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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Techniques
Patent Analysis
Find out the origin and detail surrounding an invention or innovation.
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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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Techniques
Very Old Objects
How to discover fascinating history, from very old objects.
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Techniques
Case File: Mystery Moran
How to know if unwanted 'junk' is a hidden treasure.
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Investigations
Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot
Did the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln begin in this New York City building?
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Investigations
WWII Diary
Does this diary hold the key to understanding the fate of a missing bomber pilot from World War II?
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Techniques
Gun Timeline
A timeline of firearm history.
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Investigations
Civil War Sabotage?
The steamship Sultana exploded one night in 1865, killing more than 1,800 people. Was the disaster a result of Civil War sabotage?
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Techniques
Analyzing Art
Taking a closer look at works of art.
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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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Investigations
Railroad Station
Is a disused depot the first railroad station in Texas?
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Techniques
Military History - WWII
Learn how to research a WWII veteran’s military record.
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Investigations
Liberty Bell Pin
Was one of America’s most iconic symbols melted down into a mere memento?
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Techniques
Preservation
Learn how to preserve papers, books, photographs and textiles.
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Techniques
Archives - Checklist
A printable 'To Do' list to use when using archives.
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Investigations
Cesar Chavez Banner
What role did this banner play in one of the most famous civil rights campaigns in U.S. history?
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Techniques
Stones And Minerals - Checklist
Printable checklist to use when studying stones and minerals.
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Investigations
Star Spangled Banner
Is this the first official copy of the national anthem?
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Investigations
Liberia Letter
Does this letter help to trace one freed man’s dream to return to Africa?
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Investigations
War Dog letter
The military put great effort into a new War Dogs program during WWII. What went wrong on Cat Island?
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Investigations
Highlander Badge
Could an amateur treasure diver really have found a possible Revolutionary War artifact?
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Investigations
General Lee's Farewell Address
Could this be a signed copy of one of the most famous documents in the history of the Civil War?
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Techniques
Very Old Objects - Checklist
Printable checklist to use when examining very old objects.
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Techniques
Genealogy
Learn how to successfully investigate your family history.
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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
Tiffany Window
What can this watercolor reveal about the unexpected world of one of America’s great artists?
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Techniques
Weapon Dating
Determining the age of a weapon.
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Investigations
Bob Dylan Guitar
Is this the guitar Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965?
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Techniques
Case File: Hidden Meanings
Finding out more about the author of a diary.
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Investigations
Jackie Robinson Scorecard
What does this scorecard reveal about the desegregation of our national pastime?
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Techniques
Case File: My Indiana Home
Finding out more about your home.
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Investigations
Revolutionary War Poem
How did this poem, written by an American prisoner in England in 1780 end up in Oregon 200 years later?
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Investigations
NC-4: First Across The Atlantic
Is this piece of fabric a remnant from the first transatlantic flight?
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Investigations
Bonus Army Stamp
Is this stamp connected to a moment when the U.S. Army fought fellow soldiers in the nation’s capital?
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Techniques
Paper Analysis
Learn how to analyze paper to determine its age and origin.
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Techniques
Appraisal Glossary
A List of useful words and phrases for Appraising.