The article explores the Ottoman-era tradition of building ornate bird palaces integrated into architecture, highlighting their cultural significance, artistic craftsmanship, and practical purpose in supporting urban birdlife, especially in Istanbul, while noting their decline due to modernization.
The White House is undergoing its largest renovation since the 1940s, with President Trump demolishing the East Wing to build a $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom, sparking controversy over historical preservation and differing from past presidential modifications.
Researchers at Western University in Canada have developed a novel imaging technique using synchrotron light to retrieve images from badly tarnished 19th century daguerreotypes, a form of early photography. The process involves using narrow beams of X-ray radiation to reveal hidden details in corroded images, bringing to light portraits and historical artifacts that seemed lost forever. The technique has potential implications for scholars studying history and could also be applied to study other historic artifacts or fossils with severe surface deterioration, as well as for scientists studying corrosion on materials.
The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior, Wisconsin, and the nonprofit World War II historical preservation group Pacific Wrecks are teaming up to search for the wreckage of World War II ace Richard Bong's plane, which crashed in the South Pacific in 1944. Bong, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircraft, flew a Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane named "Marge." The search, led by Pacific Wrecks founder Justin Taylan, aims to find conclusive evidence of the plane's identity and will cost about $63,000.
The National Park Service has reversed its decision to remove a statue of William Penn from a Philadelphia park commemorating the founding of Pennsylvania, following a wave of criticism and more than 2,600 public comments. The initial proposal, part of a park rehabilitation plan, faced backlash from both Republican and Democratic officials. The park service has closed the public comment period and plans to engage in a new public process to consider options for refurbishing the park as the nation prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Television producer Shonda Rhimes is partnering with the Emmett Till Interpretive Center to preserve the story of Emmett Till, a Black teenager who was brutally murdered in 1955. Rhimes plans to memorialize significant sites related to Till's murder, including the barn where he was killed. Inspired by an article, Rhimes aims to ensure that Till's story is never forgotten and that his family remains the victor in this historical narrative. The project also involves the Mellon Foundation, which is assisting with site preservation and bringing the story together.
A father and his 6-year-old daughter, who were fishing on Lake Michigan, stumbled upon the never-before-seen wreck of a ship that sunk in 1871. The shipwreck, believed to be the barkentine George L. Newman, was discovered off Wisconsin's Green Island. The vessel had been abandoned and largely forgotten until the pair spotted it. The father is now planning to continue fishing in hopes of finding more shipwrecks. The Wisconsin Historical Society will survey the wreck in the spring for possible listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to include contemporary stained-glass windows in the rebuilt Notre Dame cathedral has sparked criticism from some who argue it could disrupt the historical atmosphere. Macron, however, believes that the addition of modern elements represents the current century and symbolizes France's ability to rebuild. The project will reproduce the spire identically but will feature contemporary designs in some of the cathedral's windows. The Archbishop of Paris supports a more progressive approach to the restoration, while critics argue that it may distort the overall harmony of the iconic landmark.
After a devastating wildfire in Lahaina, Maui, Native Hawaiians are pushing for the honoring of their history and culture in the town's rebuilding efforts. The fire not only claimed lives but also destroyed significant historical artifacts, including family genealogies, old land records, and entire museums. Native Hawaiians fear that Lahaina will be transformed into a tourist hub like Waikiki and are demanding that their place in the town's history be prioritized. Archaeologists are eager to recover salvaged artifacts, but authorities have not yet allowed access to the town. The Smithsonian Institution is providing support for artifact recovery and preservation. The fire has sparked a renewed push to restore Moku'ula, a royal headquarters buried beneath a baseball field, and calls for the return of a statue taken from the site by a German researcher. Native Hawaiians hope that the fire can serve as a catalyst to elevate their history and culture in Lahaina's rebuilding process.
A time capsule discovered at West Point Military Academy, initially thought to contain only silt, has yielded hidden treasure in the form of six silver American coins dating from 1795 to 1828 and a commemorative medal. The coins were found in the sediment of the box, which was opened during a disappointing livestream event. The discovery confirms the theory that the time capsule was left by cadets in 1828 or 1829, and further analysis will be conducted to learn more about the academy's history and the country's history.
Archeologists in Germany have discovered a well-preserved bronze sword believed to date back to the end of the 14th century B.C. during excavations in Noerdlingen. The sword has a bronze octagonal hilt and was found in a grave with three people buried in quick succession with bronze objects. The state of preservation is extraordinary, and the find is considered very rare.
NewsChannel 12 investigates the discovery of coffins in the Neuse River, raising concerns about environmental impact and historical preservation. The investigation is ongoing.