Do you know someone whose story should be heard—and remembered? StoryCorps is a spectacular project in which people just like you, your family, and your friends sit down to chat and record stories from their lives. Visit the site to hear some amazing tales and watch a few videos. When you’ve finished, click the “Record Your Story” link to find out how you, too, can see to it that the stories of your family and friends get heard.
What did the Emancipation Proclamation really do? Three myths about this document are addressed in this article, which was written for the 150th anniversary of its signing.
Go back in time to explore the hiding place of Anne Frank on this website. With background information on the people, places, and things that happened, as well as an interactive 3D model of the secret annex, this site provides a truly immersive experience.
Why do boys want to play with trucks, while girls prefer dolls? Are these stereotypes that our society forces on children, or are such preferences innate? This article explores those very questions.
In some cultures, the passage from childhood to adulthood is marked by much more than just another birthday celebration. This short video takes us on a journey with 13-year-old Dachina Cochise as she participates in a traditional Apache ceremony that is meant to symbolize her transition into adulthood.
What good does ambition do us? One researcher examined the lives of more than 700 people across 70 years to find out the answer to the question. Read to learn what he discovered.
Ida B. Wells was a journalist who spoke out for women’s rights and against lynching, amongst numerous other issues. Watch a mini-biography, and learn more about Wells at this site.
Back in 2005, the Gallup organization took a poll to discover what frightened American teens. Check out that poll’s results and compare them to the fears of teens today. What fears do today’s teens share with teens in 2005? What fears differ? Take a poll among your friends and classmates to find out.
Learn about what guide dogs do, both on the job and “after hours”; where they come from; and how they are raised and trained.
Patricia Smith harnesses the power of words in her work. In this interview, read about why Smith feels that poetry—especially when spoken aloud—has the power to change not only attitudes but also people’s lives.
On March 26, 2012, James Cameron made a solo 6.83-mile journey to the Challenger Deep, the deepest known point in the ocean. Cameron completed the dangerous trek in a single-seat submersible named the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER. What risks did Cameron encounter on his journey, and what did he hope to discover? Learn more about the mission at this official site.
Roz Savage was the first woman to row solo across three oceans. Here, she talks about how her first voyage; how it came about that she gave up her normal life to row solo across the Atlantic, the obstacles that she faced, and how she overcame them.
Did you know that many American slaves fought for England during the Revolutionary War? They were promised their freedom if they did, and many took the offer. Read this article to learn more about slaves’ participation in the Revolutionary War.
Follow the Mars Curiosity Rover mission in real-time by checking the updates and images on this site.
Watch a video on, and read about, the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches.
When a bird sings, it’s telling you what it is and where it is. Learn bird calls and open a new window on your birding.
Bill Cheng writes about what it is like to be an A.B.C.: an American-Born Chinese. Read about his struggles to belong and feelings of being an outsider.
Folktales show us a lot about who we once were and still are. Check out these descriptions of nine classic characters from American folklore: Paul Bunyan, John Henry, Sally Ann Thunder, Johnny Appleseed, Mike Fink, Pecos Bill, Geronimo, and Old Stormalong. Why were they so famous? Why are they still famous today?
Have you ever heard of an adrenaline rush? This article by Josh Clark describes how a rush of adrenaline, brought on by a fearful situation, can give someone “superhuman” strength.
President Theodore Roosevelt was brash, daring, and adventurous. He was also deeply committed to the cause of preserving America’s forests and wilderness. Explore the links in this American Experience website to learn more about what nature did for “TR” and what he did for nature.
