The role of first lady has often been seen as ceremonial, rooted in hospitality, social engagement, and the management of White House events. The president’s spouse is expected to host gatherings, welcome dignitaries, and accompany the president at official functions — duties that are social in nature, but still help shape public perception of the presidency and project the values of the nation. The women who have held this position have never been confined to protocol, however. Without a...| History Facts
It’s easy to assume that Baby Ruth candy bars were named for the famed baseball player George Herman “Babe” Ruth Jr. Indeed, even the Great Bambino assumed as much at the time. After all, the nougaty confection debuted in 1921, after the ballplayer became a household name. But according to the official, legal explanation of the moniker, Baby Ruth bars were named after a different Ruth altogether: the daughter of former U.S. President Grover Cleveland. When the confection first hit the m...| History Facts
History has shown that height need not be a prerequisite for being in charge. Here are five world leaders who made a formidable impact in their times, despite being even shorter than France's mighty — and somewhat mislabeled — "Little Colonel." The post 5 Famous Leaders Who Were Shorter Than Napoleon appeared first on History Facts.| History Facts
Since the establishment of the office in 1789, 45 people have served in 47 presidencies. Each president has brought their own brand of political discourse to the role, and historians tend to remember these leaders primarily for their major historical achievements and policy decisions. But behind the presidents’ political legacies lie plenty of lesser-known details we don’t hear about as often, whether it’s a past life as an executioner, a penchant for skinny-dipping, or a fierce disli...| History Facts
Most people know Albert Einstein as the face of genius, but there was much more to this famous figure than his groundbreaking work in physics. The German-born, Nobel Prize-winning scientist was curious, compassionate, and principled, and he thought deeply about what it means to live a purposeful, ethical life. These weren’t just abstract ideas — they were guiding principles that informed much of what he did and spoke about. Here, distilled from the many nuggets of wisdom Einstein shared o...| History Facts
The apparent one-hit wonder of the U.S. Founding Fathers, John Hancock is largely known today solely for inscribing the first and largest signature at the bottom the Declaration of Independence — an act that resulted in his name becoming a synonym for the legally identifying scribbles we apply to checks and other important forms today. It may seem curious that Hancock’s name stands front and center among the signatures on this most cherished document of American history, ahead of far more...| History Facts
Drinking and feasting with the Avignon popes was rarely a dull occasion. From the birth of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to eating only white foods, we explore the (un)holy appetites of the supreme pontiffs in medieval Provence.| SECONDS | Food history
Eugénie Brazier (1895-1977), known as the ‘mother of modern French cooking’, was the first woman to win three Michelin stars and the first chef to earn six stars simultaneously.| SECONDS | Food history
