The arrival of the horse in North America changed life for many American Indian groups. Learn about the amazing relationship between Native peoples and horses, and examine artifacts from throughout their history.
Tag Archives: Arts & Entertainment
Georgia Douglas Johnson
Georgia Douglas Johnson wrote a poem about taking a risk and soaring into the sky. Learn about the life of this important writer of poems, plays, and stories.
Technology firms explore ‘second screen’ opportunity
Software developers are seeking ways to connect people’s tablets and smartphones with what they are watching on television screens. But how useful is it?
Anne Frank at 85: What would she have become had she lived?
This year, Anne Frank would have been 85 years old. Though her short life still reverberates through the world, it’s hard not to wonder what it would have been like if she had lived longer. This article looks at some of the ways Anne Frank affected the world around her, and offers some ideas about the woman she may have become.
Remembering Nina Simone as a Siren and Powerful Civil Rights Activist
Nina Simone was a popular pianist and jazz singer with an unmistakable voice. Some of her later songs are considered by many to be anthems of the civil rights movement. Read this brief introduction to Simone and listen to the two clips of her work.
Mark Twain
The Prince and the Pauper was just one of many famous stories written by Mark Twain. Learn about the author’s life, the struggles he faced, and the tales that brought him worldwide fame.
Drawing Geometric Perspective
You may not be an art expert, but you can tell when the perspective in a drawing or painting is wrong: the work may look off-balance or childish. Here’s a look at the techniques artists use to get the perspective right.
The Female Thor and the Female Comic-Book Reader
Comic book superheroes are evolving to reflect a more diverse audience. One famous character is being reintroduced a woman.
Frankenstein: Penetrating the Secrets of Nature
This site offers a wide variety of information related to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Starting with “The Birth of Frankenstein,” use the table of contents on the left side of the page to browse topics ranging from historical and scientific background information to the story’s modern influences on film, culture, and research.
Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda wrote poems about nature, but he his also famous for his poems about love, as well as many other subjects. Read this biography about the renowned poet’s career.
Revising Himself: Walt Whitman and Leaves of Grass
This companion website to a 2005 Library of Congress exhibit provides glimpses of the items that were displayed as well as background information on Whitman’s life, career, and legacy. Take a look at the “Leaves of Grass” section to learn more about the history surrounding one of America’s most influential books of poetry.
Movie Monsters, Monster Movies And Why ‘Godzilla’ Endures
There’s no question about the appeal of a good monster movie. But what is it about certain movie monsters that makes them such enduring stars? Listen to this story about Godzilla to learn more about one of cinema’s most legendary monsters.
Maya Angelou’s Great Legacy
After the recent passing of Maya Angelou, the media was flooded with tributes, personal stories, and other works meant to honor her and her legacy. This tribute comes from Clarence G. Newsome, President of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
7 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Based on Shakespeare’s Plays
Shakespeare’s work has influenced countless interpretations on big screen. Take a look at these films based on Shakespearean plays—are you surprised?
A long-hidden mural is revealed, along with a piece of UCLA history
In the 1960s, a group of students at UCLA painted a mural depicting famous African Americans and celebrating the civil rights movement. That mural was recently unveiled after being hidden for many years.
Beowulf—an epic game for the whole family
The game company that created a board game based on Moby Dick is now hoping to manufacture a new game based on Beowulf. Read this blog entry and decide if you would like to play.
Aaahh! The world’s scariest roller coasters
Do you enjoy the feeling of being frightened? If you do, then you may be a fan of roller coasters. Learn about some of the scariest roller coasters in the world, and watch videos of what the rides are like.
In The Adventures of Henry Thoreau, Michael Sims follows along the path of self-discovery that led to Walden Pond
In his new book The Adventures of Henry Thoreau, author Michael Sims enlightens the reader on the man behind the famous work of literature.
19 Native American Authors You Need to Read
This list compiles some of the best Native American writers, including Sherman Alexie and Joy Harjo. Which author are you most interested in reading?
Romeo, Romeo, what’s Julian Fellowes done to you?
Julian Fellowes’s film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet has drawn criticism for altering the lines of Shakespeare’s most famous love story. Read the article to find out why critics and scholars feel that Fellowes’s adaptation is misleading.