HISTORY

10 Star-Studded Facts About the Hollywood Sign

When developers put up a larger-than-life advertisement for their new L.A. housing development in 1923, they had no idea it would become one of the most iconic landmarks of all time.

11 Facts About Boudica, Warrior Queen of the Iceni

We take a closer look at the life and demise of the wronged queen who lent her name to a rebellion when she took on the might of—what was at the time—the world’s largest empire.

The deck of the Ironton beneath Lake Huron.

Newly-Discovered Lake Huron Shipwreck Paints Grim Picture of Vessel’s Final Moments

After lying at the bottom of Lake Huron for more than a century, the wreck of the ‘Ironton’ has been discovered, confirming its tragic fate.

12 Fascinating Facts About Zelda Fitzgerald

The '80s video game 'Legend of Zelda' was definitely named after "America's first flapper." Learn more incredible facts about Zelda Fitzgerald here.

Queen Elizabeth II and Camilla, then–Duchess of Cornwall, at the Royal Ascot in 2013.

Queen vs. Queen Consort: What’s the Difference?

If you know the meaning of ‘consort,’ you can probably guess what a queen consort is.

Hughes was often called "The People's Poet."

8 Fascinating Facts About Langston Hughes

Langston Hughes was a poet, novelist, playwright, and reporter who helped define the Harlem Renaissance. Find out more about his life and work.

4 People Who Were Buried Alive (And How They Got Out)

While many reported cases of burials of the living were exaggerated, there are a few cases of people who went into their graves while still breathing.

How the TV Dinner Revolutionized American Life

How the humble TV dinner changed American life in the mid-20th century.

83 Old Slang Phrases We Should Bring Back

History is full of fun, fascinating old school slang terms that are well overdue for a comeback.

The Train Crash That Spooked Charles Dickens

In 1865, author Charles Dickens survived a train crash—and he was never the same.

Have these terms on hand the next time you toot.

30 Different Ways to Say "Fart"

Over the course of history, the human race has come up with many delightfully creative ways to describe the act of breaking wind.

Duke Ellington with members of his orchestra in New York, 1946.

9 Facts About Duke Ellington

Time to press play on “Take the ‘A’ Train” and find out how Edward Ellington became the Duke.

The Dale car promised to revolutionize the auto industry. Too bad it never really existed.

Motor Con: How Liz Carmichael and Her Dale Car Took Everyone for a Ride

In 1975, upstart automaker Liz Carmichael promised a $2000 car with a space-age body and incredible fuel economy. The only problem? It didn't exist.

One more spin could land you in the slammer.

45 Weird Laws Still on the Books

You go about your day trying to be a good citizen. Little did you know that your bingo game can't last more than five hours.

A Bewitching History of Magic

As host Justin Dodd discusses in this episode of The History of Fun, magic has transformed from a little-respected sideshow to a multimillion-dollar industry.

Alexander Hamilton

Learn about the life, legacy, and devastating death of Alexander Hamilton, the man who inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit Broadway musical.

Quisby is just one insult from this list that you might want to start using.

43 Old English Insults

Next time you need to win an argument, try dropping one of these old-fashioned English insults.

11 Fascinating Facts About Emily Dickinson

One of the most celebrated authors in history never saw a book published under her own name.

11 Facts About the Animals of Chernobyl

Researchers thought the site of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster was unable to support life. But a bunch of wolves, deer, wild boars, bears, and foxes disagreed.

Mary, Queen of Scots, painted by an unknown artist; and symbols from her correspondence in a graphical user interface tool developed by CrypTool 2.

How Codebreakers Decrypted a Trove of Long-Lost Letters Written by Mary, Queen of Scots

The letters, mysteriously misfiled among Italian documents, shed new light on Mary Stuart’s political machinations during her years in captivity.

Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Nannie Helen Burroughs, and Frances E.W. Harper.

10 Black Suffragists You Should Know

Some Black suffragists may not be as well known as their white counterparts in the movement, but they made an indelible impact on history.

The interior of Le Bon Marché, the oldest department store in the world.

11 of the Oldest Continuously Operated Stores From Around the World

The oldest stores in the world have been in business for hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of years.

The wreck of the RMS Titanic at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

Watch Newly Released Footage of the ‘Titanic’ Wreck Shot in 1986

In honor of the 25th anniversary of James Cameron’s ‘Titanic,’ WHOI has released never-before-seen footage of the real-life shipwreck.

ELIZA lent a sympathetic ear, though the program pre-dated monitors.

'Please Tell Me Your Problem': Remembering ELIZA, the Pioneering '60s Chatbot

Before ChatGPT, a novel computer program by an MIT professor offered a virtual therapy session.

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