Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman, walked 200 miles through snow to Valley Forge in 1778, providing and preparing corn to save George Washington's starving Continental Army. Her story, preserved through oral tradition, is now recognized on the 2026 Sacagawea $1 coin.
Historian Kim Phillips-Fein's new book, "Country of Lords," examines the historical struggle against equality in America, linking figures like John Adams, Andrew Carnegie, and modern tech titans such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, amidst growing concerns about economic hierarchy and democracy.
A new collection of essays on Brexit, edited by Sir Anthony Seldon, is criticized for its lack of focus on "English nationalism" and the reasons behind Brexit's support in England. Despite acknowledging Brexit's economic failure, the book struggles to explain the continued influence of figures like Nigel Farage.
Sir Charles Burrell is transforming 1,525 acres of farmland in South Lincolnshire into "Boothby Wildland," a rewilding project aiming to prove nature restoration can be profitable. Despite local skepticism and a landscape devoid of life, the project seeks private investment by selling biodiversity and carbon credits, challenging traditional farming models.
A campaign against African immigrants in South Africa has led to deaths and mass displacement. Cultural historian Fezokuhle Mthonti explains this wave of xenophobia is well-funded, legitimized by media, and linked to state failure and a fragile national identity, distinct from past incidents.
Kissing's history is rich and varied, evolving from medieval rituals like the kiss of peace and foot veneration to modern debates on consent and public display. Its meanings have shifted from legal closings and expressions of loyalty to private intimacy and political statements.
Historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Ken Burns discussed the importance of history in understanding current societal divisions and anxieties, drawing parallels to past crises like the Civil War and Great Depression. They emphasized history as a teacher and guide for navigating the present and imagining a shared future.
Jane Calvert has spent 25 years rehabilitating the legacy of John Dickinson, a Founding Father often overlooked for refusing to sign the Declaration of Independence. She argues his commitment to gradual independence, legal protections, and reconciliation, rather than opposition, deserves recognition.
Donald Trump has reportedly earned at least $2.2bn in his first year back in office, a figure unprecedented in US presidential history. Historians note this financial gain, particularly from cryptocurrency ventures, blurs lines between public policy and private dealings, contrasting sharply with norms set by previous presidents.
A 1926 silent documentary, also titled 'Moana', by Robert Flaherty, is being recognized as an inspiration for Disney's upcoming live-action remake. Despite being staged and initially a box office flop, the film is credited as the first 'documentary' and offers a glimpse into Polynesian life.
As America nears its 250th anniversary, Thomas Jefferson's contradictory legacy as a slaveholder and author of "all men are created equal" remains a central debate. Historians and sites like Monticello and the University of Virginia grapple with his complex influence on American identity, highlighting his malleability to different political ideologies throughout history.
A reappraisal of Lee "Scratch" Perry's eccentric genius is underway, five years after his death. His unique approach to music production, from the Black Ark studio to unconventional methods, revolutionized reggae and dub, influencing artists worldwide. Books and reissues highlight his lasting impact.
Marie Duggan's $1,200 Delta fee sparked a cross-border bus trip, highlighting widespread US consumer anger over corporate consolidation, limited choices, and rising prices. Despite a strong economy, consumer sentiment is at a low, with calls for new regulations and local action to restore consumer power.
Historians may find Keir Starmer's downfall perplexing: a PM who won a landslide in 2024 but was ousted less than two years later without major scandals. His lack of communication skills, absence of a clear plan, and failure to read the national mood contributed to his demise, offering a cautionary tale for his successors.
David Turner's new book on UK disability history argues that while public attitudes remain poor, disabled people have consistently fought for progress. It highlights figures like Duncan Campbell, May Billinghurst, and Megan du Boisson, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Ghana is hosting a three-day conference in Accra, "Next Steps," bringing together over 80 countries to advance reparatory justice following a UN resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans a grave crime against humanity. The event aims to transform political momentum into concrete institutional commitments.
As the 10th anniversary of Brexit approaches, Britain debates rejoining the EU, focusing on economic benefits and political feasibility. However, the discussion largely ignores the perspectives of other European nations and the EU's own priorities, such as Ukraine and global economic challenges. While some UK politicians advocate for rejoining, the EU has other candidates and a minority who may not welcome Britain back.
Historian Eddie Glaude Jr. expresses deep rage and sadness as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, criticizing the nation's failure to live up to its founding principles and its ongoing racial divisions. He argues America must confront its past and move beyond an adolescent self-image.
Historians are calling out inaccuracies and false claims on President Trump's "Walk of Fame" plaques at the White House, citing distortions about his own achievements and those of past presidents like Reagan and Washington. The plaques allegedly promote partisan narratives and misinformation.
The Trump administration is aggressively intervening in Latin America through military actions, sanctions, and threats, under a redefined Monroe Doctrine, aiming to exert control over the region, with significant actions in Venezuela, Cuba, Ecuador, and Colombia.
On the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, NPR's Henry Larson meets Alex Kershaw, a historian who uses live-tweeting to bring the Normandy invasion to life, making the event feel immediate and personal to millions of followers.
AI is assisting historians in deciphering encrypted historical documents, such as the 400-year-old "Borgia Codex," unlocking hidden information about past diseases, conspiracies, and daily life. Researchers are developing advanced AI tools to automate transcription and decryption, potentially revealing lost historical narratives.
An image of George Washington praying at Valley Forge, based on a 1975 oil painting by Arnold Friberg, has been widely used by the Trump administration and conservative groups, despite historians questioning its historical accuracy, highlighting its symbolic power in associating religion, nation, and military.
Ukrainian historian Marta Havryshko criticized President Zelensky's rejection of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's offer, calling Zelensky a "bloody clown with a Messiah complex" and urging him to open borders and release those in the army.
