The Goddess Who Moves Like the Waves

Afro-Cuban deity Yemayá dances like the tide in Santeria ceremonies, but replicating her movements for commercial purposes has invited critique.

Mar 10, 2017 | 400 words, about 2 minutes

The Origins of Ghana’s Iconic Black Star Line

The focal point of the African nation’s flag was inspired by the name of its first shipping line.

Feb 3, 2017 | 400 words, about 2 minutes

Claiming a Slice of Ice with the Help of Some Stamps

Sixty years ago, a humble post office helped New Zealand stake a claim in Antarctica.

Jan 9, 2017 | 650 words, about 3 minutes

Santa Claus Is Coming to Port

Before he was seasonal, he was seagoing.

Dec 22, 2016 | 550 words, about 2 minutes

The Unexpected Discovery of Anaphylaxis

How the sting of the Portuguese man-of-war led to one of the most significant medical advances rooted in oceanographic work.

Oct 31, 2016 | 700 words, about 3 minutes

Stars, Stripes, and Palm Trees

How the humble postage stamp played a part in the Americanization of Hawai‘i.

Aug 15, 2016 | 700 words, about 3 minutes

Racism and the Race to the North Pole

Once overlooked by white Americans, African American Arctic explorer Matthew Henson made an unforgettable impression on the Greenlandic Inuit.

Jun 30, 2016 | 800 words, about 4 minutes

Maggoty Meat Makes Mariners Mutiny

Rancid rations rile Russians: revolutionary rehearsal results.

May 30, 2016 | 600 words, about 3 minutes