Cricket History

A fascinating look at archeological finds in Scotland, South Africa, and Malta that offer clues about ancient civilizations.

Do you ever wish that you didn't have to go to school? Not if you had been born during the Industrial revolution.

Dueling once was used as a way to settle disputes or to defend honor. Some are more well-known than others—explore three of them here!

Colette writes to her cousin, Philip, in the United States about the development of the Statue of Liberty.

King Olaf of Sweden and King Olaf of Norway let the dice decide the new ruler of Hising Island.

Learn about the origin of some common family last names. Many names started with a skill or craft the person was known for and it stuck!

An overview of how French Colonies have retained French traits. This article covers France's legacy in Cambodia, Canada, Laos, Morocco, and Vietnam.

Wanda Wheel presents the captivating history of wheels, and their influence on civilization.

Many popular modern board games were invented in the United States. But some of our favorite games came from other countries and have deep historic roots.

Two Frenchmen set out to change the world with a revolutionary idea of collecting all the world's knowledge.

What is a space archaeologist? After decades of leaving behind old pieces of equipment orbiting in space, scientists want to clean it up. An archaeologist determines what is important to save for the history of human space exploration. Learn about new efforts to identify and even retrieve old space equipment! How should scientists determine what should be preserved or what is junk?

Thomas Edison first developed direct current for New York City, but was challenged by Nikola Tesla, who believed his alternating current was a better solution.

The Elements of Cricket is a cricket book unlike any other published before, an extraordinary, eccentric guide and charming visual representation of the game, from the weather and wood that make it possible to the achievements of its greatest and most famous players. The book is divided into the three parts that make up the fundamental elements of cricket: bat, ball and field. Their harmony produces cricket’s unique environment; their centuries’ long conflict provides its innovation, adaptability and vast psychological hinterland.

Did you know that in the late nineteenth century, the United States military used bikes to travel from one place to another? They were a new invention and a quicker way to travel than walking. Lieutenant James Moss and twenty soldiers tested the durability of bikes by traveling through six states from the West to the Midwest to prove its usability in the military.

Did you know there were several women and girls who worked as spies during the Civil War? Thanks to the voluminous hoop skirts and petticoats they wore, their clothing made it very easy to hide messages and smuggle them to the soldiers. Take a look at some of the women who served as Civil War spies!

In a planned conspiracy to burn down major buildings in New York City during the Civil War, eight men of the Confederacy committed acts of terrorism. They attempted to destroy the city and claim it for the South by building a "Greek fire," which is stronger than regular fire because it is caused by chemical reactions.

Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were supporters of a strong federal government and participated in the Constitutional Convention. Together with John Jay, they wrote The Federalist Papers, one of many activities that led to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Learn more about the Alexander Hamilton and the “Father of the Constitution," James Madison.

Injured by a cannonball, James Edward Hanger was the first amputee of the Civil War. Determined to find a better solution than a peg leg, he worked to develop his own artificial limb company. He even continued working past retirement, providing Hanger Limbs for victims of World War I.

In 1953, Boy Scouts aboard a passenger train in New Zealand face death when a bridge over a river is washed out. This true story depicts the Tangiwai disaster and how one boy’s quick thinking helps to save friends and passengers. The tragedy resulted in early warning systems on Mount Rauapehu to alert travelers to potential danger.

Do you know who Benjamin Franklin is? You might know him as the scientist who discovered electricity by tying a key to a kite during a storm! Did you know he was a founding father of the United States? He made many efforts to the Revolutionary War and the construction of the United States government. Learn about all the political contributions he made that helped create the United States!