A Lovely History of Love Customs
Before flowers, chocolates, and paper cards, here’s how people through history showed off their love.
Holidays
Christmas: It’s a Literary Tradition
Some of the best Christmasy things are Christmas stories, like “A Christmas Carol,” “The Gift of the Magi,” and “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Here are their origin stories.
Thanks, Canada, for All the Great Stuff
You probably didn’t know that many things we all use everyday were invented up in Canada. Here are some important Canadian inventions.
History’s Myth-Stories: The American Revolution
Dispelling myths and filling in the whole story on some of the best-known facts and stories surrounding the American Revolution.
When Canadian Institutions Are American Obscurities
For Canada Day, here’s a look at some beloved Canadian things that are virtually unknown down in the United States.
How to Celebrate Summerween
Summerween is upon us. What’s Summerween? All the fun of Halloween, without all the cold and dead leaves.
Mayday! It’s May Day!
Here are the origins of “May Day” – as a spring celebration, a holiday honoring workers, and as a distress signal.
You’re Going to Love This Love Words Quiz
There are many ways to say “I love you” in all of its different forms — here’s a quiz about some of history’s most forgotten terms of endearment.
The How and Why of Inauguration Day Traditions
Here are the origins of the most storied events and traditions that happen every Inauguration Day.
Welcome to Life in 2025
Here’s what’s definitely (okay, probably not really) going to happen in 2025, according to some psychics and sci-fi movies.
The Shortest Things That Ever Existed
It’s the shortest day of the year, so we won’t take up too much of your time with this brief list of the shortest things to ever exist.
An Uncle John’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” Christmas
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ tells a great story — and the tale of how it got made is just as good. Merry Christmas Charlie Brown, from Uncle John!
Grab a Plate: We’ve Got Plenty of Holiday Food Origin Stories
As we gather to celebrate the holidays with particular and important treats, let’s explore the origins of those Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa favorites.
The Truth About Black Friday
Ready to shop ‘till you drop? Before you do, get a handle on the history of Black Friday.
The Origin of Veterans Day
This Veterans Day, let’s look at how and why we set aside November 11 each year.
A Few Creepy Items That Just Might Be Haunted
Uncle John braved the haunted corners of the BRI for these spooktacular, Halloween-worthy stories about possible possessed possessions.
Never Was a Cloudy Day: The History of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September”
It’s the 21st night of September, so ba-dee-ya, let’s groove to this look into Earth, Wind & Fire’s glorious “September.”
5 Notable Hispanic-American Inventors to Celebrate This Hispanic Heritage Month
By Brian Boone September 15 to October 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a way to honor and elevate the contributions of U.S. citizens and residents with a Hispanic or Latin American background. Here then are some Hispanic and Latine inventors and scientists who changed the world with their creations and developments. ALEJANDRO ZAFFARONI […]
