How the Netherlands Used Literature to Defy the Nazis
A new theory sheds light not only on the fate of the Franks, but on the extent of Dutch resistance to the Nazis.
How Great Was the Great Society?
Lyndon B. Johnson called upon the wealthiest nation in the world to do something for those left behind.
The Real Pocahontas
Pocahontas, Matoaka, and Lady Rebecca Rolfe were all the same young woman, who died in 1617, a long way from home.
The Curious History of Ellis Island
Ellis Island celebrates its 125th anniversary as the federal immigration depot. From 1892-1954, more than 12 million immigrants passed through the island.
The Turn-of-the-Century Lesbians Who Founded The Field of Home Ec
Flora Rose and Martha Van Rensselaer lived in an open and acknowledged lesbian relationship. They also helped found the field of home economics.
A Brief History of Vice Presidential Inaugurations
Vice presidential inaugurations haven’t always shared the pomp and circumstance reserved for the highest office in the land.
What Poinsettias Have to do with U.S.-Mexico Relations
Poinsettias were named for the first US diplomat to Mexico. The flower was more successful than he was. How it went from Aztec dye to Christmas decoration.
The Pledge of Allegiance’s Creepy Past
Seventy-four years ago today, lawmakers passed an amendment to the U.S. Flag Code.
Why the Presidential Inauguration is in January
The Presidential Inauguration is January 20th as a result of a twentieth century change to the U.S. Constitution. Originally, it was March 4th.
Foreign Intervention… in the American Revolution
Foreign powers have been interfering in our politics since day one, when we welcomed it from France, Spain, and the Netherlands.