American Essence

Boston Freedom Trail: Following the ‘Red-Brick’ Road
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Boston Freedom Trail: Following the ‘Red-Brick’ Road

The educational stroll through one of America’s oldest cities allows visitors to relive history at sites that led to the nation’s independence.

Cedar Hill: Frederick Douglass’s Last Home
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Cedar Hill: Frederick Douglass’s Last Home

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit the home where the great abolitionist spent the last season of his life.

Crafts That Make America: A Year-Long, Nationwide Celebration
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Crafts That Make America: A Year-Long, Nationwide Celebration

Craft in America’s ‘Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026’ showcases craftsmanship across the nation for its 250th anniversary.

How a Miner’s Wire Rope Transformed American Transportation
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How a Miner’s Wire Rope Transformed American Transportation

In ‘This Week in History,’ a father and son immigrated to California for the Gold Rush, and the son remained to build a national treasure.

‘They Are Shooting Us All to Pieces’
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‘They Are Shooting Us All to Pieces’

In this installment of ‘When Character Counted,’ we meet the James–Younger gang, the town, and a heroic bank official who stopped their robberies and murders.

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Beyond Democrat and Republican: America’s Real Political Parties

Beyond Democrat and Republican: America’s Real Political Parties

A recent study suggests that Americans have many underlying values in common.

Boston Freedom Trail: Following the ‘Red-Brick’ Road

Boston Freedom Trail: Following the ‘Red-Brick’ Road

The educational stroll through one of America’s oldest cities allows visitors to relive history at sites that led to the nation’s independence.

Altering Nature: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Short Story ‘The Birthmark’

Altering Nature: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Short Story ‘The Birthmark’

In this short story, a scientist deals with what he deems to be an aberration on his wife’s beauty.

Cedar Hill: Frederick Douglass’s Last Home

Cedar Hill: Frederick Douglass’s Last Home

In this installment of ‘Larger Than Life: Architecture Through the Ages,’ we visit the home where the great abolitionist spent the last season of his life.

Crafts That Make America: A Year-Long, Nationwide Celebration

Crafts That Make America: A Year-Long, Nationwide Celebration

Craft in America’s ‘Handwork: Celebrating American Craft 2026’ showcases craftsmanship across the nation for its 250th anniversary.

How a Miner’s Wire Rope Transformed American Transportation

How a Miner’s Wire Rope Transformed American Transportation

In ‘This Week in History,’ a father and son immigrated to California for the Gold Rush, and the son remained to build a national treasure.

‘They Are Shooting Us All to Pieces’

‘They Are Shooting Us All to Pieces’

In this installment of ‘When Character Counted,’ we meet the James–Younger gang, the town, and a heroic bank official who stopped their robberies and murders.

Gian Carlo Menotti: He Gave Us American Opera

Gian Carlo Menotti: He Gave Us American Opera

In this installment of ‘The Art of Beautiful Music,’ we discover an Italian-born composer who brought traditional opera styles to America.

An Unbroken Line: Four Generations of American Classical Realism

An Unbroken Line: Four Generations of American Classical Realism

Since 1949, Maryhill Museum has devoted sustained attention to the classical art movement, showcasing the works of R.H. Ives Gammell and his circle.

Makapuʻu Lighthouse: Cliffside Marvel

Makapuʻu Lighthouse: Cliffside Marvel

In this installment of ‘History Off the Beaten Path,’ a historic lighthouse built on a steep bluff is at the end of a paved trail on the island of Oahu.