History
How Much Do You Know about Women in History?
- Details
Take this quiz and learn something about the roles of five particular women in U.S. history:
Famous Presidential Last Words
- Details
- Written by James E. Patterson James E. Patterson
As we celebrate Presidents Day, it is a good time to consider some of their famous last words — many remained philosophical and elegant in their final moments.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with These Famous Lovers
- Details
Valentine’s Day celebrates love and happiness, and although real life offers plenty of true stories with happily-ever-after endings, many of us look to literature for inspiring tales of passion’s power.
The History of Ordinary Things: Red-Red Lipstick
- Details
- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Cleopatra colored her lips with red dye from the crushed shells of the cochineal bug, which is still used today to make carmine, a red food coloring.
The History of Ordinary Things: Remembering One-Room School Days
- Details
- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Many seniors of today attended a one-room school, and many of our mothers and grandmothers were teachers for at least a short time.
It Didn’t Start with the Oreo
- Details
Who doesn’t like a cookie every now and then? Cookies have a long history, but the first ones didn’t taste much like the treats we enjoy today.
The History of Ordinary Things: Tramp Art and Hobo Bottle Washers
- Details
- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
In the collector’s world, there is a category known as “tramp art,” which includes wire kitchen utensils with a unique bottle-washer end. These were handmade by tramps, or hobos, who rode the railcars circa the 1930s.
The History of Ordinary Things: The Americanization of Santa Claus
- Details
- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Centuries ago, European Christmas customs centered on St. Nicholas, a charitable Turkish Catholic bishop born in the fourth century. St. Nicholas was associated with gift giving to children, which occurred on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day.
Willing to Wander: Drive-in Theaters That Are More than That
- Details
- Written by Victor Block Victor Block
From time to time, residents of the little town of Farmington, Maine, gather to attend events ranging from a craft fair and flea market to a band concert and Catholic Mass.