Backgammon game in progress

The Erotics of Backgammon

James E. Doan reveals the sexual innuendoes and double-entendres based on Backgammon.
Construction paper, scissors, a pen, and cut out hearts; everything necessary for homemade Valentine's day cards

The Origins of St. Valentine’s Day

The complicated origins of St. Valentine's Day.
Let's Talk Turkey

Let’s Talk Turkey

First of all, why the name "turkey?"
A family gathers around the table for Thanksgiving

The Modern Invention of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving as we know it was deliberately invented in the nineteenth century.
Side-by-side black and white photographs from the mid 1800's of two ladies sitting across from each other and dabbling in divination as a specter-like presence hovers between them

Waking the Spirits: The Diaries of John A. Clark

During the fall and winter of 1861-1862, Clark and many other officials in Santa Fe attended at least eight séances.
An open pack of graham crackers

A Hell of a Cracker

The unusual origin of the graham cracker
Robert Newton plays the infamous Blackbeard against Linda Darnell's Edwina Mansfield, another pirate's daughter.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day: Anarchy in the Arrrchives

The political science behind pirates.
hot dogs: americas cheap meat

Hot Dogs: America’s Fast, Cheap Meat

With all due respect to hamburgers and apple pie, hot dogs are arguably the most American of foods.