american history

The Disturbing Story Of Robert Berchtold, The Pedophile Who Kidnapped And Assaulted His Neighbors’ Daughter — Twice

Between 1972 and 1976, Robert Berchtold groomed the Broberg family in order to get closer to their 12-year-old daughter Jan — who he eventually abducted and married.

By Austin Harvey • Sep 26, 2022

The Disturbing Story Of Robert Berchtold, The Pedophile Who Kidnapped And Assaulted His Neighbors’ Daughter — Twice

Between 1972 and 1976, Robert Berchtold groomed the Broberg family in order to get closer to their 12-year-old daughter Jan — who he eventually abducted and married.

By Austin Harvey • September 26, 2022

44 Photos That Show The Brutal Reality Of Mid-Century America’s Polio Epidemics

Polio epidemics plagued America as early as the 1890s, but by far the most destructive outbreak occurred in 1952 — leaving tens of thousands paralyzed, in iron lungs, or dead.

By Austin Harvey • Sep 25, 2022

44 Photos That Show The Brutal Reality Of Mid-Century America’s Polio Epidemics

Polio epidemics plagued America as early as the 1890s, but by far the most destructive outbreak occurred in 1952 — leaving tens of thousands paralyzed, in iron lungs, or dead.

By Austin Harvey • September 25, 2022

Inside The Short And Tumultuous Life Of Gia Carangi, “The World’s First Supermodel”

After moving to New York in 1977, Gia Carangi became one of the most sought-after models in fashion and a fixture of Studio 54 — but her life quickly unraveled.

By William DeLong • Sep 24, 2022

Inside The Short And Tumultuous Life Of Gia Carangi, “The World’s First Supermodel”

After moving to New York in 1977, Gia Carangi became one of the most sought-after models in fashion and a fixture of Studio 54 — but her life quickly unraveled.

By William DeLong • September 24, 2022

How Did Janis Joplin Die? Inside The Final Days Of The Hippie Icon

Janis Joplin died of a suspected overdose at just 27 years old on October 4, 1970 — but some close to her believe something else happened.

By Marco Margaritoff • Sep 24, 2022

How Did Janis Joplin Die? Inside The Final Days Of The Hippie Icon

Janis Joplin died of a suspected overdose at just 27 years old on October 4, 1970 — but some close to her believe something else happened.

By Marco Margaritoff • September 24, 2022

This Week In History News, Sept. 18 – 24

Ancient Ho-Chunk canoe found in Wisconsin, Byzantine mosaic uncovered in Gaza, Bronze Age opium unearthed in Israel.

By All That's Interesting • Sep 23, 2022

News

This Week In History News, Sept. 18 – 24

Ancient Ho-Chunk canoe found in Wisconsin, Byzantine mosaic uncovered in Gaza, Bronze Age opium unearthed in Israel.

By All That's Interesting • September 23, 2022

8 Of The World’s Most Brutal Amusement Park Accidents, From An Uncontrollable Fire To A Stomach-Churning Free Fall

While you're more likely to be struck by lightning than experience an accident at the theme park, these amusement park disasters show what happens when a day of fun turns into a nightmare.

By Austin Harvey • Sep 22, 2022

8 Of The World’s Most Brutal Amusement Park Accidents, From An Uncontrollable Fire To A Stomach-Churning Free Fall

While you're more likely to be struck by lightning than experience an accident at the theme park, these amusement park disasters show what happens when a day of fun turns into a nightmare.

By Austin Harvey • September 22, 2022

Meet Esther Jones, The Black Performer Who Inspired ‘Betty Boop’

A child singer and dancer, Esther Jones inspired Paramount to create the cartoon character Betty Boop in 1930 — but she never received any credit or royalties.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • Sep 22, 2022

Meet Esther Jones, The Black Performer Who Inspired ‘Betty Boop’

A child singer and dancer, Esther Jones inspired Paramount to create the cartoon character Betty Boop in 1930 — but she never received any credit or royalties.

By Bernadette Giacomazzo • September 22, 2022

11 Of The Worst Deaths That Human Beings Have Ever Experienced

From the animal activist who was eaten alive by a bear to the girl who was tortured by her own caregiver, these might be the worst deaths in history.

By Austin Harvey • Sep 21, 2022

11 Of The Worst Deaths That Human Beings Have Ever Experienced

From the animal activist who was eaten alive by a bear to the girl who was tortured by her own caregiver, these might be the worst deaths in history.

By Austin Harvey • September 21, 2022

Inside The Eerie True Stories That Inspired ‘The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow’

Washington Irving's famous tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and its iconic headless horseman were inspired by a mix of real history and spooky folklore.

By Natasha Ishak • Sep 20, 2022

Inside The Eerie True Stories That Inspired ‘The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow’

Washington Irving's famous tale The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and its iconic headless horseman were inspired by a mix of real history and spooky folklore.

By Natasha Ishak • September 20, 2022

How Did Gary Coleman Die? Inside The Demise Of The Groundbreaking Child Actor

Gary Coleman showed great promise in the 1970s and 1980s, but on May 28, 2010, he fell down the stairs in his Utah home and suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage.

By Kristen Winiarski • Sep 19, 2022

How Did Gary Coleman Die? Inside The Demise Of The Groundbreaking Child Actor

Gary Coleman showed great promise in the 1970s and 1980s, but on May 28, 2010, he fell down the stairs in his Utah home and suffered a fatal brain hemorrhage.

By Kristen Winiarski • September 19, 2022