History

October 8, 2023

The Oldest Restaurant in the World Has Been in Operation for 300 Years

Many of the dishes we enjoy today are the result of age-old recipes being passed down from generation to generation. But there’s one place in Spain where you can sit and enjoy traditional plates in the same locale that has been serving patrons for nearly 300 years. Sobrino de Botín, in Madrid, is considered the oldest restaurant in the world by the Guinness World Records.

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September 8, 2023

Salvaged ‘Survivors’ Staircase’ Is a Symbol of Salvation for Those Who Fled 9/11 Attacks

A set of stairs known as the Survivors’ Staircase are part of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York City. The granite and concrete staircase didn’t originate in the museum, though. Originally an outdoor set of stairs, they were vital to the evacuation of people fleeing from the attacks on the World Trade Center towers in 2001. The Survivors’ Staircase was connected to the northern edge of World Trade Center’s Austin J.

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August 31, 2023

Pompeii’s Ancient Roads Had Raised Crosswalks for People to Safely Avoid the Muddy Streets

Prior to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, and consequently being buried under volcanic debris and ash, the ancient Roman city of Pompeii was a thriving place. The vibrant settlement played a critical role in trade; thus, its 15,000 inhabitants lived in impressively modern conditions for the era. Now it's a famous archaeological site where excavations and new discoveries reveal more and more about how the Pompeians lived.

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August 12, 2023

30 Million People Today Are Descendants of Passengers on the Mayflower

Are you a descendant of one of the passengers who crossed the Atlantic on the Mayflower over 400 years ago? Even if you aren't, you've probably met someone who has proudly told you that their ancestors hopped the pond in 1620. Despite being a long-time point of pride—and even class distinction for some New Englanders—the significance is still present in modern-day America.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.