9 Intrepid Women Explorers
Source: History
Read about the extraordinary lives and feats of 9 remarkable women.
Historic Figures
King Arthur
Source: Bio
The legend of King Arthur, the hero who saved Britain, may not be true, but it has inspired people for more than 1,000 years. Read an article about what we know of Arthur tales, accompanied by a video summing up the most famous stories.
Zora Neale Hurston, Genius of the Harlem Renaissance
Source: Mental Floss
Writer, anthropologist, and life of the party, Zora Neale Hurston, was a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Read this “retrobituary” to learn about her life and death.
How Cesar Chavez Changed the World
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Through hard work and dedication, Cesar Chavez created a labor union for farm workers. His intense desire to make things right came from his own struggles as a child of farm workers.
Ben Franklin in Paris: How the Founding Father Won France’s Support
Source: History Channel
As colonists faced tough odds in the Revolutionary War, America’s first diplomat worked his charm to win France’s vital backing.
How to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
Attention, Shakespeare enthusiasts everywhere! The bard’s birthday is coming up on April 23rd. Check out this link to get some fun ideas for your Shakespeare celebration.
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.
6 Black Heroes of the Civil War
Source: History
Read about acts of courage that left a lasting impact during the American Civil War.
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.
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.