History

On Saturday, Marx's 200th birthday brought about 1,000 people to see his tomb and speak about his communist philosophy.

World News

As Karl Marx Turns 200, Visitors Pay Respect — And A Fee — At Disputed Tomb Site

10:22pm May 05, 2018

by Daniella Cheslow

The grave of history's leading anti-capitalist requires visitors to hand over some capital. As many Marxists challenge the fee, the trust backing the site insists the funds help maintain the cemetery.

'The Jazz Ambassadors': Cold War Diplomacy And Civil Rights In Conflict

6:11pm May 05, 2018

A new PBS film documents the African-American musicians who spread good will for the U.S. overseas during the war, despite discrimination faced at home. Michel Martin talks to filmmaker Hugo Berkeley.

A slice of cake from the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton will be sold by Julien's Auctions in June. Pieces of four other royal wedding cakes also will be auctioned off.

Slice Of History: Pieces Of British Royal Wedding Cakes Up For Auction

3:43pm May 04, 2018

by Sasha Ingber

A California-based auction house is selling the old confections on June 23. One piece, from the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, is expected to fetch up to $1,200.

My Great-Grandfather Narrowly Escaped A Lynch Mob — He Was 11 Years Old

3:29pm May 04, 2018

by Mat Johnson

The horror of lynchings has always been a part of my ancestral memory. But knowing the real story of my own family's brush with lynching? It made it real.

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As New Lynching Memorial Opens, A Look Back On America's History Of Racial Terrorism

3:29pm May 04, 2018

by Terry Gross

We listen back to interviews with historian Philip Dray, author of At the Hands of Persons Unknown, and James Allen, who collected postcard "souvenirs" of lynchings for Without Sanctuary.

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Japan's first lady Akie Abe, left, and first lady Melania Trump, right, arrive for a news conference at Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club on April 18 in Palm Beach, Fla. Mrs. Trump is set to announce some new initiatives next week.

Melania Trump's Policy Priorities To Focus On The 'Many Issues' Facing Children

2:53pm May 03, 2018

by Sarah McCammon

First lady Melania Trump has kept a relatively low profile, but she'll take a traditional step next week when she unveils a suite of policy initiatives focused on children.

Politics & Government

Cokie Roberts On The History Of The EPA

5:01am May 03, 2018

Commentator Cokie Roberts talks with David Greene and answers listener questions about the history of the Environmental Protection Agency.

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'Soul Of America' Makes Sense Of Nation's Present By Examining Its Past

2:37pm May 02, 2018

by Dave Davies

Presidential historian Jon Meacham says looking back at times when the nation was divided by partisan fury and racial strife can help shed light on "the politics of the moment."

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On Wednesday, the U.S. will return 3,800 ancient artifacts to Iraq. This July 2016 photo shows a tablet from southern Iraq which used by a child learning to write more than 3,600 years ago.

World News

Hobby Lobby's Smuggled Artifacts Will Be Returned To Iraq

11:16pm May 01, 2018

by Sasha Ingber

Antiquities were shipped from dealers to the Oklahoma-based chain of arts and crafts stores. But on Wednesday, federal authorities will give the ancient objects back to Iraq.

Books

Has The Partisan Divide Ever Been This Bad? Author Jon Meacham Says, 'Yes'

9:17am May 01, 2018

Steve Inskeep talks to Jon Meacham, who's new book, The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels, is an attempt to understand the present by looking back at critical times in U.S. history.

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