Lesley Kennedy

Early Irish folklore portrayed leprechauns as menacing tricksters. Today, the little green-clad cobblers are beloved cultural icons.

These romances shaped art, politics and empires.

The holidays both celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but have some different traditions and are based on different calendars.

The designer led a minimalist revolution that redefined American chic.

In September 1975, President Gerald Ford escaped two attempts on his life—both by women and both in California.

A duked drowned in wine, snow in the Sahara—and more.

The impact of President James Monroe’s signature foreign policy has changed over the years.

Five things every fan should know about the band behind 'Hotel California.'

At first, Latin America applauded President James Monroe’s 1823 declaration. Europe’s reaction was a different story.

President James Monroe issued a firm warning to Europe, but in the absence of U.S. military and economic might, Britain stepped in to help.

What are the four principles of the Monroe Doctrine? A political science professor breaks it down.

It's a crash course in protocol, politics and public life.

Alexander Hamilton's leadership in the war's last major land battle delivered the future Secretary of the Treasury his long-sought glory.

“With ladies on our side, we can make every Tory tremble.”

Eight legendary women who shaped Olympic figure skating history.

Foods enjoyed during New Year’s are similar to those eaten throughout the year but with special emphasis on bringing good fortune.

Amid the Cold War, 12 countries founded NATO as a backbone of the West’s military defense against the Soviet Union and its allies.

The month boasts marvels like a huge candy-colored ice festival.

Before the 22nd Amendment, presidents could run for more than two terms—but only FDR managed to win more than two consecutive elections.

See popular Christmas tree decorating fads dating back to 1920s.

Learn why we decorate trees, swap cookies and hide pickles and elves, among other traditions.

After he parachuted from a 727 passenger plane with ransom money—and disappeared—newspapers started receiving weird letters, some with coded messages.

Once a tool of aristocratic matchmaking, the event has evolved.

One theory claims the iconic holiday candy was created in Germany to appease fidgety choirboys.

The last month brings plenty of ancient winter rituals.

As Florida's electoral votes became too close to call, controversy ensued over hanging chads, dimpled chads and butterfly bullets.

L. Frank Baum’s original story never described her that way.

Artemas Ward helped shape the Revolution's first fighting force.

These banners stoked the fight for independence and influenced the design of the American flag. Some are still around today.

Before bell ringers and thrift stores, they had 'donut lassies.'

A comic strip joke turned into a real-life campus tradition.

The government has ensured flight safety since the 1920s.

The sport, which dates to 1100, was a social event and sometimes played to settle disputes.

Traditions include candle leaping and sending regrets downriver.

Answers to top questions about the executive residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

The classic short story is an example of early American folklore. But tales of headless horseman date back to the Middle Ages.

The month is known for wine-making, noisy owls, Samhain and Halloween.

New Yorkers were nervous. Enter P.T. Barnum and his pachyderms.

Behind the modern fairground of turkey legs and jousting knights is a 1960s vision of counterculture.

Through the decades, the right to vote in U.S. elections has seen massive change and expansion.

The law was created in the wake of a scandal involving FDR and federal employees of the Works Progress Administration.

What began as a summer concert tour to support women in the music industry quickly grew into a cultural movement.

These bags have stood the test of time.

It wasn't until the 20th century that inventors looked past single-use products.

The concept of bail has roots in medieval England that later expanded into an often controversial cornerstone of the American legal system.

Architecture, agriculture, art and more first blossomed in these cultures.

The old adage is a piece of American fashion folklore.

Look for the corn moon, Michaelmas and a Japanese comb festival.

At first railroad companies were reluctant to hire Chinese workers, but the immigrants soon proved to be vital.

A street scuffle evolved into the world's largest food fight.

From the Revolutionary War to the wars in Iraq, U.S. women have served critical roles in military forces.

Wyoming became the 44th state to join the union in 1890. The first U.S. territory to allow women to vote, Wyoming has the smallest population of all the states.