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Articles Recently Featured from Our Archives
How We Exposed the Secret Pentagon Papers | Summer 2021, Vol 65, No 5
The New York Times reporter who spent months in hiding analyzing the Pentagon Papers remembers how they broke the story.
“Let’s Go,” Said Mrs. Graham. “Let’s Publish” | Summer 2021, Vol 65, No 5
After we published the Papers at the Washington Post, the Supreme Court decision in our favor has underpinned American freedom of the press.
“Catcher in the Rye” on D-Day | June 2021, Vol 66, No 4
J.D. Salinger carried a draft of his later-to-be-famous novel with him when he landed on the beach at Normandy.
Kamikazes Shock the Allies | Summer 2021, Vol 65, No 5
The “Divine Wind” began in October 1944 as the Japanese defended against MacArthur’s assault on the Philippines. The Americans who witnessed these first attacks were horrified and shaken, but it was only the beginning.
Revenge of the Nevada | June 2021, Vol 66, No 4
The recent discovery of the hull of the battleship Nevada recalls her dramatic action at Pearl Harbor and ultimate revenge on D-Day as the first ship to fire on the Nazis.
Herndon Climb Honors Heroism During Tragedy | June 2021, Vol 66, No 4
In an annual ritual, Naval Academy plebes must work together to climb a greased obelisk that honors the captain of the SS Central America.
Chief Seattle Speaks to the Ages | Spring 2021, Vol 66, No 3
A century and a half after his death, the Native American leader's vision of finding peace and prosperity in a divided country is more compelling than ever.
They Persisted for Suffrage | Winter 2022, Vol 67, No 1
The long, embattled history of women’s suffrage that began with the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention continues to this day.
B.B. Was King of the Blues | Spring 2021, Vol 66, No 3
A longtime expert on Blues music recounts what it was like to work with an artist who defies definition.
"Freedom is a Constant Struggle" | Spring 2021, Vol 66, No 3
The enduring legacy of the Civil Rights Movement lies not in soundbites from its most charismatic leaders, but in the impact it had on the lives of ordinary people.
James Monroe: The Last Founder | Spring 2021, Vol 66, No 3
The 5th president's policies helped create an “Era of Good Feelings,” a prosperous time never seen before or since in American history.
Ford's Pardon of Nixon | February/March 2021, Vol 66, No 2
Though he defended his decision as being in the nation's best interest, Ford's pardon of his predecessor may have contributed to his short-lived presidency.
A Special Issue on Presidential Misdeeds | February/March 2021, Vol 66, No 2
Here is probably the most wide-ranging look at Presidential misbehavior ever published in a magazine.
Fierce debate among early political factions led to many allegations of misdeeds and abuse of power in Washington's administration, but there was no serious misconduct.
Christmas Dinner at Mount Vernon | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
Roast pig, boiled rockfish, and apple pie were among the dishes George and Martha enjoyed during the holiday in 1797. Here are some actual recipes.
Tecumseh and The Prophet at Tippecanoe | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
While his brother Tecumseh was assembling the greatest Indian confederation the U.S. would ever confront, the “Prophet” launched a fateful preemptive attack in Indiana Territory.
Was the Presidential Election Stolen? | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
There was widespread fraud, especially in the swing state of Florida. We are talking, of course, about 1876.
Humboldt in America | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
When the leading European naturalist visited America and met with Thomas Jefferson, it had a profound impact on the young nation.
Dred Scott: the Supreme Court's Worst Decision | Winter 2021, Vol 66, No 1
Chief Justice Roger Taney made his contribution to the ideology of white supremacy when he asserted that blacks were a people apart, beyond the promise of the Declaration and the guarantees of the Constitution.
Thanksgiving Dinner During The Revolution | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
A menu for a 1779 New England Thanksgiving included dishes from turkey and venison to pumpkin pie.
The ”Holy Grail” of Broadcast Journalism | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Historic microphone used by Edward Murrow for London broadcasts to be loaned to the National Press Club
"This Is London": Murrow During the Blitz | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Edward R. Murrow’s radio broadcasts from London, aired live while Nazi bombs fell around him, are classics of journalism – and literature.
The Enigma of Jimmy Carter | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Critics saw him as weak, but in his one term in office Carter had significant achievements in foreign affairs and environmental and energy policy.
Upon Starved Rock | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
Now a popular state park, the unassuming geological feature along the Illinois River has served as the site of centuries of human habitation and discovery.
The O'Learys and the Great Chicago Fire | November 2020, Vol 65, No 7
People who know nothing else about Chicago’s Great Conflagration have heard of Mrs. O’Leary and her famous cow. But the disaster's real origins are more complicated.
Lincoln and Presidential Character | October 2020, Vol 65, No 6
Abraham Lincoln learned much of what made him a great president — honesty, sincerity, toughness, and humility — from his early reading and from studying the lives of Washington and Franklin.
The Words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg | October 2020, Vol 65, No 6
Her philosophy was embodied in the words engraved over the entrance to the Supreme Court: "Equal Justice Under Law"
Heartbreak at Heart Mountain | October 2020, Vol 65, No 6
The thousands of Japanese-Americans interned in Wyoming during World War II maintained their dignity and community spirit.
Truman Serenades Bacall | November/December 2021, Vol 66, No 7
Harry Truman's wife Bess was not amused when she saw the photo of her husband playing the piano while Lauren Bacall's legs dangled in front.
British Ships Lost in 1780 Hurricanes | September 2020, Vol 65, No 5
Research by American Heritage found that the Royal Navy lost 24 warships sunk or heavily damaged in October 1780, which must have affected Britain's ability to fight in the months before the surrender at Yorktown.