Smithsonian Magazine

Preview thumbnail for The Rise and Fall of the Inca

The Inca were a powerful Indigenous civilization that emerged in South America during the early 1200s and flourished until the 16th century. At their height, they were the largest empire …

National Treasure: How Nicole Malachowski Became the First Woman Thunderbird

Women in aviation have long had to fight for space in the cockpit, beginning with the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. Nicole Malachowski’s selection as the …

National Treasure: When Gemini VI Got Into the Christmas Spirit

During the 1965 Gemini VI space mission, astronauts Wally Schirra and Tom Stafford pulled off one of NASA’s most memorable pranks.

Stonehenge, a Monument of Mystery: Unearthing Its Ancient Purpose and Power

Stonehenge is a mysterious prehistoric monument in England, known for its massive stone circles. It was built around 5,000 years ago, and its purpose remains a topic of debate—possibly a …

National Treasure: The Life and Legacy of Evel Knievel, America’s Most Famous Daredevil

On the 50th anniversary of his iconic jump at Kings Island theme park, we’re celebrating Evel Knievel—a daredevil stuntman famous for his daring motorcycle jumps. Clad in red, white and …

Uncovering the Secrets of the Great Sphinx of Giza

The Great Sphinx of Giza, a massive limestone statue with the body of a lion and the head of a human, has long represented the power of ancient Egypt.

National Treasure: Audie Murphy, The World War II Hero Who Became Hollywood’s Leading Man

Audie Murphy was one of the most decorated American combat soldiers of World War II, earning every major U.S. military honor by age 20. After the war, he became a …

The Countercultural Roots of The Renaissance Fair

Since they started in the 1960s, Renaissance fairs have celebrated the art, culture and philosophy of the era that took place centuries ago.

Marie Antoinette: The Queen Behind the Revolution

Marie Antoinette, born an Austrian archduchess, became Queen of France at just 19. Known for her extravagant lifestyle, she faced harsh criticism amid France’s growing financial crisis. Her fate was …

What Really Happened at the Boston Tea Party?

On December 16, 1773, American colonists stormed three British ships and hurled 342 chests of tea into Boston Harbor. This explosive act of rebellion against unfair taxes shook the empire, …

National Treasure: How Frank Kameny Became the Father of the Gay Rights Movement

Frank Kameny was a pioneer in the modern gay rights movement and dedicated his life to fighting for LGBTQ+ equality. From his early career as an astronomer with the U.S. …

The Conspirators Behind the Plot to Kill President Lincoln

John Wilkes Booth will forever be known as the infamous assassin who killed Abraham Lincoln—but he didn’t act alone.

Who Was “Bloody Mary”?

Ruling from 1553 to 1558, Mary I of England was the nation’s first crowned queen. Determined to restore Catholicism after her father Henry VIII’s break with Rome, she launched a …

How “The Star-Spangled Banner” Became the National Anthem

Inspired by the sight of the American flag after battle, Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Its vivid imagery captured the spirit of survival, symbolizing the nation’s push for …

The Truth Behind the Legend of King Arthur

From the valiant Knights of the Round Table to the romantic allure of Camelot, the legend of King Arthur has endured for centuries. But behind the sword of Excalibur and …

National Treasure: What Malcolm X Reveals About the Power of Speech on His 100th Birthday

On the anniversary of his 100th birthday, we revisit the life, legacy and words of Malcolm X.

The Doughnut: A Hole Lot More History Than You Think

Ever wondered how the doughnut came to be? Its origins date back to Dutch settlers in the eighteenth century, who brought recipes for “olykoeks,” or “oil cakes,” to the New …

National Treasure: Amelia Earhart Designed a New Future for Women

In 1932, Amelia Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, cementing her legacy in aviation. But her influence extended far beyond the cockpit.

Who Was the Real Cleopatra?

Cleopatra was the last ruler of ancient Egypt, famous for her sharp mind and political savvy. She navigated tumultuous family rivalries and formed powerful alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark …

Fact or Fiction? The Legend of the QWERTY Keyboard

The QWERTY keyboard was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in the 1870s – and has stayed around ever since.

What Does a Cowboy Look Like?

The legend of the cowboy—celebrated in literature and film—has become central to the history of the American West. This romanticized image often overlooks the rich diversity that shaped cowboy culture.

The Gory Origins of Valentine’s Day

Typically, Valentine’s Day conjures up images of truffles and teddy bears - all wrapped in a heart-shaped bow. Is this holiday really a day about love? Or…death?

The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe May Never Be Solved

Uncover the dark and curious truth behind the death of one of America’s most beloved authors, Edgar Allan Poe. For centuries, the circumstances surrounding his death have remained shrouded in …

The Freedom Riders History

In the spring of 1961, black and white civil rights activists rode buses to protest the segregationist policies of the Deep South (Marian Holmes, Brian Wolly, Photos courtesy of Corbis, …

3D Preview of Petra by Virtual Wonders

Discovery of the Lake Serpent in Lake Erie

Video by David VanZandt

When Your Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Is a Civil War Hero

Photographer Drew Gardner has a passion for history. His long-term project, “The Descendants,” (https://www.drewgardner.com/descendants) wherein he recreates famous portraits of historical figures featuring their direct offspring, is his most visible …