Humanities
Critical analysis and thought in the fields of history, law and philosophy
A New Life for Old Breweries
In response to a changing economy and demographic shift toward urban areas, the deserted homes of Schlitz, PBR and other beers are being repurposed
November 28, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Document Deep Dive: Rosa Parks’ Arrest Records
Read between the lines of the police report drawn up when the seamstress refused to give up her seat 57 years ago
November 28, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
Getting the Prosthetic Is Easy, Compared to Getting It To Do What You Want
Prosthetic technology is getting better, and many of these amputees are learning to live with new arms and legs. But while getting the prosthetic might be costly, it's learning how to use it that's the real struggle
November 27, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Madame Restell: The Abortionist of Fifth Avenue
Without benefit of medical training, Madame Restell spent 40 years as a "female physician"
November 27, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
What is Genyodectes?
A set of partial jaws hold an important place in the history of South American paleontology, but what sort of dinosaur do they represent?
November 27, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Photos: The National Hockey League Turns 95
Though the league is currently in another lockout, the Smithsonian collections have plenty of memorabilia from the sport's history in the United States
November 26, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
UN Climate Talks Start Monday: Here’s Your 83-Second Primer
For the 18th consecutive year, world leaders will try to figure out what to do about climate change
November 23, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Stegosaurus Plate Debate
Stegosaurus is immediately recognizable for its prominent plates, but why did these structures actually evolve?
November 23, 2012 |
By Brian Switek
Events November 23-25: ZooLights, Artsy Holiday Cards and Metaphysical Baseball
This weekend, a seasonal favorite returns to the Zoo and authors sign books on 20th century holiday cards and a man haunted by visions of baseball's past
November 22, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The History of Pardoning Turkeys Began With Tad Lincoln
The rambunctious boy had free rein of the White House, and used it to divert a holiday bird from the butcher's block
November 21, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
They Celebrate American Thanksgiving in the Netherlands
From 1609 to 1620, many of the Pilgrims who came to America lived in the Netherlands
November 21, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Next Stop on the Thanksgiving Tour: Julia Child’s Kitchen
The beloved destination has re-opened with new goodies for food lovers
November 21, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Where Did Pabst Win that Blue Ribbon?
The origin of Pabst's iconic blue ribbon dates back to one of the most important gatherings in American history
November 20, 2012 |
By Jimmy Stamp
FOOD: An Edible Exhibit Examines Our Many Culinary Cultures
Just in time for Thanksgiving, an exhibit all about what we put on our table at the American History Museum
November 20, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Different Wars Have Different Sounds
Changing weapons and technologies bring new sounds to the battlefield
November 20, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Insider Visitor Tips for the Holiday Weekend
Must-see exhibits, little known facts and veteran visitor wisdom for your Thanksgiving weekend at the Smithsonian
November 20, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Indexed: Fire by the Numbers
Fire can destroy in an instant—or burn for centuries
November 2012 |
By Photo by Richard Du Toit / Naturepl.com
These Communities Decided Not To Rebuild After Disaster
It seems that despite always asking the question, the answer is always the same: rebuild. Except in these cases - when entire communities just pick up and leave
November 19, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Archeologists Uncover Utah’s First Mormon Baptistry
Archeologists uncovered the remains of the first Latter-day Saints baptistry in Utah County, build around 1875
November 19, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Giving Thanks to Clothes That Stretch
Seeking comfort, holiday diners will don elastic to indulge their expanding waistlines. They should thank Thomas Hancock and his "masticator"
November 19, 2012 |
By Emily Spivack
