Russia Gave Us a Discount on Alaska

Many ridiculed Secretary of State William Seward for purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867. But he turned out to be quite the shrewd businessman. (03:24)

Smithsonian Channel

Preview thumbnail for A Baby Seal's First Solo Venture Into the Water

A Baby Seal's First Solo Venture Into the Water (02:19)

Preview thumbnail for We Have Sweden and Brazil to Thank for Our Toilet Paper Rolls

We Have Sweden and Brazil to Thank for Our Toilet Paper Rolls (02:57)

Preview thumbnail for This Indian City Sells 3,500 Tons of Chilies Every Single Day

This Indian City Sells 3,500 Tons of Chilies Every Single Day (02:55)

Preview thumbnail for A Lemur Queen Gives a Master Class in Troop Leadership

A Lemur Queen Gives a Master Class in Troop Leadership (03:05)

Preview thumbnail for Odysseus’ Journey is a Reflection of our Own Love of Adventure

Odysseus’ Journey is a Reflection of our Own Love of Adventure (02:12)

Preview thumbnail for The Surprisingly Sophisticated Conveniences of Mycenae

The Surprisingly Sophisticated Conveniences of Mycenae (02:36)

Preview thumbnail for Could an Ancient Greek Bow Outperform a Modern One?

Could an Ancient Greek Bow Outperform a Modern One? (03:41)

Preview thumbnail for African-Americans Came Out of the Civil War and Ran into Jim Crow

African-Americans Came Out of the Civil War and Ran into Jim Crow (01:48)

Preview thumbnail for This Pepperoni Slicer is Mildly Humorous and Ruthlessly Effective

This Pepperoni Slicer is Mildly Humorous and Ruthlessly Effective (03:37)

Preview thumbnail for Drones Now Play an Active Role in Sea Turtle Census

Drones Now Play an Active Role in Sea Turtle Census (04:00)

Preview thumbnail for Recreating Part of Odysseus’ Journey in a Modern Sailing Boat

Recreating Part of Odysseus’ Journey in a Modern Sailing Boat (01:45)