HISTORY

Gilbert Baker created the rainbow flag in 1978.

How the Rainbow Flag Became Associated With LGBTQ+ Rights

How the rainbow became specifically associated with LGBTQ+ rights goes back to San Francisco in the late 1970s, and to one artist in particular.

'It's a Wonderful Life' got an '80s makeover.

‘Colorizers’: When Ted Turner and Hollywood Clashed Over Colorizing Classic Movies

Media mogul Ted Turner didn’t hesitate to alter classic Hollywood movies, claiming: “The last time I checked, I owned the films.”

Visitors to the Louvre looking at the 'Mona Lisa.'

16 Things You Didn’t Know About the ‘Mona Lisa’

Her tricky smile and timeless allure have inspired academic study and artistic emulation for more than five centuries. But the story of this perplexing portrait of 'Mona Lisa' is even richer than it looks.

10 of History’s Most Amazing Survival Stories

Most of us never find ourselves in a battle for our lives. That makes these incredible survival stories all the more memorable.

Detroit Tiger Miguel Cabrera sporting stars and stripes during a Fourth of July game in 2017.

The Star-Spangled Batter: A Brief History of Baseball on the Fourth of July

Fourth of July baseball games have been popular since the Civil War era. Here’s how the tradition started.

You probably shouldn’t do it—unless there really is a fire.

Is It Illegal to Falsely Shout 'Fire' in a Crowded Theater?

Back in 1919, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. sort of made it seem like it was against the law to yell “fire“ while in a crowded theater, so we understand if you’re confused.

Did Alan Turing Inspire the Apple Logo?

Apple's iconic logo is rumored to have been inspired by Eve's bite into the apple of knowledge, Newton's discovery of gravity, and Alan Turing's untimely end. Are any of these stories true?

You'll never look at time the same way again.

17 Facts That Will Warp Your Sense of Time

From prehistoric animals that lived much closer to us temporally than you might realize to the guillotine lasting way beyond the French Revolution, these facts are to mess with your perception of time.

John Adams predicted people would celebrate Independence Day with fireworks.

The History of Fourth of July Fireworks

The celebration of American Independence Day has never been small, subdued, or quiet. Here’s why the Fourth of July is illuminated with colorful displays in major cities, small towns, and backyards.

Look closely, and you will see Mary Katharine Goddard’s name at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence.

Remembering Mary Katharine Goddard, the Only Woman Whose Name Appeared on the Declaration of Independence

Mary Katharine Goddard was one of America’s first publishers, and she was tasked with printing and delivering the Declaration of Independence to the 13 colonies.

Marsha P. Johnson bust at the Stonewall National Monument at Christopher Park in New York City.

8 Facts About Transgender Activist Marsha P. Johnson

Marsha P. Johnson was a relentless advocate for gay rights, best known for her involvement in the Stonewall Uprising and tireless efforts to protect those in her community.

From left: Bayard Rustin, Edith Windsor, Laverne Cox, and Martina Navratilova.

11 LGBTQ Pioneers You Should Know

The fight for LGBTQ rights has been decades in the making. Meet a few of the trailblazers who won the battles.

Johnny Cash had a violent encounter with a dangerous bird.

Angry Bird: When Waldo the Ostrich Tried to Kill Johnny Cash

An ornery bird once tried to disembowel the Man in Black.

A Gory Toy Story: The Horrible History of the Evilstick

Hidden inside a toy princess wand sold in dollar stores lurked a horrifying image—one that scared kids silly.

The Disputed Story Behind the Cheetos Underdog Movie 'Flamin' Hot'

Did a Frito-Lay janitor really come up with the blockbuster snack? A new movie purports to tell the true story.

WTC UnClimbable - George Willig, Human Fly

George Willig, the ‘Human Fly’ Who Climbed the World Trade Center

In 1977, climber George Willig decided his next great challenge would be scaling 110 stories in lower Manhattan.

15 Things You Should Know About Michelangelo’s ‘Pietà’

Since its creation in 1499, Michelangelo's Pietà has inspired emotion, faith, and imitation through its elegant depiction of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. Yet few know the secrets that are still being uncovered about this centuries-old statue.

12 Fascinating Facts About Juneteenth

Juneteenth has been celebrated since enslaved people in Texas were told about their freedom on June 19, 1865. Here's what you need to know about the holiday.

A hat being thrown after Mark Stone of the Las Vegas Golden Knights scored a hat trick in game five of the 2023 NHL Stanley Cup Final.

Where Does the Phrase ‘Hat Trick’ Come From?

The term 'hat trick' is most associated with hockey, but that's not the sport that started it all.

Cypress trees covered in Spanish moss in Louisiana's Manchac swamp.

The Legend (and Truth) of the Voodoo Priestess Who Haunts a Louisiana Swamp

Julia Brown sang, “One day I'm gonna die, and take the whole town with me.”

Some pretty terrible curses awaited history's book thieves.

9 Curses for Book Thieves From the Middle Ages and Beyond

In the Middle Ages, stealing a book was more like stealing someone’s car today. Now, we have car alarms; then, they had chains, chests … and curses.

How Did the Real YMCA React to the Disco Song About It?

Everyone liked “Y.M.C.A.”—except the actual organization.

7 Facts About Lorraine Hansberry

By the age of 34, Lorraine Hansberry was already the author of two plays that had appeared on Broadway. She should have been on course for a long and successful career—but tragically, that wouldn't happen. Still, her legacy has endured.

7 of History’s Strangest Mass Hysteria Events

Whether an entire town can’t stop dancing or people suddenly start worrying about minor marks on their windshields, these seemingly unbelievable events have had some surprising (and sometimes devastating) effects.

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