HISTORY

An illustration of the Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fete.

The Strange Story of the Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fête, the 'World's First Sci-Fi Convention'

The Vril-Ya Bazaar and Fête was inspired by a popular Victorian science fiction novel—and introduced the world to Bovril.

Barack Obama giving his inauguration speech, 2009.

Listen to Some of the Most Famous Presidential Speeches From History

Listen to inaugural addresses and other speeches from each president from John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama.

From Blue Ball to Intercourse: Why Pennsylvania's Amish Country Has Such Lewd-Sounding City Names

The Amish aren't known for their bawdy senses of humor, but try telling that to the couple snapping a photo under the sign announcing they've arrived at Intercourse.

Barbie and Ken are just two members of the Barbie bunch.

Our 26 Favorite Stories of 2023

From Celine Dion’s “erotic motorcycle” to the crafty female platypus who faked a pregnancy in order to bust out of the Bronx Zoo, 2023 was full of some pretty great stories.

A detail of ‘Green River Cliffs, Wyoming, 1881’ by Thomas Moran

11 Amazing Facts About the Louisiana Purchase

Napoleon needed cash fast, so he made the U.S. an offer it couldn’t refuse.

Why Does the New Year Start on January 1?

Ever wonder why the new year officially starts on January 1? Turns out, you can thank Pope Gregory XIII—and Julius Caesar.

Cooking kids was not a tradition (but sending strange cards was).

11 Unusual Victorian New Year's Traditions

For many Victorians, parties, dancing, and festive spirits were staples of New Year’s celebrations. Yet there were many other odd, quaint, and charming customs that for the most part are no longer with us.

Times Square New Year's Eve 2023 celebration.

A Brief History of Times Square’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

New Year’s Eve in Times Square is one of the most famous traditions in New York City. Learn how Manhattan's most colorful party came to be.

8 Sparkling Facts About Champagne

As midnight approaches on December 31, more than a few of us will pop open a bottle or two of champagne to help ring in the New Year. Here are a few nuggets you can share with fellow revelers.

Bessie Coleman, David Bowie, and Martin Luther King Jr. all have January birthdays.

10 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in January

Some of our favorite figures from history, literature, music, pop culture, and more were born in the first month of the year. Do you share a birthday with one of these famous folks?

Let’s dive into the delicious history of the dumpling.

An International History of Dumplings

Dumplings are a delicious staple that transcends borders, but how did these doughy delights rise to international fame?

Why Is the Space Needle Shaped Like That?

Seattle’s iconic Space Needle debuted at the 1962 World’s Fair—and was inspired by America's Space Race with the Soviet Union.

December 25, 1066, was a big day for William the Conqueror.

25 Non-Christmas Things That Have Happened on December 25

Other momentous events have happened on December 25, like Washington crossing the Delaware and the birth of Jimmy Buffett.

It wasn't always associated with the holidays.

Why Is Holly a Symbol of Christmas?

The hardy plant’s ability to stay vibrant through the winter made it a natural choice for pre-Christian winter festivals, but why is holly now associated with Christmas?

George Washington’s Extra-Boozy Eggnog Recipe Will Knock You Sideways

George Washington's preferred eggnog recipe calls for four kinds of booze—and none of them in small quantities.

9 Funerals Gone Wrong

From a profane parrot to an exploding corpse to swapped (and dropped) bodies, the funerals on this list went terribly awry.

The Yule Lads didn't always look like Santa.

Iceland’s Yule Lads Bring Gifts, Steal Meat

Thirteen bearded wild men descend upon Icelandic homes to reward children who behave and punish those who don’t.

Several health ailments hindered the Tudors.

10 Medical Misfortunes that Plagued the Tudor Royal Family

The powerful royal family was not immune to the many illnesses of the 16th century.

St. Nicholas and the dastardly Père Fouettard.

Move Over, Krampus: France’s Père Fouettard Is St. Nick’s Sidekick—and Possibly a Brutal Murderer

Père Fouettard, or “Father Whipper,” is a butcher whose favorite pastime is eating children. And hanging out with St. Nicholas.

10 Surprising Facts About René Magritte’s ‘The Son of Man’

René Magritte’s surrealist masterpiece is his most recognized painting—but you may never get to see the real thing.

10 Old-Timey Ways to Say You’re Hungover

Here are 10 colorful phrases of yore to use the day after you partied a tad too passionately.

Actress Bernice Golden as Tess in David Belasco’s stage production of ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles,’ c. 1903.

Remembering Elizabeth Martha Brown, the Convict Who Inspired Thomas Hardy’s ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’

Thomas Hardy’s memorable heroine was modeled after the last woman to be hanged in Dorset, England.

10 Unusual Facts About Toy Giant Hasbro for Its 100th Anniversary

The toy giant best known for assembling G.I. Joe once owned Death Row Records.

Lady Anne Mackintosh, (1723–1787), Jacobite of the Clan Farquharson.

6 Badass Women From Scottish History

Women like Flora MacDonald, Anne Mackintosh, Isabella MacDuff, and more made their mark on Scottish history.

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