Performing Arts
Kon-Tiki Sails Again
A new film recreates the epic voyage—and revives the controversy over its legendary leader, Thor Heyerdahl
April 2013 |
By Franz Lidz
How to Tour Frank Sinatra’s Las Vegas
Even though most of 1950s Vegas is long gone, there are still many ways to relive the haunts of Ol’ Blue Eyes and the Rat Pack
April 01, 2013 |
By Nina Fedrizzi
VIDEO: “MLK: The Assassination Tapes” now a Peabody Award Winner
The award-winning program brings to light recently rediscovered footage and offers a fresh perspective on one of America's greatest tragedies
March 29, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Now You Know the History of G.I. Joe. And Knowing Is Half The Battle
The evolution of the All American Hero from artist's mannequin to action figure
March 29, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
James Cameron Decides to Let Scientists Use His Awesome Submersible
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution inherits the submarine, which they will use to built even better submersibles
March 28, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Who Really Invented the Smiley Face?
It's supposedly the 50th anniversary of the original design of the iconic image, but its history since then is surprisingly complex with millions of dollars at stake
March 13, 2013 |
By Jimmy Stamp
There’s More to Celtic Music Than “Danny Boy”
A new album from Smithsonian Folkways will brighten anyone’s St. Patrick’s Day
March 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
What Does Citizen Kane Have to Do With Mass Effect 2?
Modern games find inspiration in the techniques of classic film noir
March 2013 |
By Kate Cox
Could Spider Silk Stop a Moving Train?
Spiderman really could have stopped that train from falling, so long as his silk resembled that produced by the Darwin's bark spider
February 28, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
In 1989, Life Magazine Said Goodbye To Video Stores, Mailmen and Pennies…
In 1989, Life magazine predicted that, by the year 2000, many staples of modern American life might find themselves on the scrapheap of history
February 27, 2013 |
By Matt Novak
This Is Your Brain on Movies
Innerscope Research recently did a study claiming that by looking at viewers "emotional engagement threshold" during a trailer, they can predict just how well it will do at the box office. But neuroscience isn't that easy
February 27, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
VIDEO: The Show, Lincoln’s Washington at War, Depicts the Transformation of Washington
A new documentary from Smithsonian Channel looks at how the Civil War helped transform the city of Washington, D.C.
February 22, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Mississippi Officially Ratifies Amendment to Ban Slavery, 148 Years Late
The movie Lincoln helped kick Mississippi into action on finally ratifying the 13th Amendment
February 20, 2013 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Sneak Peek of “Seizing Justice: The Greensboro 4″
Airing February 11, the Smithsonian Channel documentary tells the story of the lunch counter sit-in that helped to change the country
February 11, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The History of the Flapper, Part 2: Makeup Makes a Bold Entrance
It's the birth of the modern cosmetics business as young women look for beauty enhancers in a tube or jar
February 07, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
The History of the Flapper, Part 1: A Call for Freedom
The young, fashionable women of the 1920s define the dress and style of their peers in their own words
February 05, 2013 |
By Emily Spivack
Are Punch and Judy Shows Finally Outdated?
For a wife-beating, baby-squashing scofflaw, Mr. Punch has done pretty well for himself
February 04, 2013 |
By Linda Rodriguez McRobbie
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
Listen to Doc Watson Picking Away at his Banjo
A new release from Smithsonian Folkways highlights the talent of a bluegrass master
February 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
