Investigations
Map
The History Detectives have traveled the length and breadth of the country, delving into family legends, local folklore and stories behind potentially extraordinary objects in everyday American homes, cities and small towns.
Browse the investigations on the map and see what we've revealed in your area.
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Investigations
Andrew Jackson's Mouth
How was this wood fragment connected to one of the most celebrated political protests of the 19th century?
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Techniques
Genealogy
Learn how to successfully investigate your family history.
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Investigations
Charlie Parker's Saxophone
Could this be jazz legend Charlie "Bird" Parker's saxophone?
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Investigations
China Marine Jacket
Can the symbols on this jacket identify a marine who may have witnessed paradise tumbling into disaster?
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Investigations
Nazi Spy Toys
Did a Nazi spy buy these toy soldiers?
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Investigations
Mystery Crystal Cross
Where did this mysterious religious relic discovered in an old Spanish mission originally come from?
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Techniques
Appraising
Getting a valuation using an independent source or expert opinion.
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Investigations
Great Mexican War Posters
Is this an advertisement for a film made by an eyewitness to the Mexican Revolution?
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Techniques
Historical Research - Checklist
Printable checklist to use when doing historical research.
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Techniques
Ballistics
Collecting clues and evidence from bullets and firearms.
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Techniques
Case File: WWII
Find out how this historian researched a relative.
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Techniques
Paper Analysis
Learn how to analyze paper to determine its age and origin.
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Techniques
Case File: Soldiers In Skirts
How to use military records to help you learn about your family.
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Investigations
Face Jug
What does this ceramic face reveal about the Middle Passage and a captive people’s search for identity?
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Investigations
Lincoln Forgery
Could this piece of sheet music have come from Abraham Lincoln's private collection?
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Techniques
Historical Research
It's your turn to be a History Detective.
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Techniques
Genealogy - Checklist
A printable 'To Do' list to use when using genealogy.
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Investigations
Mankato Spoon
What does this delicate silver spoon have to do with the largest mass execution in American history?
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Investigations
Cemetery Alarm
Was this explosive device used to stop a morbid black market trade?
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Investigations
Pebble in the Sand
Is this rock found on a beach a link to an ancient civilization or just another pebble in the sand?
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Techniques
Stones And Minerals - Checklist
Printable checklist to use when studying stones and minerals.
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Techniques
Genealogy - Glossary
A list of useful words to know when using genealogy.
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Techniques
Archives
Learn how to successfully use archives for your research.
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Techniques
Case File: Detecting Daguerreotypes
Learn more about daguerreotypes.
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Investigations
Hot Town Poster
What role did this striking poster play in the explosive events of 1960s America?
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Investigations
Jim Thorpe Ticket
Is this ticket evidence of a chapter of Thorpe's career forgotten by history: as a professional basketball player?
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Investigations
Scottsboro Boys Stamp
Did a penny stamp help save the Scottsboro Boys from the electric chair?
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Investigations
Bonnie & Clyde's Bullets
Are these the bullets that ended one of the most infamous crime-sprees in American history?
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Techniques
Textile Analysis
How to find out more about a textile's origins.
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Investigations
Mark Twain's Watch
Was this watch a gift from noted author American author Mark Twain?
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Investigations
Early Monopoly
Could this be the earliest version of the world's best-selling board game?
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Investigations
Mexican Currency
What role did this money play in the Mexican Revolution?
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Techniques
Military Research
Using military records in your research.
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Techniques
Gun Timeline
A timeline of firearm history.
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Techniques
Analyzing Art
Taking a closer look at works of art.
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Techniques
Tracking People
Learn how to research a person using public records.