People
These influential artists, celebrities, leaders and scholars have shaped our world
Events February 15-17: Sketching Lessons, Arabian Jazz and Lincoln’s Dream
This week, indulge your creative side, hear Arab music, and meet a children's book author.
February 14, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Poetry Matters: Phillis Wheatley, The Slave Girl Who Became a Literary Sensation
Enslaved at age 8, America's first black woman poet won her freedom with verse
February 13, 2013 |
By David C. Ward
Unmanned Drones Have Been Around Since World War I
They have recently been the subject of a lot of scrutiny, but the American military first began developing similar aerial vehicles during World War I
February 12, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
Harry Truman’s Adorable Love “List” to His Wife, Bess
As a celebration of 38 years of marriage, the former president shared his memories, both fond and bittersweet, from each anniversary
February 12, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Events February 12-14: Women in Sustainability, China’s Investment in Africa and an Emancipation Proclamation Theater Performance
This week, hear from a panel of sustainability rock stars, see a documentary on China's presence in Africa and watch a Black History Month celebration.
February 11, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
The Battle Over Richard III’s Bones…And His Reputation
Rival towns are vying for the king’s remains and his legacy now that his skeleton has been found 500 years after his death
February 08, 2013 |
By Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
Events Feb 8-10: Foreign Film, Valentine’s Workshop and Russian Chamber Music
This weekend, catch Iranian star Leila's Hatami's latest, craft a little love and hear from the National Chamber Ensemble
February 07, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Year’s Most Outstanding Science Visualizations
A juried competition honors photographs, illustrations, videos, posters, games and apps that marry art and science in an evocative way
February 05, 2013 |
By Megan Gambino
Bangs, Bobs and Bouffants: The Roots of the First Lady’s Tresses
Michelle Obama's modern look has a long history
February 05, 2013 |
By Amy Henderson
Should the Constitution Be Scrapped?
In a new book, Louis Michael Seidman claims that arguing about the constitutionality of laws and reforms is the cause of our harsh political discourse
February 05, 2013 |
By Amy Crawford
Events February 5-7: Tachyons, Middle Eastern Landscape and Ai Weiwei
This week, hear about the one thing in the world that may be faster than light, consider Western media's depictions of the Middle East and discuss Ai Weiwei's art
February 04, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
The Uncertain Promise of Freedom’s Light: Black Soldiers in The Civil War
Sometimes treated as curiosities at the time, black men and women fighting for the Union and organizing for change altered the course of history
February 01, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The Unsuccessful Plot to Kill Abraham Lincoln
On the eve of his first inauguration, President Lincoln snuck into Washington in the middle of the night, evading the would-be assassins who waited for him in Baltimore
February 2013 |
By Daniel Stashower
The Psychology Behind Superhero Origin Stories
How does following the adventures of Spider-Man and Batman inspire us to cope with adversity?
February 2013 |
By Robin Rosenberg
The House Where Darwin Lived
Home to the naturalist for 40 years, the estate near London was always evolving
February 2013 |
By Rebecca Stott
The Story Behind Banksy
On his way to becoming an international icon, the subversive and secretive street artist turned the art world upside-down
February 2013 |
By Will Ellsworth-Jones
The Making of a Millennial Jazz Musician: Elijah Jamal Balbed
After being put in "baby jazz" in high school, Balbed has made a name for himself in the Washington, D.C. scene
January 31, 2013 |
By Joann Stevens
Events February 1-3: Maya Angelou, Black History Month Festivities and a Teen Poetry Slam
This week, meet world-renowned Civil Rights poet Maya Angelou, celebrate Black History Month and watch Washington D.C.'s most articulate teens battle in rhyme.
January 31, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
How to Tour Louis Armstrong’s New Orleans
Jazz is synonymous with the Big Easy, and there’s no bigger name in the history of the genre than Satchmo
January 31, 2013 |
By Nina Fedrizzi
Events January 29-31: Ancient Chinese Artifacts, Opera Masters and Rock-and-Roll Trivia
This week, see chinese artifacts once collected in a New Jersey apartment, learn about two of opera's greatest composers and show off your rock knowledge
January 28, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
