Current Events that Relate to History
-
Origin StoryThe Origins of the Beach Read
From 19th-century ‘moral debasement’ to BookTok, a cultural phenomenon still fills the vacant hours.Zócalo Public Square -
RetrievalFrom State in the Union to Domestic Dependent Nation: Lenape Futures from 1778 Onward
The Nation of Delawares signed a treaty to become the 14th state. Instead, their land was stolen.The Panorama -
Book ReviewHow Mary Kay Built an Empire Out of Other Women’s Dreams
Mary Kay launched her eponymous cosmetics empire in 1963, just a month after the death of her fifth husband, selling the idea of hustle to generations of women.The New Yorker -
CommentOn the Public Historians Reminding Us How Easy It Is to Repeat the Mistakes of the Past
A recent essay in "The New Republic" asks why historians have become such visible public voices during the Trump era.Literary Hub -
Origin StoryThere Was No American Regional Cuisine Until One ‘Virginia Housewife’ Compiled Diverse Recipes
Mary Randolph, an in-law of the Jefferson family who was influenced by enslaved cooks, didn’t change Southern cooking with her 1824 cookbook…she originated it.Smithsonian Magazine -
RetrievalHow Scottish Dissent Built American Liberty
Presbyterians played a large role in teaching North America the value of political independence.Law & Liberty -
Book ExcerptThe False Promise of the First ‘Smart’ Homes
Computerized rooms, telework stations, and child-soothing technologies sold a seductive illusion that automation could solve the problems of maternal care.The MIT Press Reader
From the HNN Archive
-
Newsletter Features
Young Washington Is Old History
A new movie relies on 19th century myths to portray the very British George Washington as a moralistic proto-American ready to pursue independence. -
Excerpts
A Danger to Civilization
Lothrop Stoddard believed that the concept of “natural equality” between people was a threat to America. In the 1920s, it was hardly a fringe idea. -
Excerpts
The Bicentennial Made American History Look Ridiculous
Many Americans felt the U.S. had failed to live up to its ideals on its 200th anniversary. They hoped it might improve by the Declaration’s next big celebration. -
Newsletter Features
An Appeal for Inaction
On the United States’ 150th birthday, Calvin Coolidge said that the country’s work was done. Not everyone agreed. -
Newsletter Features
What Has His Billion Dollars Made of Him?
Finding shades of Elon Musk in Upton Sinclair’s 1937 novel about Henry Ford. -
Newsletter Features
Declaring “Revolution”
Even after the fighting started, it took years before American Patriots started calling their cause a “revolution.”