World History
Two Musicians Make Historic Donations to Kick Off Jazz Appreciation Month
Two donations from living legends to the American History Museum represent the genre's global reach
April 09, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
How to Turn a Paper Image of a Record Into a Beautiful Music
You can't make sounds from books, except when you can
April 09, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Pay No Attention to the Spies on the 23rd Floor
For years, the KGB secretly spied on visitors to the Hotel Viru in Estonia. A new museum reveals the fascinating time capsule and all the secrets within
April 09, 2013 |
By Andrew Curry
Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher Dies at Age 87
Margaret Tatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Britain and first woman to lead a Western power, died today at the age of 87
April 08, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
This Picture of Boston, Circa 1860, Is the World’s Oldest Surviving Aerial Photo
A sight from 2,000 feet, a view of 1860s Boston
April 03, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
When New York City Tamed the Feared Gunslinger Bat Masterson
The lawman had a reputation to protect—but that reputation shifted after he moved East
April 03, 2013 |
By Gilbert King
A Georgia Town Is Requiring Gun Ownership. So Did the Founding Fathers.
A Georgia town may have just mandated gun ownership, but early Americans had the same idea back in 1792
April 02, 2013 |
By Colin Schultz
Dave Brubeck’s Son, Darius, Reflects on His Father’s Legacy
As a global citizen and cultural bridge-builder, Dave Brubeck captivated the world with his music, big heart and a vision of unity
April 02, 2013 |
By Joann Stevens
How Crisco Went From Cryst to Disco
The American History Museum covers all things grease for its April Fool's Day conference open to the public
April 01, 2013 |
By Leah Binkovitz
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
America’s Got a Case of Souvenir Mania
A new book from a Smithsonian curator looks at the culture and business of memorabilia
April 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
Michael Pollan, World War II and More Recent Books Out This Month
Read about the transformation of food and what happens to it once its in the digestive system
April 2013 |
By Chloë Schama
How the DC-3 Revolutionized Air Travel
Before the legendary aircraft took flight, it took 25 hours to fly from New York to Los Angeles
April 2013 |
By Kathleen Burke
Where Was the Birthplace of the American Vacation?
First in rustic tents and later in elaborate resorts, city dwellers took to the Adirondacks to explore the joys of the wilderness
April 2013 |
By Tony Perrottet
Remembering the Last Great Worldwide Sailing Expedition
An 1838 journey pushed back the borders of the unknown
April 2013 |
By Michael Ruane
The United States Isn’t the Only Country Asking the Gay Marriage Question
The U.S. isn't the only nation struggling with the gay marriage issue. Here are where the debate stands in other countries around the world
March 29, 2013 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events March 29-31: Parasitic Wasps, Joseph Henry and Victorian Portraits
This weekend, learn about wasps that live inside their prey, meet Smithsonian's first secretary from 1846 and see living rooms from 150 years ago
March 28, 2013 |
By Paul Bisceglio
