history on history

Reel-to-reel vintage tape recorders
Remember vintage reel-to-reel tape recorders?

Reel-to-reel tape recorders hit the commercial market in the 1940s — and their evolution was boosted by the financial support of none other than Bing Crosby, who saw great potential in the technology.

The history of golf balls
Fore! The history of golf balls

What’s the history of golf balls? The first ones were made of leather of untanned bull’s hide – but golf balls have changed a lot over the years. Here’s a look!

Three men on horseback racing c1885
And they’re off! Look back at the history of the Kentucky Derby

How did the Kentucky Derby get started? Now, the famous Louisville horse race is the first part of the American Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, but when it started, people didn’t know how important and iconic the Derby would eventually become. Here’s a look back at its history.

1853 Occupational portrait of a woman working at a sewing machine
Who invented the sewing machine?

Who invented the sewing machine? That really depends on how much progress has to be made for something to be considered ‘invented.’ Find out more!

Looking back at the history of Chicago (1977)

It is hard to believe that only two centuries ago, Chicago was a lonely marshland of trees and tall grass, a place with an abundance of wild onions, from which the Iroquois gave it its name, Chicagou.

Antique 4th of July postcard c1900s
How Americans celebrated July 4th long ago

How was Independence Day celebrated in the past? It varied a lot over the decades, but early on, there was cannon fire, great communal feasts in the village green, and all kinds of noisemakers and thundering sounds.