Lafayette’s Triumphant Farewell Tour of the United StatesThe French war hero’s 13-month visit as ‘America’s Guest,’ from 1824 to 1825, rekindled the spirit of the American Revolution.Read more
Olympic Event: Skateboarding—Who Invented It?Skateboarding began among California surfers who were looking for a challenge when ocean waves were flat.Read more
The Fierce Presidential Rivals Who Became Political AlliesFDR and Wendell Willkie exchanged sharp barbs during their presidential campaigns, but after the election they joined forces.Read more
7 Quirky—and Discontinued —Summer Olympic EventsSome of the oddball Olympic events of the past include hot air balloon racing, tug of war and painting contests.Read more
A Volcanic Eruption Wasn’t the Only Disaster That Destroyed PompeiiEvidence of powerful earthquakes may rewrite the story of why so many people perished at Pompeii in 79 A.D.Read more
6 Breakout Speeches From US Presidential ConventionsAlthough many convention speeches are forgotten, others stood out for famous lines and marking a new mandate or vision.Read more
How the 1936 Berlin Olympics Became a Nazi ShowcaseAdolf Hitler oversaw an Olympic Games that was staged to glorify himself and Nazi-led Germany. Read more
Artistic Swimming Spectacles Entertained Ancient RomeIt’s been an Olympic event since 1984, but the sport formerly known as synchronized swimming, has ancient origins.Read more
The Plane Crash That Killed JFK Jr.In 1999, the son of the famous president died, along with his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister Lauren Bessette, when the plane JFK Jr. was piloting crashed into the ocean.Read more
US Vice Presidents Who Went on to Become PresidentWhile the vice presidency may seem like a prime launching pad, only 15 U.S. VPs have advanced to the highest office.Read more
When Young Ancient Greek Women Raced at OlympiaLike the Olympic Games, the Heraia race was held every four years, likely as part of a prenuptial initiation ritual.Read more
What Is a Brokered Convention?The history of U.S. presidential elections is filled with political conventions that were anything but predictable.Read more