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Video, articles and more listed under "American history" ...


Articles

The Year of No Summer
In prolonged human suffering, no other disaster in New England in history matched the frigid summer of 1816, the coldest in American annals. To this day, no accurate record exists as to the number who perished, or what the financial loss might have been in a winter that lasted from November of 1815 until April 1817. No other event, other than the Gold Rush of 1849, had as much impact upon westward migration as did the "Year of No Summer."

Poll Results: Pizza Wins by a Landslide!
You cast your votes, and pizza takes the title of favorite all-American dinner.

What is aloe good for?
Aloe, a popular houseplant, has a long history as a multipurpose folk remedy.

Why do Graduates wear Robes?
It's graduation season! Check out the colorful history and reason for wearing robes during ceremonies.

Longest Running Almanac Editor In History
September 18th marks the birth anniversary of the Farmers' Almanac's most colorful editor.

Snowed In? Check out these record snowfalls.
This week's marks a record in snow history Can you imagine receiving almost 200 inches of snow from one storm? It happened.

Where did Ice Cream Come From?
You scream . . . I scream . . . We all scream for ICE SCREAM ...but who Screamed first? Learn about the history of this popular dessert.

Top ELEVEN Most Memorable Weather Events
In 1999 we published an article on the 100 Most Memorable Weather Events over the past century. In 2001, we went further back in weather history and named the Top 10. In 2007 we added one more event to the list.

Why a birthday cake? Why candles?
Birthday traditions revealed. Learn the history behind birthday parties as well as where some birthday traditions come from.

Life, Liberty, and (Iced) Coffee for All!
Submit your Iced Coffee Recipe and Learn Coffee's History Share your best iced coffee recipes with us and learn all about coffee in the U.S.

Quill Pens Scribed American History
The quill pen scripted major turning points in American history, including the Mayflower Compact. Learn More.

Oh My! Shoefly Pie
How did these pies get their name? The most logical explanation seems to be that the sweet ingredients attracted flies when the pies were cooling. The cooks had to "shoo" the flies away, hence the name shoofly pie.

Memorable Halloween Weather Events
Forget the ghosts and goblins. Halloween has had some scary weather over the past 20 years. Here are a couple of the most memorable nights.

One Potato, Two Potato, Three Potato, Four: The Story of America's Favorite Vegetable
Americans love potatoes, whether it's fried, baked or mashed. They have become one of America's favorite vegetables. In this article, we will get to the roots of the potato, where it came from, and how it made its way onto our plates, and into our hearts.

How did America get an Uncle Sam?
Ever wonder how and why "Uncle Sam" became a symbol for the USA?

Hungry? Think Blue!
July is National Blueberry Month. July is the best time to eat more blueberries. They're healthy, patriotic, and tasty!

The BEES of War
Did you know that bees were once used as weapons in many wars?

Olympic Traditions: One World, One Dream
The 2008 Summer Olympic Games begin August 8 in Beijing and will carry on centuries of tradition.

Vote Your Taste Buds!
America's Favorite Dinner Looking for a break from all the campaign craziness? Let your taste buds cast this ballot.

Happy Kwanzaa
Learn what this holiday is all about. Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that starts on December 26th. Learn more about the origin and traditions of this holiday.

Decorating the Christmas Tree
Decorating the Christmas tree can be traced back to the 7th century. A wide variety of decorations, including tinsel made with real silver, have been used over the centuries. Here are a few ideas for making your tree special.

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Flatulence
You can stop suffering in silence by learning the cause and making changes in your diet.

The Stories Behind Food Names
What did gambling have to do with sandwiches?

Secured Credit Cards
Secured and unsecured cards can be used to pay for goods and services. However, a secured card requires you to open and maintain a savings account as security for your line of credit; an unsecured card does not.


How did Labor Day become a holiday?
September 3rd is Labor Day this year. Ever wonder how this day became a holiday?

Want Orange Leaves? Plant White Oak
If you enjoy the colors of fall, check out this list. It tells you which trees you should plant, based on leaf color.

Farmers' Almanac Readers Name Apple Pie as our National Dessert
There are many symbols we use to help represent the US and what we stand for. But what about dessert? In 2001, we asked this very question.

What is "Indian Summer'?
Learn about this warming weather pattern and why it's referred to as "Indian Summer."


“See” the Importance of Eye Health
When was the last time you had your eyes checked?

Armstrong and Aldrin: The Eagle Has Landed
"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Read first-hand accounts of this famous trip to the moon.

How long does a star last in outer space?
Does it ever explode? Ever wonder how old a star is? Or if it ever explodes? Read on for the answers and more star-filled information.

Hurricane Preparedness: Is Your Pet Safe?
How to protect your pets from the unexpected. Hurricane season is here and will peak on September 10th. Here are ways you can help keep your pet safe in case of a weather disaster.

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What is raised on the farm?
Thanksgiving Acrostic Here is a quick game that encourages everyone to think about foods raised on the farm - and how grateful we are for farmers.

What are Latkes?
Here is an old-fashioned dish that is associated with Hanukkah. It is also easy to prepare.

Why Vote on a Tuesday?
What's wrong with Sunday? Ever wonder why we head to the polls on a Tuesday in November?

Women and Credit
Being contacted by a collections agency can be scary and overwhelming. If you take a step back, read your rights, and think about your options, you can take control of the situation.

Set Your Sights on Scorpion
Now is the perfect time to spot a Scorpion in the night sky. Find out where and how.

Celebrate Grandparents September 7
Sunday, September 7 is Grandparents' Day. Take time to show grandparents how much they are loved.

