Issue


Featured Articles

Reconsidering Jimmy Carter

Author: Kai Bird

Often thought to have been a weak president, Carter was strong-willed in doing what he thought was right, regardless of expediency or the political fallout.

Bank Failures: As American as Apple Pie

Author: John Steele Gordon

Why have thousands of U.S. banks failed over the years? The answers are in our history and politics.

The Daring Escape of Frederick Douglass

Author: Linda Hirshman

As he later recounted in his memoirs, Frederick Douglass endured daily beatings and forced labor before taking his chances on the road to freedom.

How the Cherry Blossoms Came to Washington

Author: Edwin S. Grosvenor

Rarely has the full story been told about how a famed botanist, a pioneering female journalist, and First Lady Helen Taft battled reluctant bureaucrats to bring Japanese cherry trees to Washington. 

The Oldest Marine Recruit

Author: Shane Manson

Paul Douglas was 50 years old when he left a career in politics to join the Marines at the outset of World War II, earning Purple Hearts at Peleliu and Okinawa.

Marilyn Monroe Gets Down to Business

Author: Holley Snaith

The world’s most prominent actress risked her career by standing up to one of Hollywood’s mega-studios, proving that behind the beauty was also a very savvy businesswoman. 

We Must Do A Better Job Teaching Civics

Author: Richard Haass

Our classrooms are failing to pass down the essentials of what it means to be an American, a citizen of the United States.

The Cathedral of Baseball

Author: Bruce Watson

One hundred years ago this month, the “House That Ruth Built” became the first true baseball stadium.

Marching With King in Selma

Author: Bob Yuhnke

A college student in the march from Selma to Montgomery recalls the struggle for democracy in Alabama in 1965.

How We Saw the Vietnam War

Author: Edwin S. Grosvenor

American Heritage has published many important essays on the history of the Vietnam War.