History

Lincoln prioritized democracy over his political future. A new biography explains why
Presidential historian Jon Meacham speaks with NPR about his new biography, ”And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle.” It examines Lincoln's actions as well as motivations.
Emmett Till is known for his death. A new film about his mother also honors his life
In 1955, a 14-year-old Black boy was lynched in Mississippi. Till tells the story of Mamie Till-Mobley, whose insistence on an open-casket funeral helped ignite the civil rights movement.
Whaleback barge lost for 120 years discovered in depths of Lake Superior
A Great Lakes vessel built in the Twin Ports and lost more than a century ago has been found at a depth of more than 600 feet in Lake Superior. Barge 129, of the unique, curved "whaleback" design, sank on Oct. 13, 1902 — exactly 120 years ago.
Egypt calls for the return of the Rosetta Stone and other ancient artifacts
People calling for the repatriation of the ancient tablet and other items say the continued display of the objects in European institutions ignores a history of colonialist looting and exploitation.
Which Indigenous lands are you on? This map will show you
Native Land Digital, a Canadian nonprofit, offers resources for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to learn more about the land and its history. It hopes its map will be just a part of that journey.
New London woman wants name change for Sibley State Park
Former naturalist Kelsey Olson doesn’t believe Minnesota’s first governor and military leader during the U.S.-Dakota War deserves to be the public park’s namesake.
Repatriation goes digital: Tribes receive archival copies of cultural materials
The recent return of thousands of items related to tribal life in what is now North Dakota used a new approach to the idea of repatriation. Advocates of digital repatriation say it’s a way to get the material to a larger audience.
Fire causes damage — again — at one of the oldest buildings in Minneapolis
Minneapolis firefighters responded around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday to the John H. Stevens House in Minnehaha Regional Park, which reportedly was the first wood frame house on the west bank of the Mississippi River in what was to become Minneapolis.
Remembering Lynn Stauss — a heroic leader through unimaginable disaster
The former mayor of East Grand Forks, Lynn Stauss, died this week. On April 19, 1997, Strauss led the city through historic flooding and a fire. Current East Grand Forks mayor Steve Gander talked with Cathy Wurzer about Stauss and his legacy.