HISTORY

Guests look at a portrait of Henrietta Lacks.

How Henrietta Lacks Became the Mother of Modern Medicine

Though she died of cancer in 1951, Henrietta Lacks's immortal cells became the foundation for countless medical advancements.

People in the 20th century had some odd anti-aging cures to consider.

10 of the 20th Century’s Strangest Anti-Aging Cures

From animal glands to radioactive water, these odd anti-aging cures involved more scheme than science.

12 Famous Birthdays to Celebrate in August

A number of noteworthy historical figures were born in the month of August. We couldn’t possibly name them all, so here are just a handful of lives we’ll be celebrating.

10 Brilliant Facts About Braille

Invented by Louis Braille in 1824, the tactile braille system has helped blind people read and write for nearly 200 years.

You probably didn't read about these ancient kings in history class.

10 Ancient Kings Who Were Too Dramatic For Your History Books

You probably didn't learn about these ancient kings in history class.

16 Charming Old-Fashioned Compliments

Here are a few charming, cute, and kooky kudos from the days of yore.

A National Monument Has Just Been Established to Honor Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley

Emmett Till’s murder—and his mother's fight for justice—will be recognized across three sites in two states.

Coin-operated beds used to be all the rage.

Whatever Happened to Vibrating Beds?

The buzzing mattresses used to be a staple of seedy motels everywhere. Then they disappeared.

General George Washington has the look of a man with more stars than anybody else.

Why George Washington Is History's Only Six-Star General

Thanks to a law passed in 1976, our nation's first president—who died more than 200 years ago—is still the military's highest-ranking official.

People who were up to no good should have been on the lookout for slops (police) who wanted to put them away for neves (seven years).

7 Fun and Fascinating Pieces of Back Slang

Back slang is kind of like a lexical puzzle that everyone from costermongers and criminals of the Victorian era to today’s Wordle fans can appreciate.

More than a century later, the murders at the Hinterkaifeck farm remain unsolved.

The Chilling Story of the Hinterkaifeck Killings, Germany’s Most Famous Unsolved Crime

Did someone hide at the Hinterkaifeck farm in the days before its six residents were found murdered?

Scientists who worked on the Chicago Pile-1, a component of the Manhattan Project. Leo Szilard is pictured in the middle row in the trench coat.

“I Will Have Nothing to Do with a Bomb!”: The Scientists Who Opposed the Manhattan Project

Before J. Robert Oppenheimer had a change of heart, some of his fellow scientists opposed the U.S. government’s plan to make and deploy an atomic bomb.

10 Fascinating Facts About J. Robert Oppenheimer

The enigmatic physicist at the center of Christopher Nolan's newest film may have come to regret being known as the “Father of the Atomic Bomb.”

Trosky Castle was built atop volcanic plugs in the Czech Republic.

10 Wondrously Unusual Castles From Around the World

From Europe's smallest castle to a fortress built into a cliff, these unique castles all break the mold.

5 European Princesses Who Are Preparing to Reign

In the coming decades, five princesses are expected to ascend the thrones of Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Sweden.

Lady Gaga wearing the Tiffany Diamond at the 91st Annual Academy Awards.

10 of the World’s Most Controversial Gemstones

Precious stones like the Cullinan Diamond, the Tiffany Diamond, and the Koh-i-noor Diamond have troubled histories.

A hand-carved totem pole in Vancouver's Stanley Park.

8 Ways to Experience Indigenous Heritage in One Canadian Province

Indigenous-led tourism is driving a cultural revival in British Columbia. Here's how to experience the Canadian province's 10,000-year-old traditions.

(From left to right) W.E.B. Du Bois, Che Guevara, and Empress Dowager Cixi.

15 Historical Figures’ Names You’re Probably Mispronouncing

Here’s how to pronounce ‘Elie Wiesel,’ ‘Cixi,’ and 13 other famous names from history.

The Riveting Reason Blue Jeans Have Those Little Metal Studs Over the Pockets

If you’re wearing jeans, you’ll probably spot some tiny metal rivets surrounding the front pockets. Like a lot of details in life, we’ve become accustomed to seeing them. So why are they there?

Rogue waves have the power to sink freighters.

10 Surprising Facts About Rogue Waves

These freak waves are rare and unpredictable—and are believed to have caused numerous shipwrecks.

The Zany History of Mini Golf

Whether you call it mini golf, putt putt, or a cheap date, miniature golf has been popular since the 19th century.

Grant Wood’s ‘American Gothic’ at The Art Institute Of Chicago.

15 Things You Might Not Know About ‘American Gothic’

While this deceptively simple portrait has clearly captured the imagination of the nation, the story behind its creation and rise to fame makes it all the more compelling.

A detail from ‘Napoleon Crossing the Alps’ by Jacques-Louis David

15 Epic Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte

One of the most fascinating figures to ever live was born 246 years ago.

Marylanders pledge allegiance to Old Bay.

What Is Old Bay Seasoning, Anyway?

The original Old Bay seasoning recipe had dozens of ingredients—but McCormick’s current one is shrouded in secrecy.

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