Historic Figures







Union Soldiers at Winter Quarters "Pine Cottage"

The “Lieber Code” – The First Modern Codification of the Laws of War

Source: Library of Congress Blog

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.



Chinese-style dragon statue in temple.

How the Costumes of ‘American Born Chinese’ Straddle Fantasy and Reality

Source: CNN

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.


Buckingham Palace

Shakespeare-Fan King Charles Celebrates 400 Years Since the First Folio

Source: Reuters

Shakespeare, an iconic figure in English history, is celebrated and beloved by another significant English figure, King Charles. Read about how and why King Charles celebrates the 400-year anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio.