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A glass armonica from the 18th century.
science

The Glass Armonica: The Strange History of the Instrument Benjamin Franklin Invented

Invented by one of America’s Founding Fathers, this musical instrument became the center of a medical malpractice scandal.
The Podcast Team August 26, 2025
Kyoto, Japan

Nishiki Tenmangū Shrine

A 1000-year-old shrine in Kyoto with a poorly planned sacred arch.
The <em>Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam</em> bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe 1909-11
astronomy

The Bejewled ‘Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam’ at the Bottom of the Ocean

This luxurious edition of the Persian poetry collection went down with the Titanic in 1912.
The Podcast Team August 7, 2025
Lake Havasu’s London Bridge
voodoo

Who Moved London Bridge to Arizona?

London Bridge was falling down, so the city put it up for auction.
The Podcast Team August 6, 2025
Ankara, Turkey

Güvenlik Anıtı (Security Monument)

A monument completed by a Third Reich sculptor in 1935 in Ankara's central park encourages Turks to "be proud, work hard, and have trust."
Inside the Rothko Chapel
architecture

These Monuments Showcase the Beauty of Brutalism

Simplicity can be powerful in the right architect’s hands.
The Podcast Team July 26, 2025
Museum founder Paul Stewart often traveled to local classrooms, like this Denver elementary school, to share the stories of Colorado’s Black Cowboys.
museums

The Black American West Museum Celebrates the Black Cowboy

After being told Black cowboys didn’t exist, Paul Stewart set out to prove they did—and found enough evidence to fill a museum.
The Podcast Team July 22, 2025
Annapolis, Maryland

The Maryland Inn

One of America's oldest continuously operating hotels offers a blend of rich history and historic architecture in the heart of Annapolis.
Omni Parker House Hotel
charles dickens

The Omni Parker House: Inside the History of Boston’s Most Iconic Hotel

Charles Dickens once stayed here on a reading tour for ‘A Christmas Carol.’
The Podcast Team July 17, 2025
Jeremy Bentham's Auto-Icon in its new location in 2020
mummies

The Jeremy Bentham Auto-Icon: Why This Legendary Philosopher Put His Own Body on Display

You can visit the father of utilitarianism anytime you like. But will it make you happy?
The Podcast Team July 3, 2025
Panaji, India

The 'Old Secretariat'

Panaji’s oldest surviving building, which was once a palace and viceroy residence, now houses the Goa State Museum.
Edward Payson Weston
sports

How the 6-Day Race Became an American Spectator Obsession

In the 1860s and ’70s, people would gather, listen to live music, eat delicious food, and ... watch people walk in circles?
The Podcast Team June 30, 2025
Manhattan Well
murder

The Manhattan Well: How Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton United to Solve a Murder Mystery

In 1800, Elma Sands was found murdered at the bottom of the Manhattan Well. What followed was America’s first recorded trial.
The Podcast Team June 27, 2025
The Horn & Hardart Automat was a staple of urban dining in midcentury New York City.
food

All Hail the Slop Bowl, Lunch of Our Ancestors

Mesopotamian laborers and Victorian office clerks alike would line up around the block for Sweetgreen if they could.
Allegra Rosenberg June 23, 2025
travel writing

What I Found Driving Through Appalachia

Appalachia beckons travelers with bluegrass, ancient landscapes, and a deep-rooted tradition of storytelling.
Mason Adams June 20, 2025
She’ll get you and your little dog too.
witchcraft

Dear Atlas: Where Can I Explore Witch History Without the Kitsch?

Here’s how to experience witch tourism that isn’t all pointy hats.
Sarah Durn June 17, 2025
Wortley built the wooden backpack she used while retracing Alexandra David-Néel's journey from a chair she found on the street in London.
exploration

How Elise Wortley Climbed Mont Blanc in 1830s Women’s Attire

Donning heavy wool skirts and hobnail boots, this intrepid explorer retraces the steps of legendary women adventurers.
The Podcast Team June 16, 2025
Dug-out Dan poses for a picture.
new england

The Curious History of New England’s Hermit Tourism

From Revolutionary War-era recluses to 1920s roadside attractions, meet the solitary figures who turned isolation into a destination.
Ryan Shea June 13, 2025