The Real Story Behind the Star-Spangled Banner, the Flag That Inspired the National Anthem
How the flag that flew proudly over Fort McHenry in September 1814 made its way to the Smithsonian
The Worldwide History of Tattoos
Ancient ink exhibited religious faith, relieved pain, protected wearers and indicated class
The Thrilling Tale of How Robert Smalls Seized a Confederate Ship and Sailed it to Freedom
He risked his life to liberate his family and became a legend in the process
Elizabeth Van Lew: An Unlikely Union Spy
A member of the Richmond elite, one woman defied convention and the Confederacy and fed secrets to the Union during the Civil War
On the Job: Zoo Veterinarian
Suzan Murray talks about making house calls at the nation’s zoo
Ponder the Pyramids of Giza
The ongoing debate about how the pyramids were built is a testament to the brilliance of its makers
Turning the Tide
Our oceans are in trouble, says Nancy Knowlton. But it's not too late to do something about it
On the Case
Kathy Reichs, the forensic expert who helped inspire the TV show "Bones," talks about homicides, DNA and her latest novel
FOR HIRE: Fine Art Appraiser
Former Sotheby's paintings appraiser Nan Chisholm evaluates her work
WANTED: The Limping Lady
The intriguing and unexpected true story of America's most heroic—and most dangerous—female spy
Today's Tattoos
Making your mark
Diamonds Unearthed
Smithsonian diamond expert Jeffrey Post discusses conflict diamonds, colored diamonds and synthetic gems grown in the lab
Diamonds Unearthed
In the final installment of this three-part series, diamond expert Jeffrey Post discusses the histories behind the Smithsonian collection
Diamonds Unearthed
In the first installment of a multi-part series, Smithsonian diamond expert Jeffrey Post explains how the rare crystals form
The Spirit of George Washington
After two centuries, Mount Vernon's whiskey distillery returns
Discovering George Washington
Little-known facts about the nation's first president
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