Ben Phelan
About Ben Phelan
Articles by this Author
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So, Whose Pistol Is This?
In the early 20th century, this Merwin-Hulbert revolver was evidence in a Wisconsin murder trial. Now, the judge's grandson owns it. Find out why.
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"Dancing for Eels" Explained
The story behind this intriguing 19th-century folk art oil painting of African Americans literally dancing for eels.
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Oh, the Places They'll Go
How to spot a true Dr. Seuss when there are umpteen fakes in the way. Check out these tips and be on your way!
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Fascinating Fasteners: Civil War Belt Buckles
Is it real, fake, or just a reproduction? Get a grip on collecting these fascinating fasteners.
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Rare Portraits Survive Museum Blaze (In a Way)
How a 19th-century bureaucrat's bungling plan to get rich preserved hundreds of Indian portraits whose originals were lost to fire.
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Dard Hunter's "Old Papermaking"
In ANTIQUES ROADSHOW's Junk in the Trunk 3, Francis Wahlgren appraises a 1923 first edition of 'Old Papermaking,' by Dard Hunter — the first completely handmade book about making books by hand.
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What Was the Manhattan Project?
In 1942, with the outcome of World War II still uncertain, the U.S. government began building Oak Ridge, Tennessee, an entire city that was to serve as the venue for a vast effort to enrich uranium as fuel for a new, atomic bomb it was developing in complete secrecy.
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Explainer: What Was the Triangular Trade?
Historically, the triangular trade among Europe, West Africa and the New World ran on the backs of millions of enslaved people.
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Explainer: The Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Trial
At varying times Charles Lindbergh was a national hero — for his daring solo transatlantic flight; and an object of public disgrace — due to his Nazi sympathies. But in 1932 the Lindbergh family were also victims of a terrible crime that led to what was called "the trial of the century."
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Dexter Gordon: Bebop to Copenhagen
The story of how one of jazz's great innovators left the country for Copenhagen in 1962. Why did he leave and what effect did this move have on his legacy?
