The congregation of Immaculate Conception Church gathers each Saturday before Mass, at a church marked by both serenity and great loss. Once thriving, Kaskaskia, the first capital of Illinois, is now largely claimed by nature due to repeated flooding. Located on an island west of the Mississippi, it’s the sole part of Illinois that remains […]
Introduction Understanding the promise of the United States can be gained by examining the clothing worn by individuals as they pursued their dreams. Vanessa Friedman, an expert on the relationship between clothing, identity, power, and politics, explores this connection through conversations with historians and museum curators. The Foundation of Freedom The American experience began with […]
Established in 1750, Middleton Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland, stands as one of the oldest taverns in the United States, continuously serving visitors throughout the country’s history. Arthur Gross, who has served as the chef at Middleton Tavern for half a century, often ponders the tavern’s early days while preparing dishes in the kitchen. In 1776, […]
Archaeologists have uncovered a vast textile production site from the Viking Age in Denmark. This site, dating back over a thousand years, highlights the advanced nature of Viking society. Specialists from the Moesgaard Museum revealed that the expansive 100,000-square-meter site includes a flax processing area and over 80 pit houses. These semisubmerged structures served as […]
Today marks June 22, 2026, the 173rd day of the year with 192 days remaining. This date is notable for several historical events. Iconic Sports Moments In 1986, Argentine soccer star Diego Maradona scored the controversial “Hand of God” goal in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against England. This goal led Argentina to a 2-1 […]
The Empire State Building is one of New York City’s most iconic structures. When it was first designed nearly a hundred years ago, its distinctive spire was intended for a surprising purpose: docking airships. Initially, the spire was conceived as a mooring mast. It was meant for dirigibles to dock high above Manhattan, allowing passengers […]
Chicago’s Rookery Building stands as a crucial link to the birth of the modern skyscraper. Commissioned in 1885, it is the oldest existing high-rise in the U.S. using a steel-frame system. This innovation reshaped urban growth by enabling vertical expansion. During a period of experimentation in construction methods, The Rookery bridged traditional masonry with iron […]
Reflecting on historical events in the Chicago area, June 6 has seen significant moments over the decades. 1944: D-Day Mass at Holy Name Cathedral On June 6, 1944, Chicagoans attended services in various houses of worship, including the Holy Name Cathedral, as Allied forces launched the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied France. The front page of […]
New exhibitions and reopenings bring a vibrant and patriotic mood to the area surrounding the National Mall. Recent efforts are part of the preparation for celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Among the highlights is “American Aspirations,” an exhibit displaying the mahogany desk used by Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration. This […]
Deep Influences from Former President Barack Obama Barack Obama’s presence is evident in the presidential museum on Chicago’s South Side. From its strategic location to the design details like textured stone and striped reading chairs inspired by his home, the museum embodies his legacy. Opens on Juneteenth after a dedication ceremony attended by dignitaries, it […]