Videos

Natural History Museum paleontology curator Hans Sues discussed “the Bone Wars,” a rivalry between Gilded Age scientists Othniel Marsh and Edward Cope to find new dinosaur fossils. The Smith…

Harvard University science theoretical physicist Avi Loeb argued for the possibility of intelligent life beyond earth and theorized what first contact might look like. This video was provide…

Henry Kissinger was interviewed about his book, Crisis: The Anatomy of Two Major Foreign Policy Crises, published by Simon and Schuster. The book reveals the inner workings of diplomacy at t…

Historian Richard Bell talked about Thomas Paine’s popularity in 1776 after publishing Common Sense and his reputational decline after the American Revolution. This virtual program was hoste…

Megan Kate Nelson looked at the federal debate and passage of the 1872 Yellowstone Act, which established the world’s first national park. This was a virtual program hosted by Smithsonian As…

Historian Winifred Gallagher examined the role that women played in America’s westward expansion. This was a virtual event hosted by Smithsonian Associates.

Scientist and autism activist Temple Grandin described the ways humans think and learn and explained how visual thinkers play an important role in society. The Smithsonian Associates hosted …

Author Steve Kemper discussed the career of U.S. Ambassador Joseph Grew, who was assigned to Tokyo from 1932 to 1942. This virtual event was hosted by the Smithsonian Associates in Washingto…

Trinity Washington University global affairs professor Allen Pietrobon provided a history of the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City that took place in the lead-up to World War II. The Fair i…

George Mason University historian Kevin Matthews explored the British icon’s early years and his role during World War I. This is Part 1 of Professor Matthews' three-part study of Winston Ch…

George Mason University historian Kevin Matthews explored the final years of World War II and the British icon’s legacy after the war. This is Part 3 of Professor Matthews' three-art study o…

George Mason University historian Kevin Matthews explored the British icon’s rise to Prime Minister and the early years of World War II. This is Part 2 of Professor Matthews' three-part stud…

Georgetown University visiting professor Balbina Hwang provided a history of the Korean War and the separation of North and South Korea that has existed since 1953. This was a virtual event …

In his new book, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer cautioned against attempts to reform the high court. He was in conversation with CNN legal analyst Joan Biskupic. Smithsonian Associates…

Historian Dan Albert talked about his book, Are We There Yet?: The American Automobile Past, Present, and Driverless, in which he chronicles the history of U.S. autos and argues against driv…

Former Navy fighter pilot Dan Pedersen, the first officer in charge and co-founder of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School, discussed his book Top Gun: An American Story. In his illustrated …

Historian H.W. Brands profiled Aaron Burr, the former vice president to Thomas Jefferson. Aaron Burr is most remembered for killing former Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton in a duel on …

Vince Houghton talked about attempts by the U.S. government to overthrow or assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro. He spoke about the Bay of Pigs invasion as well as lesser-known plans invol…

University of Maryland History Professor Richard Bell talked about the Declaration of Independence, its origins, purpose, and global significance during and after the American Revolution. Th…

Lindsey Fitzharris talked about her book, The Butchering Art, about surgery in the 19th century and the medical advances of British doctor Joseph Lister, who asserted that germs were connect…