U.S. History
All the major chapters in the American story, from Indigenous beginnings to the present day.
World History
History from countries and communities across the globe, including the world’s major wars.
Eras & Ages
From prehistory, though antiquity and into the 21st century, all of history’s biggest chapters.
Culture & Tradition
The stories behind the faiths, food, entertainment and holidays that shape our world.
Science & Innovation
The pivotal discoveries, visionary inventors and natural phenomena that impacted history.
The new year countdown in Times Square includes the iconic ball drop and attracts millions of people from around the world each year.
We all watch the ball drop on New Year's Eve, but the ball has its own history that began well before Times Square and out on the high seas.
New Year's Day often includes a feast of foods to symbolize health, luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Ancient Babylonians first celebrated the new year over 4,000 years ago.
Presidents have been pardoning turkeys every Thanksgiving for decades, but how did this tradition get started?