World History
Blue versus Green: Rocking the Byzantine Empire
When the spectators at Rome's spectacular circuses split into factions, it threatened to bring the Eastern Empire down. The day was saved by Byzantium's remarkable empress, but only at the cost of 30,000 lives
March 02, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
The Aftermath of Mountain Meadows
The massacre almost brought the United States to war against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but only one man was brought to trial: John D. Lee
February 29, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Events Feb 28-March 1: Paradox of Liberty, A Not So Still Life, and Perspectives on “Limits to Growth”
This week, learn about slavery at Monticello, meet artist Ginny Ruffner, and join experts for a day of discussion on sustainability.
February 27, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Colonel Parker Managed Elvis’ Career, but Was He a Killer on the Lam?
The man who brought The King to global fame kept his own past secret. But what exactly was Tom Parker hiding?
February 24, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Shovels Break Ground for a New Smithsonian Museum
President Barack Obama presided over the start of a new museum devoted to African American history and culture
February 22, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
A Piece of Email History Comes to the American History Museum
A groundbreaking early email program, written by a high school student in 1979, helps tell the story of this crucial technology's history
February 22, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Weekend Events Feb 17-19: Gallery Talk, Presidential Family Fun Day, and a Tour with the Artist
This weekend, learn about the influences of artist Jacob Lawrence, celebrate Presidents' Day Weekend with the whole family, and take a tour of some of the most famous Civil War sites.
February 17, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
When the Country's Founding Father is Your Founding Father
The descendants of American presidents are the athletic trainers, lawyers, salesmen and executives of everyday life
February 17, 2012 |
By Megan Gambino
President Obama to Speak At Groundbreaking for African American History and Culture Museum
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Smithsonian's newest museum, scheduled to open in 2015, will feature Obama, Laura Bush and others
February 16, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Mysterious Mr. Zedzed: The Wickedest Man in the World
Sir Basil Zaharoff was the archetypal "merchant of death"—an arms salesman who made a career out of selling to both sides in a conflict and stood accused of starting World War I for his personal profit.
February 16, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Curator Amy Henderson: How The Stars Just Dazzle Us
The National Portrait Gallery expert on celebrity culture admits that she is often captivated by the glamour and glitz that defines the Hollywood superstar
February 14, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
General Grant in Love and War
The officer who gained glory as a warrior in the Civil War also had a domestic side.
February 14, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Bob Dylan’s Jacket Comes to the American History Museum
The legendary performer's leather jacket from the night he went electric will be part of a new exhibition
February 10, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
The Monster of Glamis
The secret of Glamis Castle—a concealed room, a hidden heir—was one of the great talking points of the 19th century. But will the mystery ever be resolved?
February 10, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Top Ten Demonstrations of Love
The inventor, the celebrity and the royal highness couldn’t resist the draw of making a grand gesture to the love of their life
February 10, 2012 |
By Abigail Tucker
How Much the Hope Diamond is Worth and Other Questions From Our Readers
From American art, history and culture, air and space technology, contemporary art, Asian art and any of the sciences from astronomy to zoology, we'll find an answer
February 07, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Nice Things to Say About Attila the Hun
He was the barbarians' barbarian who called himself "the Scourge of God." But how did the terrible Attila command such loyalty—and why, in death, was he so mourned?
February 03, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
Clint Eastwood Honored at the American History Museum
The legendary actor and director presided over the opening of the museum's new state-of-the-art Warner Bros. Theater
February 03, 2012 |
By Joseph Stromberg
Weekend Events Feb 3-5: Under the Stars, Black History Month Family Day, and The Big Sleep
This weekend, explore the night sky at the Air and Space Museum, celebrate Black History Month at the American Art Museum, and watch The Big Sleep at the new Warner Brothers theater in the American History Museum.
February 02, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
Celebrate Black History Month with the Smithsonian
From Kenyan storytelling performances to Black Power film screenings, February on the Mall is buzzing with Black History Month events.
February 01, 2012 |
By Aviva Shen
