Jessica Pearce Rotondi Archives

8 Defining Moments in the History of the Chocolate Chip Cookie

Americans consume 7 billion chocolate chip cookies annually—and not just top seller Chips Ahoy! and its numerous packaged cookie competitors. Chocolate chip cookies also represent nearly half of all homemade cookies baked in the U.S. The comforting treat got its start during the Great Depression, when “cookies were a way of maintaining some normalcy while […]

How Coffee Fueled US Troops During World War II

Coffee increased energy and alertness on the battlefield, improved morale and was even used by medics to help prevent shock.

8 Facts About the John F. Kennedy Assassination

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963. Here are facts about the assassination, perpetrator, investigations…and conspiracy theories surrounding the event.

The History of the Bra: From Corsets to Spandex

While bras shape women’s bodies, the development of bras has been shaped by world events.

Why Did Maria Callas Lose Her Voice?

Callas became the most celebrated operatic soprano of the 20th century, but then her career—and life—were cut short.

How Dith Pran’s Remarkable Survival Story Exposed Cambodia’s Killing Fields

Dith Pran was a Cambodian photojournalist (and later, a U.S. citizen), who survived and then exposed atrocities under the Khmer Rouge.

8 Ciphers That Shaped History

These secret codes enabled secure communication—at least until others found ways to crack them.

8 Infamous Royal Scandals

These royal scandals drew public fascination and scrutiny, compromising the mystique of monarchies across Europe.

How Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio Became the Ultimate Power Couple

While Monroe and DiMaggio’s marriage was brief and tumultuous, the world became captivated with the ultimate pairing of sports and cinema royalty.

The French Diplomat Who Lived as Both a Man and a Woman

The Chevalier d’Éon (1728‑1810) served as a French soldier, diplomat and spy—while living both as ‘Charles’ and ‘Charlotte.’

The Dark Origins of the Paris Catacombs

Learn how sinkholes and poor sanitation led to the creation of the Paris Catacombs in the late 18th century.

Are Freemason Symbols Hiding in Plain Sight?

Freemasons coopted multiple historical symbols—but are they really secretly embedded in objects and places around the world?