History

September 26, 2022

Nikola Tesla Made an X-Ray of His Own Foot With a Machine He Designed in 1896

Inventor Nikola Tesla is famous for his work with electricity and radio. Holding over 300 patents, the Serbian-American inventor was prolific, but not all of his experiments were successful or widely known. For instance, most people don't associate Tesla with the x-ray, but he began experimenting with the technology in 1894. Tesla started playing with radiation energy toward the end of the 19th century when he noticed damaged film from previous experiments.

Read Article

August 26, 2022

Mattel Creates Barbie Doll to Honor Madam C.J. Walker, the First Self-Made Woman Millionaire

Madam C.J. Walker was a pioneer in many ways. She was America’s first documented self-made woman millionaire, cultivated the industry of modern Black haircare and cosmetics, and created the role of the 20th-century businesswoman. So, it's only fitting that Mattel added Walker to their Inspiring Women series alongside others like Ella Fitzgerald, Helen Keller, and Jane Goodall. Walker was born in 1867 as Sarah Breedlove on the plantation where her parents were formerly enslaved.

Read Article

July 10, 2022

8 Facts About Emily Dickinson, the Enigmatic 19th-Century American Poet

Unlike novels where a story unfolds over the course of hundreds of pages, poets communicate themes and feelings within just a few lines. One of the most beloved masters of this craft is the 19th-century writer Emily Dickinson. Her unique style of writing used unconventional punctuation and structure that was extremely modern for the time. Despite being one of the most famous poets in American literature, not much is known about her private life.

Read Article

July 2, 2022

Scientists Successfully Sequence the DNA of Man From the Pompeii Eruption for the First Time

In 79 CE, thousands of lives instantly changed when the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the town of Pompeii under 23 feet of ash and debris. Over 2,000 people perished in the disaster, many inside their homes. Now, for the first time, researchers have been able to fully sequence the DNA of one victim. Thanks to their work, we have even more insight into the people who called Pompeii their home.

Read Article

My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.