History Articles

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History of the Poinsettia

Where does the poinsettia come from? Where was this traditional Christmas plant discovered? Are...
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When Is St. Nicholas Day?

Was Saint Nicholas a real person? Actually, he was! Find out about the history of St. Nicholas (and...
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Independence Day 2019: The Fourth of July

What is Independence Day (U.S.)? Why do we celebrate this all-important American holiday? Learn the...
Groundhog Day: Will the Groundhog See His Shadow?

Groundhog Day 2019

Did the groundhog see his shadow this year? What is the meaning of Groundhog Day—and why do we...
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Grandparents Day 2019

Grandparents Day is always celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. Take the time to honor...
Ethnic Breads for Christmas, New Years, Easter, and More

Ethnic Bread Recipes for the Holidays

Certain holidays are accompanied by traditional ethnic recipes, many of which are for baking bread...
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Quarter Days and Cross-Quarter Days

From Midsummer Day to Michaelmas (September 29), learn about the Quarter Days and how they...
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History of American Cosmetics

The history of cosmetics is a fascinating one, as standards of beauty have changed significantly...
left hand

Left-Hander's Day: August 13

August 13 is Left-Handers Day! If you or the lefties in your life feel excluded, forgotten, or even...
Old Calendar

How Did the Months Get Their Names?

How did the months of the year get their names? The names reflect a mix of gods and goddesses,...
Collins Cave Rescue

Trapped for Life: America’s Most Famous Cave Rescue

We’ve been riveted by the cave rescue in Thailand and watching as 12 boys were successfully rescued...
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DIY Face and Hair Masks: Nourishment From the Kitchen!

For centuries, people have been using fruits, vegetables and other natural products to nourish...
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Old-Fashioned Views on How Appearance Determined Personality

Judging by this document published in Brookfield, Massachusetts in 1816, a bushy eyebrow shows you...
Father's Day History

The History of Father's Day

Though Father’s Day wasn’t made a national holiday until 1972, the efforts of one woman in...
Flag Day June 14

Flag Day: Celebration of the American Flag

Flag Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the history and symbolism of the American flag. Learn...
Remembering the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake-HD Chadwick, Wikimedia Commons

Remembering the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake

 At 5:12 A.M. on Wednesday, April 18, 1906, an earthquake woke up residents of San Francisco and...
American Barn

The Evolution of the American Barn

Who doesn’t enjoy catching sight of an American barn when they drive down the road? Discover the...
Walking Down the Aisle

Why Are Wedding Dresses White?

Why are wedding dresses white? What are the meanings behind wedding dress colors? Learn about the...
Pancakes with Raspberries

Best Homemade Pancake Recipes

Some of the best homemade pancake recipes are also the simplest. One easy buttermilk pancake recipe...
Fireworks

New Year Traditions From Around the World

Many New Year traditions that we take for granted actually date back to ancient times. This year,...
Christmas Firsts

Christmas Firsts: Christmas Traditions in America

When were the first Christmas card, Christmas tree, and department store Santa Claus in America?...
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Sarah Josepha Hale: Godmother of Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! While you are being grateful for your food, friends, and family, take a little...
Mark Twain

Interesting Facts About Mark Twain

November 30 is the birthday of Mark Twain, born in 1835. Here are 10 curious facts about his life...
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Victorian Era Etiquette and Manners

There were countless rules of social manners and etiquette during the Victorian Era, though they...
Almanacs in America

The Almanac in America

In all my years of experience in publishing The Old Farmer’s Almanac, holding one up before a...
Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the Almanac, and a Murder Trial

Abraham Lincoln, born on February 12 in 1809, pursued a legal career before turning to a political...
225 Timeline Promo Image

Timeline of The Old Farmer's Almanac—and America!

People often ask how and why this Almanac has lasted. Here’s the answer in an interactive timeline...
The Process of Pickling

History of Pickling and Pickling Spices

If you love pickles, you will be as intrigued as to learn about the history of pickling and...
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Origin of Day Names

The days of the week were named by the Romans with the Latin words for the Sun, the Moon, and the...
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The History of Shaving and Beards

Methods of shaving have changed significantly throughout history, and perceptions of facial hair...
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Sourdough Starters and Recipes

The early pioneers used yeast batters to make their distinctive sourdough, and the “tang” of their...
History of Switchel

A History of Switchel

Switchel, or haymaker’s punch, is an old-fashioned summer drink that carries great history. This...
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Summer Heat Wave of 1936

Eighty years ago as of July 2016, a blistering heat wave hit the eastern seaboard. We may complain...
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How Not to Rob a Bank

With tongue in cheek, we present here six easy rules to follow when robbing a bank, along with...
History of ice cream-Thinkstock

The History of Ice Cream

The history of ice cream is a messy one. Many nations claim to have invented it, just as various...
Hair

Homemade Hair Treatments, Lotions, and Nail Care

All-natural homemade treatments can help you not to break the bank, especially with these easy and...
garlic-history-of-healing-benefits

Garlic's History of Healing

You might know garlic simply as your favorite fall crop, but it also has a long history of healing...
Gold Trophy

Weird, Wacky, and Wicked Fun Contests

We searched for some of the most obscure contests held throughout North America. Bored at a family...
Why the Week has Seven Days

Why the Week Has Seven Days

No more logic supports seven days than, say eight or five, yet the seven-day week has resisted any...
Charleston Earthquake

Famous Earthquakes in History

Alaska's “Good Friday” Earthquake At 10:36 p.m., March 27, 1964 one hour and ten minutes after...