HISTORY

Travelers can be superstitious. So can airlines.

Why Is Row 13 Missing on So Many Airplanes?

Superstition isn't the only reason you can't sit in 13A.

Edited from an illustration by André De Takacs for a 1914 rag called "Humpty Dumpty" by pianist Charley Straight.

Is Humpty Dumpty Even an Egg? An Investigation

The origins of the nursery rhyme can tell us exactly why Humpty Dumpty is depicted as an egg.

What 10 Major Retailers Initially Sold

Eddie Bauer didn’t always sell outdoor gear—and Kohl’s wasn’t always a department store. In some cases, these retailers have come a long way from their humble beginnings.

This background isn't a real cipher (as far as we know).

5 Beginner’s Codebreaking Tips From ‘Codebreaking: A Practical Guide’

‘Codebreaking: A Practical Guide’ can teach a beginner how to break into codebreaking (and an expert how to up their game).

St. Patty’s Day vs. St. Paddy’s Day: Which Is Correct?

You can always avoid the issue by spelling out “St. Patrick’s Day,” but here’s how to properly abbreviate it.

There are a lot of people who don’t think Shakespeare was actually Shakespeare.

8 Shakespeare Conspiracy Theories

Discover the controversial conspiracy theories that challenge Shakespeare’s authorship, from the Baconian Theory to the Alien Theory and beyond.

The Tragic Murder of Bridget Cleary, the Irish “Fairy Wife”

Bridget Cleary’s husband burned her because he thought she’d been replaced—by a supernatural being.

It's easy to pinpoint how the Baby Boomer generation got its name.

How Do Generations Get Their Names?

Creating generation names like the Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z isn't always a straightforward process.

Pasta's journey to your kitchen table is more fascinating than you might think.

The Surprising Origins of 15 Pasta Shapes

Ever wonder how lasagne, vermicelli, and macaroni came to be? Dive into the history of some of the best pasta shapes and their cultural significance in Italy and beyond.

Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst doesn't care if you think 'Limp Bizkit' sucks.

The Surprising Name Origins of 20 Famous 1990s Bands

Limp Bizkit did it all for the nookie ... and the chance to make people not want to listen to their music?

Back in the day, the box office was everything.

Where Did the Term ‘Box Office’ Come From?

The origins of the term ‘box office’ will probably surprise you—it's more about box seats than those old-fashioned detached booths that look like glorified boxes.

6 Facts About International Women’s Day

What has come to be known as International Women’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years.

The Origins of Daylight Saving Time

The long, winding history of Daylight Saving Time includes a few false starts and a cameo from Benjamin Franklin.

If you want a fact about the Best Picture winner from 2023, so do we. / Frazer Harrison via Getty.

Fascinating Facts About All 95 Best Picture Oscar Winners

In Hollywood, winning the Oscar for Best Picture is the highest honor a film can achieve—and we’re giving you one fun fact about all 95 of them.

Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet made teaching sign language his mission in life.

The Listener: Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, the Father of American Sign Language

When a minister and law student met a little girl named Alice, he became determined to help her communicate with the world.

Alternate labels for Millennials include ‘Echo Boomers’ and ‘Gen Y.’

100 Amazing Facts About Millennials

Millennials might just be the most studied generation in history—and also perhaps the most misunderstood. We’re here to help separate fact from fiction.

Why Do We Scream “Geronimo” When Jumping Out of Airplanes?

Uncover why people yell “Geronimo!” when they jump—and what it has to do with a beer-fueled boast.

Snow blankets the Donner Lake area in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

10 of the Biggest Blizzards in History

The United States has hosted half of the biggest blizzards in history. Discover what makes these snowstorms so legendary.

Rockwell covers from 'The Saturday Evening Post' on display in 2011.

12 Real People Who Can Be Seen in Norman Rockwell Art

The master of Americana often drew on real people for inspiration, including one little boy who grew up to be the chairman of Nintendo.

Who Invented Coffee?

Your daily cup of coffee has been hundreds of years in the making.

These gripping reads shed new light on the coldest cases.

10 Gripping Nonfiction Books About History’s Greatest Mysteries

From the Dyatlov Pass incident to the murder of JonBenét Ramsey, some of the best nonfiction books about history’s greatest mysteries are so gripping, they’ll make you feel like you’re about to crack open a few cold cases yourself.

Moviegoers were donning these glasses to take in a 3D film way before you thought they were.

8 Everyday Things That Are Much Older Than You Think

Discover the intriguing origins of everything from Oreos to Juicy Fruit gum to sparkling water, exploring their hidden histories and unexpected beginnings, from vaudeville fads to accidental inventions.

22 Slang Terms for Money

Explore the colorful world of slang terms for money, from ‘bacon’ to ‘moolah’ and beyond.

The Rowe family heard unexplained noises in their home, like people falling down the staircase.

The 19th-Century “Gang of Ghosts” That Terrorized Chicago’s North Side

Discover the chilling tale of the Rowe family’s haunted household—including unseen ghosts, mysterious noises, and a lawsuit that made headlines.

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