HISTORY

Many of these mysteries continue to endure.

15 of History’s Greatest Mysteries

From a book no one can decipher and puzzling disappearances to unsolved crimes and beyond, many of these historical mysteries still have us scratching our heads.

Hopefully this kid washed his hands before returning to his fries.

Rough Play: The Dirty and Dangerous History of McDonald's PlayPlaces

Following a string of PR nightmares, McDonald's began quietly removing its PlayPlaces in the 2000s.

Agatha Christie, Surfing Pioneer

A lesser-known fact about the famed crime novelist: She was a beach bum.

If You Knew: The Short, Brilliant Life—and Lasting Legacy—of Jeff Buckley

If the only thing Jeff Buckley ever did was record his 1994 cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” he would still have a permanent spot in music history.

Watch: Mysterious Footage from a 1950s Psychiatric Hospital

Uncovered on the grounds of the now-demolished Bahr Treatment Center in Indianapolis, this time capsule contained film reels that are still shrouded in a layer of mystery.

Rutherford B. Hayes, National Hero of Paraguay

How a largely forgotten U.S. president became a South American idol.

The Origin of ‘Talk to the Hand’

The dismissive gesture is a 1990s original thanks to two very different sitcom stars.

Don't believe everyone who claims to have royal blood.

8 People Who Impersonated Royals—And Almost Got Away With It

Whether driven by opportunity, coercion, or simply the desire to belong, here are the unbelievable true stories of eight people who claimed to be royal—and nearly got away with it.

Ever wonder why we decorate Easter eggs?

The Fascinating Origins of 15 Spring Symbols and Traditions

As you’re celebrating the sunny season with domestic cleanses, painted eggs, and frenzied grappling matches over beer barrels, you might begin to wonder where these rituals came from.

Dolls Factory: How Dolls Are Made (1968) | British Pathé

Watch a Charming (and Creepy) 1968 Newsreel About a Doll Factory

“The whole process has a chilling, macabre tinge! It’s almost horrific the way they pop in the doll’s eyes with workaday nonchalance.”

René Descartes contemplates his famous conclusion: Cogito ergo sum.

‘Cogito Ergo Sum’: The Genesis and Meaning of René Descartes’s Famous Declaration

Dive into the philosophical questions that prompted René Descartes to come up with his famous phrase, “I think therefore I am.”

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).

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.

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.

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