HISTORY | Topics, Shows and This Day in History

Colonial America

How Virginia's House of Burgesses Became America's Blueprint for Democracy

America's first elected assembly met in Jamestown in 1619.

Trending

When Polio Triggered Fear and Panic Among Parents in the 1950s

How Long Have People Lived on the Galápagos Islands?

American Revolution

Who Was The Teen Girl Known as the ‘Female Paul Revere?’

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Today's Picks

Inventions & Science

How the Shakers Improved These 4 Everyday Objects

Playlist

SPONSORED BY

Virginia’s Pioneers & Defining Moments

As America’s first federal public works project, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse guided ships through one of Virginia’s key trade gateways.

Charles Shay at D-Day

History Shorts: Charles Norman Shay at D-Day

Charles Norman Shay's heroics at D-Day are etched into history, and his perspective as a Native American makes his story all the more important.

1:03m watch

This Day in History

Hostage Terry Anderson freed in Lebanon

Police kill two members of the Black Panther Party

George Washington bids farewell to his officers

Amanda Knox convicted of murder in Italy

Who Said It?

Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.

-Theodore Roosevelt

Now Streaming on HISTORY

The Curse of Oak Island

The UnBelievable With Dan Aykroyd

Mysteries Unearthed with Danny Trejo

Mountain Men

The Proof Is Out There

Ancient Aliens: Origins

American Pickers

Shopping

Women’s History

How 19th-Century Women Used Department Stores to Gain Their Freedom

And ditch their chaperones.

The History of Must-Have Holiday Toys

These are the playthings that caused sellouts and stampedes.

How the Barcode Was Invented

Barcode tech was first patented in 1949, but engineers came up with the UPC code in the 1970s to answer a need for better efficiency in grocery stores.

How Shopping Mall Santas Got Their Start

Department stores and malls realized early on how live Santa impersonators could help attract shoppers during the holiday season.

Flashback: Mall Shopping in the 1950s

With 1950s suburbia built around cars, malls replaced walkable shopping. Centers like San Mateo’s Hillsdale quickly had to adapt.

HISTORY Shorts

The History of Snowboarding in America

Before the term "snowboarding" existed—and at least 80 years before it was an Olympic phenomenon—people were surfing down snowy hills.

Native American History

How Native Americans Protected Alaska During WWII

After Japan invaded the Aleutians, 6,300 Alaska Natives formed the Alaska Territorial Guard to defend against further invasion.

Charles Harrison Redesigns the View-Master F Into a Kid-Friendly Toy

Harrison was an American designer, speaker, educator and the first African American to lead a major design department.

Native American History

Maria Tallchief Becomes America's First Prima Ballerina

Maria Tallchief, a trailblazing Native American, became a famed prima ballerina and the Nutcracker’s iconic Sugar Plum Fairy.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Explore Rhode Island’s Rich History

Inside Newport's Gilded Age Mansions

Explore The Breakers, The Elms, and Marble House to discover how Rhode Island became a playground for the elite.

Rhode Island's Role in Sparking the Revolution

From the Gaspee Affair to declaring freedom before the rest, Rhode Island's revolutionary roots run deep.

The Haunted History of Block Island

Pirates, shipwrecks and haunted legends once ruled Block Island. Today, its peaceful trails and historic lighthouses tell a different story.

Roger Williams and the Founding of Providence Plantations

In 1636, Roger Williams founded Providence Plantations on radical principles–religious freedom, separation of church and state and equality.

The Curse of Oak Island

New Episodes

Rick and Marty Lagina and their team are back with the ultimate plan to solve the 230-year-old treasure mystery. New episodes premiere Tuesdays at 9/8c and stream the next day.

History Revealed

Sign up for Inside History

Get fascinating history stories twice a week that connect the past with today’s world, plus an in-depth exploration every Friday.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Contact Us