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John Hancock: Founding Father, Revolutionary, and the Most Famous Signature in the World
A successful businessman, smuggler, and politician, John Hancock’s strong and magnanimous personality led him to serve as an early voice for freedom and a generous supporter of America’s quest for independence.
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The Bellamy Salute: How Americans Used to Salute the Flag
The Pledge of Allegiance was not always recited with a hand over the heart. Until 1942, Americans used a much different gesture that would eventually become mired in controversy.
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Edith Galt Wilson: America’s First “Female President”
Officially, the United States has never had a female president. Unofficially, First Lady Edith Galt Wilson ran the country behind the scenes for her incapacitated husband, Woodrow.
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The Origins of Christmas Wreaths (A Tradition's Humble Beginnings)
Born from the discarded boughs of Christmas trees, the wreath is not only a symbol of the Christmas season but also of hope and resilience in a dark time of the year.
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The Story of Squanto: Guide, Interpreter, and Protector of the Pilgrims
A man without a tribe who was fluent in English, Squanto’s knowledge and protection would prove valuable to the Pilgrims—often at the expense of Native American tribes.
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A “Spook-tacular” Time of Year: The History of Halloween in the U.S.
From the Celtic traditions of Samhain to today’s parties and parades, Halloween is a time when everyone can enjoy a good scare.
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Destruction of the U.S.S. Akron and U.S.S. Macon
In the 1930s, America had its own airship disasters rivaling that of the Hindenburg.
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Remembering the Fallen: A History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day began as a remembrance of fallen Civil War soldiers. It has expanded to honor the fallen heroes of each of America’s military engagements.
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Project Acoustic Kitty Lets the Spy Cat Out of the Bag
In the 1960s, the CIA thought it could train cats to spy on its enemies. Project Acoustic Kitty was born.
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The Rosewood Massacre: Hidden History of the U.S.
A rumor about the assault of a White woman by a Black man led to multiple murders and the elimination of an African American community in 1923.
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The History of Christmas Traditions: Stockings by the Fireplace
Stockings hanging by the fireplace are an enduring symbol of Christmas that began with a legend about St. Nicholas himself.
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The History of Christmas Traditions: Eggnog
Love it or hate it, eggnog is a time-honored fixture of the Christmas season.
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The History of Christmas Traditions: The Yule Log
Do you see the Yule Log each Christmas but never know why it's there? Whether cut from a tree in the woods or created in today’s kitchen, the Yule Log has long been a part of the holiday season. Here's everything you need to know about it!
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The History of Christmas Traditions: The Advent
Advent is an important observance in Christianity, symbolizing preparations for the arrival of the Christ Child and the Second Coming of Jesus. Does your church do an Advent? Do you do your own Advent calendar? Perhaps you do a chocolate one with your kids. Here's what you need to know!
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Giving Thanks: How Thanksgiving Traditions Began
From Pilgrims to pumpkin pie, here is the story of how our Thanksgiving traditions came to be.
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Attack on America: The Wall Street Bombing of 1920
In September 1920, the heart of America's financial district was the target of a terrorist attack whose perpetrators remain unknown today.
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Anne Hutchison: Pioneer, Preacher, and Early Advocate for Women
A midwife, self-ordained preacher, and early advocate for women’s rights, Anne Hutchinson stood up to both the church and Boston authorities—and faced grave consequences for her defiance.
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From Slave City to Freedom’s Gateway: Detroit’s Underground Railroad
From its early beginning as a city that allowed slavery, Detroit grew into one of the most important stops on the Underground Railroad and a "Gateway to Freedom."
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Hoaxing Hitler: How Operation Bodyguard and the Ghost Army Helped Win World War II
A division of the U.S. Army existed during WWII for one reason: to deceive the Axis Powers
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A History of Santa Claus (From Sinterklaas to Jolly Old St. Nick)
The legend of Santa Claus has gone through a number of iterations. How did a much-loved fourth-century Greek bishop morph into the "right jolly old elf" we know today?
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When “Blue” States Were “Red” and “Red” States Were “Blue”
Conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats did not always dominate American politics. Not only were other political parties once active in the United States, but the ideologies of the two major parties were quite different than they are today.
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Hidden History of the US: When the Weather Was a Weapon
During the Vietnam War, the United States attempted to turn the tide of the war by using the weather as a weapon.
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Women Warriors of the Revolutionary War
Though most were not officially recognized as soldiers, many women during the Revolutionary War took up arms, conducted espionage and risked their lives for the cause of freedom.
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Female Patriots of the Revolutionary War
Although not officially allowed in the military until the 20th century, women have always played a crucial war in America's war efforts. Including its very first conflict.
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Desperately Seeking Sleep
For years I was annoyed at my pattern of waking up in the middle of the night, until I learned that it was once a normal part of life for our ancestors.
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Receiving - and Giving - the Ultimate Gift
The gift of organ and tissue donation has the ability to change lives in ways both large and small
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Pumpkin Spice Me
The special flavors of fall are as fleeting as the season itself.