History / 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 …
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.
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.
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 …
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?
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 …
Apollo 11 Launch: Photographed
Read more at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/We-Have-Liftoff.html Photographer David Burnett focused his camera on the many tourists who flocked to Florida in 1969 to watch the launch of Apollo 11 (Produced by Molly …
In the spring of 1961, black and white civil rights activists rode buses to protest the segregationist policies of the Deep South (Marian Holmes, Brian Wolly, Photos courtesy of Corbis, …
Civil War (Joan Baez), With Dance Performance By Djassi Johnson and Kevin Boseman
Part of the visual album of Joan Baez’ “Whistle Down the Wind,” this cover of Joe Henry’s “Civil War” was directed by New York University’s Deborah Willis
Discovery of the Lake Serpent in Lake Erie
Video by David VanZandt
When Your Great-Great-Great-Grandfather Is a Civil War Hero
Photographer Drew Gardner has a passion for history. His long-term project, “The Descendants,” (https://www.drewgardner.com/descendants) wherein he recreates famous portraits of historical figures featuring their direct offspring, is his most visible …
The Descendants: Jared Miller as Richard Oliver
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
The Descendants: Christopher Wilson as Louis Troutman
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
The Descendants: Austin Morris as Lewis Douglass
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
The Descendants: Deanna Stanford Walz as Harriet Tubman
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
The Descendants: Kwesi Bowman as Andrew Jackson Smith
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
The Descendants: Neikoye Flowers as David Miles Moore Jr
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
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 …
It’s a tradition that dates back more than 100 years, but have you ever wondered why? Learn more about why we cast our votes on a seemingly random weekday - …
The Rise and Fall of the Aztec Civilization
Explore the history of the Aztecs, their incredible achievements in art, architecture, and warfare, as well as the factors that led to their decline. —- For more videos from Smithsonian …
5 Unexpected Facts About George Washington
Explore the lesser-known details of the founder’s childhood, home life and career and gain a deeper understanding of his contributions to the United States. —- For more videos from Smithsonian …
What Really Happened With the Political Mayhem of the Election of 1800?
Two titans of the era went head-to-head in a heated race for the presidency. The stakes were high. The very future of a young nation hung in the balance. Join …
How One Photographer Recreated 19th Century Portraits With the Descendants of Civil War Heroes
Smithsonian magazine commissioned Drew Gardner for a project that connects Black Americans today to their lost ancestry. Read about Gardner’s project and process, as well as more details about the …
5 Surprising Facts About Pompeii
This immersive archaeological exploration of Pompeii, a once-thriving Roman city, will transport you back in time – before the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
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