of Skiing Looks Bleak
Climate change is delivering serious wounds to the winter sport all over the globe
December 11, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
How To Get an Ancient Lizard Named After You: Get Elected President
Simply get elected president, and you'll have a fair chance of some newly discovered creature inheriting your moniker
December 11, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Smithsonian Curators Offer Up a Holiday Gift Guide for History Lovers
The best of history reads from Lincoln's true thoughts on slavery, to the White House dinner that shocked a nation, to California's hip-hop scene
December 11, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Your Guide to Selecting the Best (or Is It Worst?) Ugly Christmas Sweater
Holiday cheer with a touch of nostalgia celebrates garish knitwear from the 1940s to '80s
December 11, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
Environmentalists Want To Keep Oil Platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Wait, What?
Oil companies want to pull their rigs from the Gulf, but environmentalists are saying "no"
December 10, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Hawai`i’s Troubadour of Aloha
An upcoming documentary will highlight Hawaiian ukulele-playing sensation Jake Shimabukuro, who performed for the Smithsonian's Asian Pacific American Center
December 10, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
Should Trophy Hunting of Lions Be Banned?
Some argue that tourist safari hunts generate important money for African nations—but can lions afford the loss?
December 07, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
It’s Been 40 Years Since Anyone Rode a Rocket to the Moon
Apollo 17 took off forty years ago today
December 07, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
What Prehistoric Reptile Do These Three-foot Claws Belong To?
Claws once thought to belong to a giant turtle turned out to be from one of the weirdest dinosaurs ever found
December 06, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Remembering Dave Brubeck, Goodwill Ambassador
Joann Stevens remembers legendary jazz artist Dave Brubeck, who died Wednesday at age 91
December 06, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
Where to Watch the Biggest Waves Break
From Waimea Bay to "Mavericks," here are some superb sites to watch surfers catch the biggest breakers in the world this winter
December 06, 2012 |
By Alastair Bland
The Best in Fashion History: Penny Loafers, Forgotten Suitcases and Hermès Scarves
Three good reads to accessorize your daily routine
December 06, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
The Day Henry Clay Refused to Compromise
The Great Pacificator was adept at getting congressmen to reach agreements over slavery. But he was less accommodating when one of his own slaves sued him
December 06, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
