HISTORY

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.

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.

Oscar Mayer is the only bologna with which America is on a first-name basis.

“My Bologna Has a First Name”: The Origins of Oscar Mayer’s Iconic Jingle

Oscar Mayer's famous jingle taught America how to spell bologna, but how did it get made in the first place?

Meet Elmer, Betty, and Chad—three of the most distinctive vintage baby names of past generations.

6 Distinctive Vintage Baby Names for Each of the Past 7 Generations

Discover the most distinctive vintage baby girl and baby boy names spanning the Lost Generation to Gen Z.

Harry Belafonte performing in Munich circa 1980.

8 Entertaining Facts About Harry Belafonte

You know Harry Belafonte's hits—here are some facts about the artist behind them.

Women's History Month is a time to celebrate the trailblazers who fought for equality and forever changed the world for the better.

13 Facts About Women’s History Month

Find out everything you need to know about the origins of Women's History Month, including how it went from a daylong celebration born from a socialist idea to a monthlong institution in the United States.

The cover of Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms.’

14 Fascinating Facts About Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’

Discover the controversy behind Hemingway’s classic novel, ‘A Farewell to Arms,’ as well as the inspiration for the title, the real-life love story that influenced the book, and how Bach inspired the author.

Dog and pony shows were once all the rage.

The Entertaining History of Dog and Pony Shows

When people talk about a dog and pony show today, they usually mean a flashy presentation or event that's all about appearances, with little real substance. But where does this phrase come from, and what's its history?

There are several ways to celebrate the holiday.

The History of 9 St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's Day? And why do they eat corned beef and cabbage? Let’s dive into the origins of some popular ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

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