The Moral Threat of Bicycles in the 1890s
The bicycle craze of the 19th century, in which both men and women participated, was seen as a moral affront by church leaders.
The Perpetual Paranoid Style in American Politics
The "paranoid style" isn't so much periodical as it is perpetual.
Looks Matter, Even in Politics
Research suggests that a candidate's looks play an integral part in whether they are electable or not.
How Supreme Court Nominations Became Political Battles
The battle to secure Supreme Court justices has a long and contentious history.
Should Archivists Document Collective Memory?
Collective memory can be a useful addition to the documentation of history.
Before Flint: How Americans Chose Lead Poisoning
The United States, unlike other Western nations, did not take a firm stance on lead-based products until much later--despite knowing the health risks.
Afghanistan’s Ancient and Beautiful Minaret of Jam
The Minaret of Jam, located in Afghanistan's Ghur province, provided a vantage point for the call to prayer. It remained hidden and forgotten until 1886.
How Septima Poinsette Clark Spoke Up for Civil Rights
The daughter of a slave, Septima Clark graduated from college, became a teacher, and became a fierce advocate for social and cultural change.
The Love Birds of Valentine’s Day
A little history behind the love birds that inspired Chaucer to invent Valentine's Day, the well-known celebration of love.
A Formerly Enslaved Woman Successfully Won a Case for Reparations in 1783
In one of the earliest examples of reparations, an ex-slave named Belinda petitioned the government and was granted an annuity.