American History Story Briefs

America - still a young country by world standards - began as an experiment in self-government. This collection includes stories of America's people as they follow a path of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

Despite her obvious intelligence, Dorothy Height faced racial discrimination during her youth. Barnard College refused to accept her, but Height was ...

Charlie Ford is a member of Jesse James' gang, but he is enticed by a large reward to double-cross his friend.

Americans fighting in World War I were called doughboys.

During the summer of 1964, known as "Freedom Summer," college students try to help African-Americans register to vote for the upcoming federal electio...

Interesting facts about MLK to ponder on MLK Day...such as why his father changed his name. While visiting Memphis, Tennessee - on the 4th of April, 1...

Dr. Richard Feynman was always known for speaking his mind. When his work led him to a conclusion which seemed at odds with the conclusions (or desire...

In 1951, the American government, in consultation with the National Education Association, created a film instructing young school children what to do...

Life in Pie Town, New Mexico—during the Depression-era time when the Caudills and others met photographer Russell Lee—meant living with di...

Colored photos depicting the plight of people in the Great Depression are rare. See a grouping including this dugout home and its adjacent garden (loc...

Because of his difficult childhood circumstances, Edgar Allan Poe was often alone during his youth. He wrote a poem, called "Alone," where he reflects...

Richmond, Virginia was an important town for Edgar Allan Poe.

Known for the musical word rhythms which he created, Poe is often-called one of America's greatest poets.

Show tooltips