As colonists faced tough odds in the Revolutionary War, America’s first diplomat worked his charm to win France’s vital backing.
Tag Archives: History
The “Lieber Code” – The First Modern Codification of the Laws of War
Have you ever heard of the Geneva Conventions? They are a series of treaties that define how many aspects of war are to be conducted–such as the taking of prisoners or treatment of civilians. But did you know the first modern attempt to write rules for warfare actually happened during the Civil War? They were written by Francis Lieber and issued in 1863 by Abraham Lincoln as instructions for what Union soldiers could–and couldn’t–do while waging war in the field.
US appeals court says Madrid museum is rightful owner of Nazi-looted Pissarro painting
In 1939, Lilly Cassirer Neubauer was forced to sell her priceless Pissarro painting in order to escape Nazi-occupied Germany. Now, her descendants continue to fight for their right to the stolen heirloom.
Looking Back 250 Years: The 1773 Boston Tea Party
Learn more about the first ever United States Census and the population of the thirteen colonies when it was taken in 1790.
6 Black Heroes of the Civil War
Read about acts of courage that left a lasting impact during the American Civil War.
The Amazon’s ancient complex of ‘lost cities’ flourished for a thousand years
A new discovery in the Amazon unveils more information about the vibrant and complex civilization of the Upano people, who populated the region thousands of years ago.
Holocaust museum celebrates Rebecca Rubin, the Jewish immigrant and American Girl doll
Rebecca Rubin, the first ever Jewish American Girl Doll, educates a new generation on the Holocaust.
These Chemists Cracked the Code to Long-Lasting Roman Concrete
Its formula long forgotten, the mystery of why Roman concrete remained strong over several millennia when more modern versions crumbled much faster has long baffled scientists and engineers. But now the secret of “self-healing” concrete has been rediscovered and it could lead to a construction revolution more than 2,000 years after it was first discovered.
10 Facts About Hera
How much do you know about Hera, one of the original Olympians, wife of Zeus, goddess of marriage and fertility, and fan of peacocks and cows? There’s a lot more to this goddess than most people think. Check this article out to learn 10 fun facts about Hera that most people probably aren’t familiar with.
Overview of the Gilded Age
In this online digital museum, you will find information and interesting facts about the Gilded Age. Be sure to browse through the various tabs to learn about the people, music, and film of the time.
Music in the Revolutionary War
Musicians in the Continental Army did more than boost morale among soldiers. Drumbeats and fife whistles also provided important instructions, on and off the battlefields.
10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Statue of Liberty
Did you know that this famous lady could have ended up in Boston or Philadelphia, or further afield? These ten interesting facts might surprise you.
10 Offbeat Things Humans Have Launched into Space
Did you know that Buzz Lightyear has really been to space? Most of the more than 100 space trips have included an odd item or two on board. Read to find out more about the interesting, and sometimes wacky, items that have traveled to space.
Brandeis University in Massachusetts hosts exhibit of paintings of girls and women killed in the Holocaust
An exhibit at Brandeis University honors the lives of girls and women killed in the Holocaust through paintings, photographs, and first-hand accounts given by Holocaust survivor, Luisa Milch.
Misconceptions about Mythology
You may know a lot about mythology, but is evertying you think you know correct? Mental Floss discusses some of the most common misconceptions people have about Greek and Roman myths.
History Restored: The Untold Story of Black Civil War Soldiers
Most of us have never heard of the Louisiana Native Guards, yet their impact in the American Civil War was tremendous. This History Ph.D. candidate is on a mission to tell their story.
American Dogs
Everyone knows that dogs are “man’s best friend.” However, most people don’t know the roles they served throughout American history in times of war, dating all the way back to the American Revolution.
Where did 20,000 Jews hide from the Holocaust? In Shanghai
Learn more about a community of Jewish immigrants who left a lasting cultural impact on the other side of the world.
How the Costumes of ‘American Born Chinese’ Straddle Fantasy and Reality
The imprint of Greek and Roman mythology is all around us, from the names of our shoes (Nike, the goddess of victory) to the names of the planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, etc). And maybe a certain recent movie series has made you familiar with a little Norse mythology, like Thor and Loki, too. Now a new show is introducing Western audiences to Chinese mythology. Find out how costume designers approached dressing ancient Chinese gods for a modern American audience.
Kentucky Man Finds ‘Hoard’ of Civil War Gold Coins Worth Millions in Cornfield
Extremely rare Civil War era coins both represent and make history. Read about how gold coins discovered in a Kentucky cornfield mark a significant historical moment.