History

George Washington's warning to future generations
Some warnings from President George Washington's "Farewell Address," about the forces that could destroy our democracy. In September 1796, as he became a private citizen, he worried about hyper-partisanship, excessive debt and entanglements in foreign wars.
Recipe for success at Al's Breakfast included pancakes and good humor
Al's Breakfast in Dinkytown has been in operation since 1950. After over three decades of consistent success, MPR reporter Dan Olson adventured into the crowded diner in 1986 to see what all the fuss was about.
Aspen Ideas Festival: The legacy of James Madison
"Constitution Day," marks the anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. James Madison is considered the "father of the Constitution," and Harvard Law professor Noah Feldman spoke about Madison's legacy at the 2017 Aspen Ideas Festival.
When Garrison Keillor taught his son how to stretch $3 at the 1974 fair
These days, $3 in quarters won't get you far at the Minnesota State Fair. But in 1974, a young Jason Keillor was able to spend six hours of fun and still have a few coins left.
Aspen Ideas Festival: When colorblindness renders me invisible to you
Former NPR host Michele Norris moderated a discussion about race, inequality and the future of democracy at this summer's Aspen Ideas Festival. Is opportunity and social mobility still possible in America?
Aspen Ideas Festival: Are the founding fathers overrated?
David Rubenstein asks, and tries to answer, the question, "Are the Founding Fathers overrated?" He says they were talented and courageous people, who deserve all the credit they get for putting the country together and creating a durable constitution... but they could not figure out a way to deal with America's biggest original defect: slavery.
Truth, Politics and Power: A North Korea update
The U.S. and South Korea this week commenced computer-simulated military drills designed to prepare for a possible war with a nuclear-capable North Korea. Former NPR host Neal Conan explores the diplomatic and military situation with a former negotiator, a former high level Pentagon official and a historian.