history

Chris Kraft, the first NASA flight director, chronicles the creation of NASA from an inside perspective, describing the major launches of the 1960s and beyond, as well as the personalities behind them.

Traces the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, providing information on its origins in a small New York town in 1830, early leaders, rites, traditions, and present international stature.

Chronicles the history of the American presidency, looking at how the job of chief executive has changed over the years, and draws from the collections of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to explore the material culture, duties, responsibilities, rituals, representations, and personal effects of the presidents.

Presents primary documents that show how American author John Knowles' 1959 novel, "A Separate Peace, " both reflects the world of young people between 1942 and 1945 and relates to issues of the 1990s.

Discusses the death of pioneering blood researcher Dr. Charles Drew who was killed in an automobile accident in 1950, looking at the legends that sprang up within hours of his death alleging that he was denied proper treatment because he was African-American.

Provides an overview of castles and fortifications in countries around the world, looking at how the structures varied from region to region, and discussing how they were used, and in some cases destroyed in warfare.

Explains how English chemist William Perkin accidentally discovered a way to mass-produce color in a factory in 1856, and discusses how his discovery of the color mauve changed the fashion industry.

Tells the story of how Jack Kilby and Robert Noyce hit upon the discovery that led to the development of the silicon microchip which revolutionized the global information industry.