HISTORY

7 Close Calls in the Nuclear Age

Sometimes the military systems put in place to avert nuclear annihilation worked a little too well.

11 of the Biggest Earthquakes in History

From a surprise temblor in the Mississippi Valley to colossal ruptures and tsunamis around the Pacific Ring of Fire, these are some of the biggest earthquakes in modern times.

Dorothy Thompson, Helen Gurley Brown, and Ida B. Wells.

11 Women Who Changed Journalism

From landmark reporters to modern media moguls, these women transformed journalism as we know it.

Did Einstein Really Say That?

The Nobel Prize-winning physicist often commented on science, the universe, and humanity. But which deep thoughts are really his?

The Golden Gate Bridge under construction.

When San Francisco Considered Putting a Roller Coaster on the Golden Gate Bridge

One man’s dream was a city planner’s nightmare.

A walkway winds through Missouri’s Onondaga Cave.

10 of America’s Most Spectacular Cave Trails

Whether you’re into stalactite symphonies, prehistoric shelters, or just love your trails dark and damp, these 10 U.S. underground wonders have you covered.

John Humphrey Noyes, head of the Oneida Community, and Charles Guiteau, presidential assassin.

The Bizarre Free Love Cult That Housed a Presidential Assassin

John Humphrey Noyes wanted to build a heaven on Earth—but for Charles Guiteau, life at the Oneida Community was a living hell.

Why Did Baby Viewing Windows Disappear From Hospitals?

Baby viewing windows were once a staple of hospital maternity wards across the country, but now they feel like a relic from a bygone era. Read on to learn about their history—and the real reasons why they vanished.

15 Fascinating Facts About Amelia Earhart

Groundbreaking aviator Amelia Earhart, born on July 24, 1897, was a pioneer, a legend, and a mystery. Discover the events that shaped her daring life and puzzling death.

Why Isn’t Washington, D.C., a State?

Residents of Washington, D.C., have no governor, no voting representation in Congress, and only limited local authority. The reason is simple: D.C. isn’t a state. Let’s break down the history and future of D.C. statehood.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling...

Why Do Some People Celebrate Christmas in July?

Christmas in July seems like a Hallmark Channel invention. But it actually has its roots in a pretty surprising source.

7 Movies That Changed the World in Surprising Ways

These movies triggered enormous cultural and political changes that continue to affect the world decades later.

8 Delicious Summertime Treats We Should Bring Back

Perhaps the best treats to beat the summer heat are those that haven’t been around for awhile.

Peterhouse MS 255, the manuscript containing the passage about Wade.

The Lost “Song of Wade”: A New Translation Decodes Fragment of Mysterious Medieval Tale

The medieval hero known as Wade was thought to have encountered elves in his adventures. But they might have been wolves instead.

6 Strange Maritime Mysteries

From the Bermuda Triangle to the ‘Mary Celeste,’ here are some of the most puzzling enigmas of the deep.

Hungary’s Oldest Library Races to Rescue Books From Hungry Beetles

Tiny bugs are causing huge problems in Hungary.

They're so cute, but why are they there in the first place?

The Real Reason Why Weddings Have Flower Girls

Discover everything you need to know about flower girls, including the history behind why this wedding tradition got started in the first place.

15 Places You Can Visit to Celebrate William Shakespeare

From the birthplace of the Bard to a seemingly ordinary stone on a London Street, Shakespeare’s influence on history and culture can be found in unexpected places.

Non-British knights and dame: Angelina Jolie, Steven Spielberg, and Pelé.

12 Non-British Celebrities Who Have Been Named Honorary Knights and Dames

Those who make significant contributions to the arts and humanitarian causes can be honored as knights and dames—even non-British citizens.

Ulysses Grant Dietz doesn't just write about vampires, though.

Ulysses S. Grant’s Great-Great-Grandson Is Alive—and Writing Erotic Vampire Novels

The 18th president’s descendant had a storied career in museum curation before turning his attention to an affable vampire.

George Michael, Bob Geldof, Bono, Paul McCartney, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, and Howard Jones gather together for the Live Aid finale at London's Wembley Stadium.

Live Aid: The Complicated History of the World’s Biggest Charity Concert

The 1980s were a busy time for do-gooder musicians like Bob Geldof, who wanted to use his voice to make the world a better place with events like Live Aid. But the concert's legacy is a bit more complicated.

Why Are the Metal Bars on Some Windows Curved?

Some old-fashioned window guards look like they have a potbelly. Discover the real reason why, as well as the history surrounding these unique grills.

How Superman Helped Foil the KKK

A real-life hero who infiltrated the Klan in the 1940s teamed up with a fictional one to expose their corrupting influence.

It's like hitting the lottery, but with trowels.

10 Amazing Archaeological Finds Discovered by Ordinary People (and One Badger)

From big stone spheres to an actual mummy, amazing archaeological finds have been unearthed by people just minding their own business.