Arts and Culture | Smithsonian

The History of the White Picket Fence

And why the epitome of the perfect house become so creepy

Papers Hint at van Gogh’s Love Life, Spirituality

The cache includes insurance records signed by his landlady, a volume of prayers and hymns, and watercolors possibly painted by an unrequited love interest

The Mad Scientists of Booze

At Lost Spirits Distillery in Los Angeles, high-tech instruments accelerate the aging process of precious whiskeys and rums

The Story Behind Bermuda’s Rum Swizzle

While the Dark ‘n’ Stormy may get all the attention by visitors, the swizzle is what locals drink

Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke All the Rules

For the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast, host Haleema Shah tells the story of an unapologetically gay African-American performer in 1920s and 30s

What the First Radio Commercial Jingle Sounded Like

Wheaties was one of the first companies to recognize the enormous potential of radio as an advertising tool. On Christmas Eve 1926, they aired the first commercial jingle ever, which also introduced their famous tagline

The History of the White Picket Fence — The History of the White Picket Fence

And why the epitome of the perfect house become so creepy

Papers Hint at van Gogh’s Love Life, Spirituality — Papers Hint at van Gogh’s Love Life, Spirituality

The cache includes insurance records signed by his landlady, a volume of prayers and hymns, and watercolors possibly painted by an unrequited love interest

The Mad Scientists of Booze — The Mad Scientists of Booze

At Lost Spirits Distillery in Los Angeles, high-tech instruments accelerate the aging process of precious whiskeys and rums

The Story Behind Bermuda’s Rum Swizzle — The Story Behind Bermuda’s Rum Swizzle

While the Dark ‘n’ Stormy may get all the attention by visitors, the swizzle is what locals drink

Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke All the Rules — Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke All the Rules

For the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast, host Haleema Shah tells the story of an unapologetically gay African-American performer in 1920s and 30s

What the First Radio Commercial Jingle Sounded Like — What the First Radio Commercial Jingle Sounded Like

Wheaties was one of the first companies to recognize the enormous potential of radio as an advertising tool. On Christmas Eve 1926, they aired the first commercial jingle ever, which also introduced their famous tagline

Innovative Spirit April 2019

How Did the White Picket Fence Become a Symbol of the Suburbs?

Women Who Shaped History March 19, 2019

These Haunting Red Dresses Memorialize Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women

Innovative Spirit April 2019

The Madcap Chemists of Booze

Bermuda March 15, 2019

The Story Behind Bermuda’s Rum Swizzle (Recipe)

Women Who Shaped History March 14, 2019

The Great Blues Singer Gladys Bentley Broke All the Rules

Pop History March 12, 2019

'Captain Marvel''s Missed Opportunity With Nostalgia

American South March 12, 2019

Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden to Undergo First Redesign in More Than 40 Years

Pop History March 5, 2019

What’s the Deal With Ordering Iced Coffee in the Winter?

March 4, 2019

An Appreciation of Küchle, My Family’s Deep-Fried Dough Tradition for Fat Tuesday

Innovative Spirit February 27, 2019

Made From Microalgae, These Mardi Gras Beads Are Biodegradable

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