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
Mouse Toy
Could this tiny toy labeled 'Micky' be the original Mickey Mouse?
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Techniques
Case File: Hidden Meanings
Finding out more about the author of a diary.
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Investigations
Black Tom Shell
Is this shell from a devastating act of foreign sabotage on American soil?
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Techniques
Case File: Mystery Moran
How to know if unwanted 'junk' is a hidden treasure.
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Investigations
Geronimo Photograph
Is this photo really an image of the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo?
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Investigations
Hindenburg Artifact
Was this device snatched from the burning wreckage of the ill-fated zeppelin?
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Investigations
United Empire Loyalist
What can this family tree reveal about Americans who fought for the British in the Revolutionary War?
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Investigations
King Kong Camera
Was this old movie camera used to film the original version of King Kong?
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Techniques
Geological Analysis
Learn how to identify probable age and origin of ceramic, stone and tile objects
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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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Techniques
Do's And Don'ts
Your definitive list of do's and don'ts when carrying out historical research.
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Techniques
Timber Dating
Using ring sequences or radiocarbon dating.
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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
Patent Analysis
Find out the origin and detail surrounding an invention or innovation.
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Investigations
Civil War Bridge
Has a new discovery rewritten Civil War history?
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Investigations
Railroad Station
Is a disused depot the first railroad station in Texas?
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Investigations
Fiery Cross
What is the story behind this record?
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Techniques
Printed Items
Learn how to analyze printed documents.
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Investigations
Cast Iron Eagle
Did this 12-foot-high eagle once grace the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan?
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Techniques
Photographs
Learn how to analyze your photographs.
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Techniques
Historical Research
It's your turn to be a History Detective.
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Investigations
Korean War Letter
What does this letter reveal about a forgotten act of heroism during the final days of the Korean War?
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Investigations
Jefferson Pledge
Did the transformation of the nation's public education system begin with this $200 pledge?
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Techniques
Appraisal Glossary
A List of useful words and phrases for Appraising.
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Techniques
Census Information
How to use census records in your investigation.
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Investigations
Manhattan Project Letter
Did this letter help persuade President Harry S. Truman to change policy in the post war era?
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Techniques
Case File: 20 Questions
Read this case file to help get your investigation started.
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Techniques
African-American Genealogy
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Techniques
Case File: Detecting Daguerreotypes
Learn more about daguerreotypes.
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Investigations
Chinese Opium Scale
Could this really be an opium scale from the Chinese community of Montana?
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Techniques
Genealogy
Learn how to successfully investigate your family history.
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Investigations
Civil War Soldier Photo
Is this the photo of a Civil War soldier actually a woman in disguise?
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Investigations
Airstream Caravan
Was this mobile home part of a modern-day wagon train halfway across the world?
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Techniques
Building Background - Checklist
A printable 'To Do' list to use when investigating buildings
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Techniques
Weapon Dating
Determining the age of a weapon.
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Techniques
Property Search
How to carry out a property search.