Blog | Obscure Histories

3 days ago11 min read

The Bixby Letter: Saving Private Ryan and the origin of the Lincoln letter

A controversial letter said to be written by Abraham Lincoln to a widow who had lost sons in the Civil War is central to Saving Private Ryan

James Wong Howe: Hollywood Cinematographer

Dana Rovang

Dec 118 min read

Cultural History

James Wong Howe: Hollywood Cinematographer

Of Chinese descent, James Wong Howe pioneered cinematic techniques and was nominated for 16 Academy Awards, winning twice for cinematography

Dana Rovang

Nov 277 min read

Asia

Champi: The ancient Indian practice

This ancient Indian practice is thousands of years old. The history of hair oiling goes beyond the current beauty trend.

Mary Anning: Early English paleontologist defied the odds

Dana Rovang

Nov 139 min read

Modern (1800 CE to Present)

Mary Anning: Early English paleontologist defied the odds

Mary Anning help to found the early science of paleontology, defying the odds and creating a remarkable legacy of firsts.

Dana Rovang

Oct 307 min read

Central America

The Lady of Cofitachequi

De Soto's legacy is one of plunder. Using primary sources about the "Lady of Cofitachequi," learn about the plunder of NA indigenous peoples

Putnam Lodge: Historic Hotel in Old Florida

Dana Rovang

Oct 166 min read

Cultural History

Putnam Lodge: Historic Hotel in Old Florida

The Putnam Lodge in Cross City, Florida has a long and historic past. A microhistory about a local treasure.

How the Allies Duped the Nazis for D-Day with Operation Fortitude

Dana Rovang

Oct 26 min read

Modern (1800 CE to Present)

How the Allies Duped the Nazis for D-Day with Operation Fortitude

Operation Fortitude was a multi-pronged Allied operation that successfully misdirected the Axis powers in WWII in the run-up to D-Day.

Dolores del Rio: Mexican Hollywood Pioneer and Philanthropist

Dana Rovang

Sep 187 min read

Central America

Dolores del Rio: Mexican Hollywood Pioneer and Philanthropist

The "female Valentino" successfully navigated Hollywood and the transition from the silent screen to modern movies.

Singing, Stars, and Quilts: The Secret Code Signals of the Underground Railroad

Dana Rovang

Sep 49 min read

Black History

Singing, Stars, and Quilts: The Secret Code Signals of the Underground Railroad

Those involved in the Underground Railroad had to use carefully coded signals to get enslaved people to freedom.

Mary Kay & Johnny: Early Sitcom Pioneers

Dana Rovang

Aug 2112 min read

Cultural History

Mary Kay & Johnny: Early Sitcom Pioneers

Mary Kay & Johnny broke all the social norms on TV and pioneered the domestic situation comedy.

Noncombatant Service: Conscientious Objectors’ Fight for Mental Health Reform during WWII

Dana Rovang

Jun 287 min read

History of Medicine

Noncombatant Service: Conscientious Objectors’ Fight for Mental Health Reform during WWII

During WWII, many Conscientious Objectors worked to reform mental health care institutions, with lasting results.

Key West: How Ernest Hemingway and Julius F. Stone, Jr. Shaped a Resort Town

Dana Rovang

Jun 56 min read

Cultural History

Key West: How Ernest Hemingway and Julius F. Stone, Jr. Shaped a Resort Town

Many know Key West as a resort town, but it wasn’t always this way.

Dana Rovang

May 86 min read

Africa

The Globalization of Shea Butter

Read the history of how this seed native to Western Africa has taken over the beauty world.

Ancient Gems: A Historical Survey of African Beauty Techniques

Dana Rovang

Feb 136 min read

Africa

Ancient Gems: A Historical Survey of African Beauty Techniques

The history of many African beauty products.

Dana Rovang

Jan 306 min read

Cultural History

The Woman's Bible

Along with a group of women reviewers, Elizabeth Cady Stanton sought to reposition women in conversations about Christianity. By Jenna...

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OBSCURE

HISTORIES

BRINGING HISTORY TO LIGHT

BRINGING HISTORY TO LIGHT
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