History

April 1, 2021

Feather Sculpture Pays Tribute to Native American Generosity to Irish During the Great Famine

Between 1845 and 1852, the potato crop in Ireland failed and caused what became known as the Great Famine. Around one million people died of starvation and two million fled the country. This cultural shift became one of the greatest mass migrations from a single island in history—in addition to having serious economic consequences. Humanitarian aid came from around the world, but there was one group of people whose generosity stood out.

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March 9, 2021

What Happened at Seneca Falls? Learn About the Gathering of Great Minds for Women’s Rights

Packed into a historic church, speakers protested taxation without representation. Although this may sound familiar, the year was not 1776. Rather, it was 1848 and about 300 delegates of both genders had crowded into the Wesleyan Chapel in Seneca Falls, New York. For several days, this mill town hosted luminaries such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucretia Mott, and Frederick Douglass.

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February 27, 2021

Paris Was Rebuilt: How Baron Haussmann Created the Metropolis We Know Today

If you love the wide avenues and romantic architecture of Paris, France, you might have Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann to thank. Though Haussmann remains one of the most controversial urban planners in history, his design for Paris has become engrained in the city’s aesthetic and reputation. Haussmann was a dynamic figure with a larger-than-life legacy.

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February 20, 2021

How African American Art and Culture Blossomed During the Harlem Renaissance

In the early 20th century, New York City's Harlem neighborhood underwent a historic transformation. During what is now described as the Harlem Renaissance, the area thrived as a cultural hub for African Americans, culminating in unprecedented advancements in art, literature, and music. Though this “golden age” lasted less than 20 years, its legacy has lived on for decades.

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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.