george washington

This simple pose became an instant shorthand for leaders to signify their power and authority. – Photo credit: By Till Niermann/Wikimedia Commons & Jacques-Louis David/Wikimedia Commons

Art, Joy

The real reason famous men in old portraits always raised their right hands, but never their left

Evan Porter

1/7/2026
Pictured here: Anita Omary; her son, Osman; and Omary’s close friends – Photo credit: Array

In Partnership With Levi Strauss Foundation →

Family, Modern Families, Motherhood

Once a refugee seeking safety in the U.S., Anita Omary is using what she learned to help others thrive.

Sarah Watts

2/11/2026
Why do men in famous portraits all have one hand in their coat? – Photo credit: Jacques-Louis David/Wikimedia Commons & John Jabez Edwin Mayall/Wikimedia Commons

Art, Culture, Joy, Pop Culture, Popular

Historians explain why men in old-timey portraits always had one hand in their vest or coat

Evan Porter

12/19/2025
Nate Bargatze and Kenan Thompson star in SNL's follow-up to "Washington's Dream." – Photo credit: via SNL/YouTube

Pop Culture, Popular, Television

SNL’s latest ‘Washington’s Dream’ sketch hilariously skewers the quirks in American English

Tod Perry

10/7/2024
More

Muslims have contributed to America since its founding. Here’s how.

Sarah Harvard

7/4/2018
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5 quotes from presidential farewell speeches show the power of a strong good-bye.

Parker Molloy

1/3/2017