History

March 29, 2023

Explore Photos of Mount Rushmore Before & During Construction

Carved into a rock cliff towering over the South Dakota landscape, Mount Rushmore is the quintessential American monument. Four presidential faces peer down: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Gutzon Borglum, the designer and sculptor of the monument chose each figure to represent the founding, growth, development, and preservation of the United States, respectively. Though it is primarily referred to as Mount Rushmore now, this wasn’t always the case.

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March 20, 2023

The Significance of Cherry Blossoms in Japanese Art & Culture

Every year, villages, towns, and cities across Japan warmly welcome spring with waves of cherry blossoms. As the national flower of Japan (alongside the chrysanthemum and the iris), the cherry blossom—or sakura—holds a special place in Japanese culture. For centuries, people have flocked to see the flora in full bloom, attending entire festivals dedicated to hanami, or “flower-viewing.

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March 8, 2023

11 Trailblazing Female Scientists That You Need to Know

Whether advancing cancer treatment techniques or helping us land on the Moon, women in science have helped change the course of history. While there is still work to be done in getting more women involved in STEM careers, there are countless examples of incredible female scientists who have worked tirelessly to advance our knowledge of the scientific world.

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February 2, 2023

Valentine’s Day: The Unromantic Origins of This Romantic Holiday

Valentine’s Day conjures up thoughts of chocolates, roses, and romantic dinners, but have you ever wondered where Valentine’s Day comes from? You might be surprised to learn that this holiday’s history isn't as romantic as you might expect. Though Valentine’s Day, also known as St. Valentine’s Day, is now synonymous with love, its history is quite different.

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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.