Read about the life and accomplishments of John Jay, one of America’s most influential Founders.
Tag Archives: History
From Nazi Germany to Australia: The Incredible True Story of History’s Longest Kayak Journey
Read about the accomplishments and setbacks of one man’s seven-year kayak trip just before the onset of World War II.
Martin Luther King Jr. ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech Anniversary: Who Organized the March on Washington?
Learn about the people behind the famous 1963 march in the nation’s capital.
Lady Liberty’s Radical History
The author of this opinion piece calls into question several commonly held ideas about what the Statue of Liberty represents.
9/11 to today: Ways we have changed
How have the United States and the world changed in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11?
16 January 1549 – Thomas Seymour tries to kidnap Edward VI
Mark Twain’s tale about the young Prince Edward may be fiction, but Edward’s true story is even stranger. Crowned king at age 9, he faced the plotting and scheming of his power-hungry uncles.
Augmented Reality Recreates A New York City Not Seen for Centuries
Tourists of Governor’s Island can now travel back in time to the 17th century as a colonist with their own storyline and cast of characters thanks to augmented reality.
These Women Stepped In to Fill a WWII Pilot Shortage
More than 1,000 women earned their military pilot wings during WWII. Watch the video to learn more about Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs).
The Tragic Roots of America’s Favorite Cherry
Ah Bing is responsible for cultivating America’s most produced variety of cherry, but racism and the Chinese Exclusionary Act prevented him from reaping the benefits of his creation.
Ten Days in a Madhouse: The Woman Who Got Herself Committed
Nellie Bly risked injury and insanity to report on the horrible conditions of mental institutions in the late 1880s. Her undercover investigation led to public awareness and reform
Fire Escapes Are Evocative, But Mostly Useless
Read about the history of fire escapes and whether their purpose was ever fulfilled.
6 Things You May Not Know About the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is currently touring the country. Learn about its original design and intent.
The Argentine mother who took on the Junta dictatorship over her ‘disappeared’ son
In the laste 1970s and early 1980s, the Junta dictatorship in Argentia took thousands of people they feared were dissenters or would grow up to dissent. Read about one woman’s fight to find justice for her son.
Guide to the classics: The Arthurian legend
Are the tales of King Arthur based in fact? TL;DR: Probably not, but they’re a lot of fun!
Classic Slave Narratives
One powerful driver of the abolitionist movement was the words of formerly enslaved people. Find out about some of the most influential slave narratives.
75 Years Later, Anne Frank’s Diary Still Has Much To Teach
If World War II seems like ancient history, think again. Here’s what we can learn from Anne Frank’s experiences then.
Langston Hughes’ Collection of Harlem Rent Party Advertisements
Due to high rental rates and low salaries in the 1920s through the 1950s, black tenants in Harlem threw rent parties to help pay their rent. Langston Hughes collected cards advertising such events.
Phantom Islands – A Sonic Atlas
Phantom islands are islands which were thought to exist at one point in time. Explore a sonic atlas of some of history’s most well-known phantom islands.
Revolutionary Moments in Law Enforcement
Robin Washington draws parallels between modern protests and pre-Revolutionary War civil disobedience. Is de-escalation the answer?
The breathtaking courage of Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman was an escaped slave, a successful conductor in the Underground Railroad, a spy, and much more. Watch the video to learn more about the incredible life of an inspiration.