World History
Closing the Pigeon Gap
A hundred years ago, the British Empire looked enviously at the efficient carrier pigeon networks established by its European rivals. Yet during the First World War, Allied birds outperformed their rivals and saved thousands of lives–all thanks to the efforts of one London pigeon fancier.
April 17, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Events April 17-19: Just a Dream, Craft Show Benefit, and Claudia Acuña
This week, bring the family to a play about eco-friendly practices, preview the Smithsonian Craft Show, and kick back to a Latin jazz concert.
April 16, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The American History Museum’s New Approach to Telling “American Stories”
A new exhibition at the American History Museum uses more than 100 objects to tell American stories from 1620 to 2008
April 13, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
The House that Polly Adler Built
She entered the brothel business without apology and set out to become the best madam in America
April 12, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
Murder in Tibet’s High Places
The Dalai Lama is one of the world's most revered religious leaders, but that didn't prevent four holders of the office from dying under mysterious circumstances
April 10, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Full Steam Ahead! Our Roundup of All Things Titanic
Learn about the doomed voyage, the science behind the disaster and the passengers who survived
April 04, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
Ask Smithsonian: What Is Lightning? How Do Bees Make Honey? How Do Cats Purr?
Smithsonian experts answer your burning questions.
April 03, 2012 |
By Beth Py-Lieberman
Roberto Clemente: The King of Béisbol
Forty years ago, the sports superstar and humanitarian transcended baseball's borders
April 2012 |
By David Maraniss
Events March 30-April 1: Tap Festival, Mysteries of Mail, Japanese Paper Dioramas
The weekend is packed with dance events, family fun and some crafty ideas for the whole family
March 29, 2012 |
By Kelly Smith
“Kipper und Wipper”: Rogue Traders, Rogue Princes, Rogue Bishops and the German Financial Meltdown of 1621-23
It is tempting to think of the German hyperinflation of 1923 as a uniquely awful event, but it pales in comparison to what happened in the 17th century.
March 29, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
The Portrait of Sensitivity: A Photographer in Storyville, New Orleans’ Forgotten Burlesque Quarter
The Big Easy's red light district had plenty of tawdriness going on—except when Ernest J. Bellocq was taking photographs of prostitutes
March 28, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
The Ottoman Empire’s Life-or-Death Race
Custom in the Ottoman Empire mandated that a condemned grand vizier could save his neck if he won a sprint against his executioner
March 22, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Events March 23-25: Dinner & A Movie: Skydancer, Cherry Blossom Festival Family Day, Book Signing: Jo B. Paoletti
Friday, March 23 Dinner & A Movie: Skydancer For more than 120 years, ironworkers have raised America’s modern cityscapes—sculpting the country’s skylines, fearlessly walking atop steal beams, just a foot wide. Bravery in a job like this, is crucial. In New York City, six generations of Mohawk Indians have made the job their own. This [...]
March 22, 2012 |
By Kelly Smith
Edward Curtis’ Epic Project to Photograph Native Americans
His 20-volume masterwork was hailed as "the most ambitious enterprise in publishing since the production of the King James Bible"—and he paid dearly for his ambition
March 21, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
A History Lesson is Passed Down to Another Generation
The real prize for Kaleb Harris, winner of the American History Museum and Smithsonian Channel's Black History Month essay contest, was meeting Joseph McNeil, one of the leaders of the 1960 Greensboro sit-in
March 20, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
On Heroic Self-Sacrifice: a London Park Devoted to Those Most Worth Remembering
In 1887, a painter was inspired by an idea: commemorate the everyday heroism of men, women and children who had lost their lives trying to save another's
March 19, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Weekend Events March 16-18: Evolution of Video Games, Saint Paddy Party, and Masterworks of Three Centuries
This weekend, "Art of Video Games" curator Chris Melissinos leads a panel on the past, present and future of video games, Saint Paddy Party turns the Discovery Theater green, and baritone William Sharp performs Schumann.
March 15, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Clarence Dally — The Man Who Gave Thomas Edison X-Ray Vision
"Don't talk to me about X-rays," Edison said after an assistant on one of his X-ray projects started showing signs of illness. "I am afraid of them."
March 14, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Paris or Bust: The Great New York-to-Paris Auto Race of 1908
Even before there were roads, there were men who wanted to drive fast.
March 07, 2012 |
By Karen Abbott
The Very First Troop Leader
A new biography tells the story of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts
March 07, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
