Cuisine des sorcières

What Caused the Salem Witch Trials?

Looking into the underlying causes of the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century.
Original caption: 12/31/1916-Dorothy Day (1897-1980), American journalist and reformer, born in Brooklyn, NY. (Copyright Bettmann/Corbis / AP Images)

Dorothy Day and the Activism of the Catholic Church

We look back at the work of social activist Dorothy Day, who's staunch defense of labor unions fell in-line with the activism of the Catholic Church.
"Hazelton coal miners". Licensed under Public Domain via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hazelton_coal_miners.jpg#/media/File:Hazelton_coal_miners.jpg" target="_blank">Commons</a>

The Rise and Fall of Coal Miners’ Unions

The origin of coal miners' unions during the late 19th century.
circa 1955:  American humorist and author John Henry Faulk (1913 - 1990), narrates the history of early America in a still from the television program,'They Call It Folk Music.'  (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Hearing Harriet Smith

In the University of Texas library, our writer found a previously unknown audiotape of an interview with a woman who'd been born into slavery.
The Ashley Madison website sign-up window

Adultery and Secret Lives Way Before Ashley Madison

Long before Ashley Madison, married people found ways to cheat.
Close-up of a dial pack of birth control pills

Birth Control’s Slow Path to the Mainstream

A look at changing public opinion of birth control.
"Lincoln debating Douglas" by Cool10191. Licensed under Public Domain via <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln_debating_douglas.jpg#/media/File:Lincoln_debating_douglas.jpg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>

Unlocking Your Ancestor’s Political Leanings

Ethnicity and job occupation are but a few factors in tracing the political leanings of your ancestors.
A woman in a hospital gown sitting on a hospital bed with a doctor behind her

What Mid-20th Century Gynecologists Were Taught About Female Sexuality

Gynecologists of the past would be shocked by today's insights on female sexuality.