History

April 4, 2025

Trump Executive Order Forces Changes to the Smithsonian To Eliminate “Ideological Indoctrination or Divisive Narratives”

Since 1847, the Smithsonian Institute has worked to spread knowledge and preserve America's national heritage. With a historical archive of over 157 items spread across 21 museums, 21 libraries, 14 education and research centers, a zoo, and historical and architectural landmarks, the institution's importance cannot be understated.  However, after President Donald Trump released an executive order on March 27, there will be big changes to how the Smithsonian presents American history.

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March 2, 2025

Unique 100-Year-Old Clothes Dryer Unfolds From the Wall Like an Umbrella

As with many other innovations, the Romans can be credited with developing the first public laundry service. At a fullonica, the cleaning process involved vigorous stamping by feet in vats or tubs before hanging clothing on a viminea cavea, a basket-woven structure that resembles a clothes dryer. Clothing dryers have naturally evolved since then, but one from 100 years ago still elicits a sense of wonder.

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January 23, 2025

Missing Medieval Chess Piece Discovered in Family Home After 200 Years, Now Worth Nearly $1M

The Lewis Chessmen, discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, are renowned as the most famous chess pieces from history. Often described as an “important symbol of European civilization,” this mysterious chess set offers a fascinating glimpse into life during the medieval era. Of the original set, 82 pieces are on display in the British Museum in London, while 11 are displayed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

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December 31, 2024

After His Death, Neil Armstrong’s Widow Found a Bag of Space Artifacts in His Closet

There are many stories of historical treasures hiding for decades in attics and cupboards around the world, but few match what was found in a closet in Ohio in 2012. A few months after the death of Neil Armstrong, his widow, Carol, came across a white bag in a closet. Upon closer inspection, she found tiny parts that looked like they could have belonged to a spaceship.

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My Modern Met

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