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OBSCURE
HISTORIES
BRINGING HISTORY TO LIGHT
Dana Rovang
- Oct 7, 2022
- 8 min
James Tilly Matthews: Bedlam patient and catalyst for "Madhouse" reform
The history of James Tilly Matthews and the reform of Bedlam Asylum.
202
Dana Rovang
- Feb 3, 2022
- 8 min
Phillis Wheatley: A Black and enslaved poet who helped shape Revolutionary America
Phillis Wheatley (1753-1784), was a Black and enslaved poet who lived in the American Colonies during the Revolutionary War. Through her...
1,370
Michael Gott
- Nov 22, 2021
- 4 min
NIELS STENSEN: MEDICI PHYSICIAN AND FATHER OF MODERN GEOLOGY
Used Shark Teeth to Argue for Sedimentation in Rock Creation Niels Stensen (or, Nicolas Steno, 1638-1686) was a Danish anatomist who...
55
Herbert Wignall
- Nov 22, 2021
- 3 min
Hiram Bingham IV: US Diplomat who Saved Thousands in WWII
Hiram “Harry” Bingham IV (1903-1988) saved thousands of Jews and other "enemies" of Germany during the early years of WWII by using...
36
Dana Rovang
- Nov 22, 2021
- 2 min
George Méliès: Film Effects Pioneer and Conjuror
In the fall of 1896, early filmmaker and performance magician, Georges Méliès, was making a short movie on a Paris street. He developed a...
101
Dana Rovang
- Nov 22, 2021
- 2 min
Dr. Gustavus Katterfelto and his "Live Insects"
In 1781-82, an influenza pandemic swept through Europe. A scientific lecturer and magician, Gustavus Katterfelto, had recently arrived to...
38
Herbert Wignall
- Jun 10, 2015
- 4 min
The Mary Rose
A CAUTIONARY TALE: The Story Behind the Stamp In April 1509, Henry VIII became king. He was just 17. With a foresight perhaps belying...
20
Brendan Wolfe
- Mar 13, 2015
- 3 min
LITTLE ICE AGE
Climate Change was Important Even at Jamestown The Little Ice Age is what scientists call a period that lasted from about 1300 to 1750....
45
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