Madeleine Albright on Her Life in Pins
In 2010, the former secretary of state reflected on her famous collection of brooches and pins
Barbados Breaks With Elizabeth II to Become the World’s Newest Republic
The Caribbean island removed the British monarch as head of state but will remain a member of the Commonwealth of Nations
The Untold Story of the Portuguese Diplomat Who Saved Thousands From the Nazis
As the German army marched across France, Aristides de Sousa Mendes faced a choice: obey his government or follow his conscience—and risk everything
Secretary Lonnie Bunch on What It Takes to Lead the Smithsonian
A successful Secretary must acknowledge the Institution’s failures as well as successes—and celebrate its capacity for change
Who Were the Best and Worst Presidents Ever—and How Do Historians Decide?
C-SPAN’s 2021 ranking places Trump near the bottom of the list. Obama, Grant rises higher, while Lincoln holds steady in first
Indian Country Weighs In on Deb Haaland’s Confirmation as Secretary of the Interior
Seen as “one giant leap for Native women, “Haaland (Laguna and Jemez Pueblos) is hailed for her experience, strength and wisdom
Archaeologists Uncover a 1,300-Year-Old Skeleton of a Maya Diplomat
The remains revealed that the government official was wealthy as an adult, but he had a difficult childhood
This 17th-Century Cookbook Contained a Vicious Attack on Oliver Cromwell’s Wife
The Cromwell Museum has republished a text first issued by the English Lord Protector’s enemies as propaganda
In a Covid-Affected Washington, D.C. Neighborhood, Black History Is Reinterpreted on a City Block
A powerful outdoor exhibition amplifies a message of “pride, tenacity and possibility”
Trove of Presidential Memorabilia, From Washington’s Hair to JFK’s Sweater, Is Up for Sale
RR Auction is offering a collection of nearly 300 artifacts, including a signed photo of Abraham Lincoln and a pen used by FDR
Kamala Harris Portrait Draws Inspiration From the Glass Ceiling She Shattered
Artist Simon Berger created the unconventional likeness of the vice president in just one day
In 1919, the Mayor of Oakland Was Arrested for Failing to Wear a Mask
John L. Davie was a larger-than-life politician, but during the influenza pandemic, even he wasn’t above the law
Lonnie Bunch Sizes Up His Past and Future at the Smithsonian
Bunch’s new memoir details the tireless work it took to build NMAAHC and offers insights into his priorities as Smithsonian Secretary
After 130 Years, Canada Exonerates ‘Peacemaker’ Chief Convicted of Treason
‘In 1885, Chief Poundmaker was treated as a criminal and a traitor,’ Prime Minister Trudeau said. ‘In 2019, we recognize the truth’
Brazilian Mine Disaster Leaves 58 Dead, 200 Missing
Mine waste and sludge have contaminated a huge stretch of the Paraopeba River
Smithsonian Secretary Announces His Departure
After four years as head of the Institution, David Skorton leaves to head the Association of American Medical Colleges
Looking Back at George H.W. Bush’s Lifelong Career of Public Service
The former President, dead at 94 years old, was noteworthy for his “humanity and decency,” says a Smithsonian historian
The Puerto Rican Roots of the Mega Millions Jackpot
The first modern lottery in the United States raised funds to fight tuberculosis
FDA Cracks Down on Underage Use of E-Cigarettes
FDA’s largest enforcement action to date gave warnings and fines to 1,300 retailers and requested plans to prevent teen vaping from five manufacturers
Before the Civil War, Congress Was a Hotbed of Violence
A new book from historian Joanne Freeman chronicles the viciousness with which elected officials treated each other
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