Fear the Beard!

Here at Pieces of History, we've been watching the World Series just for the beard. Brian Wilson's beard, that is. Who can keep track of RBIs or batting averages when there is a pitcher who has earned himself the nickname "the Intimidator" by growing a full beard and then dyeing it? When Ken Burns (who is … Continue reading Fear the Beard!

Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Debra Steidel Wall had her work cut out for her to pick this week's winning caption, but ultimately the prize goes to Rebecca for cheering up a somber photo with some Walt Disney charm. The original caption reads: "Woman with … Continue reading Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

The curious case of Robert Lincoln

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. On the night Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, his son Robert Lincoln was supposed to attend American Cousin with his parents but was exhausted from a long carriage ride. He remained at home. When Robert heard the news of his father's … Continue reading The curious case of Robert Lincoln

The hills are alive with the sound of Oprah

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti D'Oprah? In case you haven't heard the news, the yodeling von Trapp family will be making an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show this Friday to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Sound … Continue reading The hills are alive with the sound of Oprah

Better know a blog

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. The National Archives keeps biggering and biggering on the Internet. Almost two years ago we sent out our first tweet, and just six months later we posted our first YouTube video. Since then we've expanded our online presence to suit … Continue reading Better know a blog

FHF: The Beard Gap

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. In the history of Presidential elections, there has never been a battle of the beards. Beards have challenged mustaches. Mustaches have challenged clean-shaven candidates. Clean-shaven candidates have challenged beards. But never in the history of our republic, have two bearded … Continue reading FHF: The Beard Gap

Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. These doughboys' morale could use a lift, Bryan, because the original caption reads "three 5,000 cubic feet Nurse Balloons in Hangar. Fort Sill, Oklahoma, May 1, 1918." So far as we can tell there are two balloons, not three in … Continue reading Thursday’s Photo Caption Contest

Before Playboy, there was Flossie

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. Sixteen-year-old boys loved her. Parents of 16-year-old boys did not. Yes, long before Hugh Hefner donned his trademark smoking jacket, before Larry Flynt shocked a nation with Hustler, there was Miss Flossie Lee. In the 1890s, the Augusta, Maine, entrepreneur ran … Continue reading Before Playboy, there was Flossie

Wine, for all your expeditionary needs

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. It's been called the nectar of the gods, but it may soon be called the nectar of Starbucks. The giant coffee chain is now selling wine (and beer) in a few test stores in Seattle in an attempt to expand … Continue reading Wine, for all your expeditionary needs

Seward’s time-traveling folly

Today's post comes from National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications staff writer Rob Crotty. One hundred forty three years ago today, the people of Alaska went to bed under the Russian flag, and awoke under the Stars and Stripes. They also woke up eleven days in the future. The purchase of Alaska was not … Continue reading Seward’s time-traveling folly