U.S. History
La Purisima Mission
The history of La Purisima Mission in Lompoc, California, is a cautionary tale about the consequences of environmental damage, epidemics and racial inequality.
The Real Cost of COVID
Exit polls showed that many voters saw boosting the economy and controlling the pandemic as competing goals, but experts say they need to happen in tandem.
Election Perspective
On a day that included both voting and getting tested for COVID-19, we look to the past for perspective on elections.
Renovating a Western Landmark
The Salt Lake Temple and Temple Square, among America's most popular tourist destinations, are undergoing a major renovation.
The History of Race in America
The racial history of the United States belongs to us all, with the responsibility to resolve the accompanying outstanding problems.
The Racism of Confederate Statues
The racist past associated with the Confederacy and Confederate monuments has a complex history.
Getting A Vaccine against Racism
A mother of non-white children compares her fears for her children because of COVID-19 and her fears for them because of racism.
Lighthouse, Tide Pools and Seals
Yaquina Head, Ore., has one of the Pacific Coast’s premier tide pool observation sites, a lighthouse and seal and seabird colonies.
New Orleans - Exuberant Hybrid
New Orleans's hybrid culture is the result of its 300 years as the gateway to trading networks of the Mississippi River.
Utah’s Rock Stars
Utah's spectacular scenery harbors one of the world's most complete and diverse dinosaur fossil records.
Wolf in Ship’s Clothing
The picturesque town of Bristol, Rhode Island, once was a slave port and home of the nation's leading slave traders, the DeWolfs.
Mountain Men and the Fur Trade
The colorful annual mountain men rendezvous at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, commemorates the 19th century global fur trade.
Patriotic New York City
New York City, America's great atypical metropolis, taught me what America means. Here are my favorite patriotic sites in the city.
The River That Keeps on Giving
The mammoth Colorado River is the lifeblood of the southwest United States, supplying water and power for cities and agriculture.
Memorial to Once-Forgotten People
A moving monument and burial ground in Manhattan comemorates enslaved people who once made up more than a third of New York City.
Enchanted Land, Part 1
A search for ancestral roots in southern France leads to a legendary land with a walled medieval town and tales of a magic sword.
Illuminated Manuscripts
Illuminated medieval manuscripts preserved culture and religious beliefs and set a foundation for book design and art styles.
What does it mean to be Hispanic?
What does it mean to be Latino or Hispanic in the United States? This blog explores the ambiguous origins of these two terms.
Barbecue Santa Maria Style
Santa Maria's scrumptious grilling is California's premier barbecue style.
The Land of Junipero Serra
Junipero Serra's "sainthood" is controversial, but the extent of his cultural impact on California is indisputable.
