World History
The Early History of Faking War on Film
Early filmmakers faced a dilemma: how to capture the drama of war without getting themselves killed in the process. Their solution: fake the footage
November 19, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
The Life And Death of Wonder Bread
Clever advertising and technical innovations propelled Wonder Bread to the top
November 16, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
The Fight that Wouldn’t Stay Fixed
How an apparent misunderstanding led to a brawl that turned into a donnybrook that became a legend
November 15, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
The Space Shuttle Was Almost Called ‘Pegasus’
Alternate names for the Space Shuttle that nearly were: Starlighter, Pegasus, Space Clipper
November 15, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
As BP Set to Plead Guilty for 2010 Spill, Some Good News From Gulf Wildlife
BP may be about to pay the largest criminal fine in U.S. history
November 15, 2012 |
By Colin Schultz
Jason Moran: Making Jazz Personal
How a MacArthur Genius Fellow is using his life experience and musical genius to engge youth in jazz
November 14, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
Going West: The American History Museum’s Conestoga Wagon is a Must-See
An iconic piece of history comes out of storage just in time for Thanksgiving visitors
November 14, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
Henry Wiencek Responds to His Critics
The author of a new book about Thomas Jefferson makes his case and defends his scholarship
November 14, 2012 |
By Smithsonian.com
These Scientists Want The Election To Go On Even Longer
If these computer scientists have their dastardly way, the election season will be extended by a whole week - all for voting
November 12, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Pilgrims on Parade at the American History Museum
Pilgrim interpreters from the Plimoth Plantation arrive at the National Museum of American History
November 09, 2012 |
By K. Annabelle Smith
Geronimo’s Appeal to Theodore Roosevelt
Held captive far longer than his surrender agreement called for, the Apache warrior made his case directly to the president
November 09, 2012 |
By Gilbert King
Events Nov. 9-11: Civil War Technologies, Star Parties and Steinways
This weekend, attend a Civil War symposium, star gaze and take in word class music with bassoon player Phillip Kolker
November 08, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
The 2012 Election’s Big Winner: Math
Independently of President Barack Obama's win last night, this year's campaign was one in which numbers trumped gut
November 07, 2012 |
By Sarah Laskow
Marian Anderson: Freedom Singer and Mentor To Generations
How a gifted black singer transformed opera and the nation through a lifetime of giving
November 06, 2012 |
By Joann Stevens
Uncovering the Truth Behind the Myth of Pancho Villa, Movie Star
In 1914, the Mexican rebel signed a contract with an American newsreel company that required him to fight for the cameras. Too good to be true? Not entirely
November 06, 2012 |
By Mike Dash
New Jersey Will Be Able to Vote Online This Year, But You Probably Never Will
This week, the state is grappling with how to bring their citizens the vote
November 05, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Why Do We Vote on Tuesdays?
Tomorrow, Americans across the country will head to the voting booth and cast their ballots for the next president of the United States - but why always on Tuesday?
November 05, 2012 |
By Rachel Nuwer
Cities, Bridges And Burning Man Don’t Build Themselves
As humankind expands into the far reaches of the world - we build things. Bridges, cities, buildings. How do those things get built?
November 02, 2012 |
By Rose Eveleth
Events November 2-4: Political Machines, Moon Rocks and Substantial Music
This weekend, survey the technologies of campaigns past, learn about the quirky history of moon rocks and catch a show by hip-hop artist Substantial
November 01, 2012 |
By Leah Binkovitz
