Editor's Picks / Video
Ruling from 1553 to 1558, Mary I of England was the nation’s first crowned queen. Determined to restore Catholicism after her father Henry VIII’s break with Rome, she launched a …
Neanderthals: Our Misunderstood Prehistoric Relatives
Once thought primitive, we now know Neanderthals were intelligent and even interbred with modern humans—many people today carry some Neanderthal DNA. Turns out, a lot of our jokes against our …
How “The Star-Spangled Banner” Became the National Anthem
Inspired by the sight of the American flag after battle, Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Its vivid imagery captured the spirit of survival, symbolizing the nation’s push for …
The Truth Behind the Legend of King Arthur
From the valiant Knights of the Round Table to the romantic allure of Camelot, the legend of King Arthur has endured for centuries. But behind the sword of Excalibur and …
National Treasure: What Malcolm X Reveals About the Power of Speech on His 100th Birthday
On the anniversary of his 100th birthday, we revisit the life, legacy and words of Malcolm X.
Can We Predict the Universe’s Randomness — or Is It All Just Chaos?
From coin flips to river levels to the placement of freckles, many events appear random at first glance—but dig a little deeper, and limits to the chaos start to emerge.
The Doughnut: A Hole Lot More History Than You Think
Ever wondered how the doughnut came to be? Its origins date back to Dutch settlers in the eighteenth century, who brought recipes for “olykoeks,” or “oil cakes,” to the New …
National Treasure: Amelia Earhart Designed a New Future for Women
In 1932, Amelia Earhart made history as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, cementing her legacy in aviation. But her influence extended far beyond the cockpit.
National Treasure: Revealing the Stunning 2.33-Carat Winston Red Diamond
The Winston Red Diamond, one of the rarest gems in the world, is a stunning 2.33-carat red diamond displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Cleopatra was the last ruler of ancient Egypt, famous for her sharp mind and political savvy. She navigated tumultuous family rivalries and formed powerful alliances with Julius Caesar and Mark …
8 Mind-Boggling Facts About the Octopus
Did you know octopuses are highly intelligent animals with the ability to problem-solve complex puzzles – and even change color? They have three hearts and blue blood, helping them survive …
Fact or Fiction? The Legend of the QWERTY Keyboard
The QWERTY keyboard was invented by Christopher Latham Sholes in the 1870s – and has stayed around ever since.
The legend of the cowboy—celebrated in literature and film—has become central to the history of the American West. This romanticized image often overlooks the rich diversity that shaped cowboy culture.
The Gory Origins of Valentine’s Day
Typically, Valentine’s Day conjures up images of truffles and teddy bears - all wrapped in a heart-shaped bow. Is this holiday really a day about love? Or…death?
Auroras emit swirling hues in the sky, mesmerizing spectators with their bands of color. Different hues come from different gases—for instance, oxygen makes green, nitrogen makes purple.
Behold the World’s Smallest Monkey: The Pygmy Marmoset
From their adorable facial expressions to their remarkable social skills, you’ll fall in love with pygmy marmosets.
National Treasure: The Fearsome Science Behind the T. rex, the King of the Dinosaurs
Known for its massive size, powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth, the Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the most fearsome predators of the Late Cretaceous period.
National Treasure: The Giant Panda Steals Hearts (and Bamboo) at the National Zoo
Known for their distinctive black-and-white fur, giant pandas are one of the most recognizable and beloved creatures in the world.
5 Record-Breaking Bird Migrations
Birds: nature’s ultimate travelers, undertaking jaw-dropping migrations that push the boundaries of endurance, speed and altitude.
National Treasure: The Mold Behind the Miracle of Penicillin
Discover the fascinating story of penicillin, an antibiotic that revolutionized the medical world.
The Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe May Never Be Solved
Uncover the dark and curious truth behind the death of one of America’s most beloved authors, Edgar Allan Poe. For centuries, the circumstances surrounding his death have remained shrouded in …
Ouija Board: The Mysterious Origins of a Cultural Obsession
The Ouija board might seem like a simple game that sparks spooky childhood memories, but have you ever pondered its mysterious history? Even more importantly, does it actually…work? Uncover the …
National Treasure: Sing a Song With Ella Jenkins, the Beloved First Lady of Children’s Music
Discover how Ella Jenkins’ joyful songs and storytelling have inspired generations of young listeners, while her commitment to advocacy has profoundly affected the world of music and beyond.
National Treasure: The Hirshhorn Is Brutalism’s Boldest Donut
The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden is renowned for its striking architecture and impressive collection of contemporary art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about …
10 Fun Facts About Bioluminescence
Discover the incredible ways in which living organisms illuminate the darkness of the deep sea, lush forests, and even our own backyards.
We asked visitors to the National Mall what they thought should be in the Smithsonian collections in 2050. The consensus? Lady Gaga and much more…
Recordings made by Alexander Graham Bell Heard for the First Time
http://j.mp/z7WXi2 Researchers and scientists work together to find a way to play recordings made by the studio of inventor Alexander Graham Bell
Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot With The Emancipation Proclamation
Document Deep Dive: http://j.mp/SUXoTF How the Emancipation Proclamation Came to Be Signed: http://j.mp/12q5SE0 What did it take to pull together a draft of the Emancipation Proclamation, Lincoln’s inkwell and his …
The Dark and Deadly History of the Plague
What caused the Plague? And what methods did people use to combat the spread? Learn about its origins, past outbreaks (including the Black Death), and the long-lasting impact of its …
National Treasure: The History of the Lie Detector
Have you ever wondered whether lie detectors actually…work? Join us as we delve into the history and science behind these devices - from how they measure “deception” to the controversies …
What ‘Bridgerton’ Gets Right About the Regency Era
From gender roles to etiquette to fashion, step back in time to learn more about the real lives of the Regency women who inspired ‘Bridgerton.’
The Best Small Towns to Celebrate Summer
From charming streets to stunning scenery, consider Hawaii, Idaho, Massachusetts, or New York for your next summer adventure.
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