Memorable Thanksgiving Weather
The first Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621 was blessed with pleasant weather. But since then, other Thanksgiving holidays have not always enjoyed such fair conditions.

Full Hunter's Moon
Why is October's Full Moon known as the "Full Hunter's Moon?"

Learn How to Prepare Onions
First appearing in the 2005 Farmers' Almanac A few ways to prepare onions and avoid. Read More

What is a Shamrock?
The shamrock is more than a symbol of luck, it has vast religious and historical meaning to St. Patrick and his followers.

New Year's Folklore
Why should you kiss the one you love at midnight? Did you know that opening all doors and windows at midnight lets the old year escape? Read on for more New Year's lore.

Healthy Honey
Honey can help prevent allergies and even give you a slow, steady release of energy.

A Peanut A Day
March is national peanut month. Find out why you should incorporate peanuts into your daily diet.

The Legends and Lore of Valentine's Day
Ever wondered how the Valentines Day tradition started?

Everything you always wanted to know about a hot dog . . .
And then some. What do you call them? Hot dogs, frankfurters, wieners? Learn some trivia about this popular summertime food.

Contest Winners Set Sail
Farmers' Almanac Winners Report In Grand prize winners of the Farmers' Almanac's Worst Wedding Weather Contest just returned from their prize-winning cruise.

Why butter's better!
For many years, a major rift has divided this country. No, not urban versus rural, or even Democrat versus Republican. This split is the ongoing clash between-- butter and margarine . . .

Fourth of July SIZZLERS!
Top Ten HOTTEST Independence Days Fourth of July is a time for picnics, parades, and fireworks, but maybe not in these towns. Check out how HOT some places get during this patriotic holiday.

Is Your Love Written in the Stars?
A historical look at astrology. Ever wonder how astronomy and astrology are connected? Learn about how the fate of our ancestors relied on the stars.

How Much Do You Know About Hurricanes?
First appearing in the 2006 Farmers' Almanac They may be more deadly than you think. Read these hurricane facts.

Creating a Community Garden
Creating a community garden is a fun way to get to know your neighbors. Here are a few things you may want to think about before you dig.

Back-To-School Breakfast Fun!
Your children will have fun helping make these quick and easy breakfast recipes.

A Little Christmas Trivia
Did you know that Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday? Test your Christmas trivia here.

A Community Garden - A Nice Place to Grow
A good way to share your gardening interests is to participate in a community garden. Here is how it works.

Memorable Weather Events of the Past 200 Years
Excerpted from the 2005 Farmers' Almanac If it seems that weather is more precarious today than in years past, guess again. America has always had strange weather events.

How Do Volcanoes Affect Our Weather?
With all of the debris that volcanoes put in the air and the land, what if anything do these volcanic eruptions do to our weather?

Traveling Green on Your Honeymoon
5 Great Green Travel Tips Going green doesn't have to mean sacrificing luxury. Check out these helpful green hints.

Groundhog vs. Farmers' Almanac:
Will the groundhog agree with the Almanac's preditions? Groundhog Day comes at a time when many are sick of the cold, snowy temperatures. What does the Farmers' Almanac forecast for Groundhog Day and beyond?

Winning Apple Pie Recipes
Farmers' Almanac readers elected Apple Pie as America's Dessert. Now check out our top three winning recipes for this tasty pie.

Columbus's Legacy: I'm Lost!
Sometimes the best discoveries are unintended. Sometimes the best discoveries are unintended.

Top 5 Best Weather Cities To Catch a Minor League Baseball Game
Rain can spoil or cancel the game! Find out where the best weather is to catch a game this summer.


Is There Life On Mars?
You've heard of the "man on the moon" but what about "man on mars?" Read about the idea of a man on mars here.

Squash Season
Winter squash are in abundance during autumn. Try these recipes for your next meal or holiday parties.

Extreme Weather Stories
Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Thunderstorms Did hail wreck your car? Wonder why hurricanes form? Do you live in an area prone to twisters? Check out this informative and interesting story about extreme weather conditions.

Recipes

Creamed Fish Casserole
This dish is an extremely easy one-pot meal idea for your busy day!

Corned Beef Casserole
Canned corned beef can be combined with a delicious combination of noodles.

American Pizza (Italian Pie)
You can make hot, fresh pizza just like the professionals do!

Videos

Benjamin Banneker
The incredible story of the first Almanac written by an African-American--Benjamin Banneker, a son of slaves who solely through 'observational knowledge' taught himself to read, write, make a working clock, and understand the stars.

John Deere: The Man
Most people know John Deere the brand, but did you know John Deere was a real man? Learn how John Deere, the inventor, helped shape the history of farming in America.

The Old Ballgame: Town Ball
Before there was baseball, you could find different versions of stick and ball games being played all over the United States in the 19th Century. What did these games look like? The Leatherstocking Baseball Club of Cooperstown, New York shows us.

Doug Elliott: Chestnuts
Learn about the chestnut, an important source for food and more during the days of the American frontier and westward expansion.

American Traditions: Fireworks
Where did the tradition of fireworks on the 4th of July come from? Farmers' Almanac has the answer!

Almanac Story
At one time there were only 2 books published in America, the Bible and Farmers' Almanacs. This is the story of how one 188 year-old publication survived to become an American Institution.

Wind Power
Farmers' Almanac TV visits the American Wind Power Center in Lubbock, Texas for a glimpse into the past, present, and future of windmills.

Nickel Creek
With their unique sound and style, Nickel Creek is taking the American music scene by storm. The trio from California sat down for an interview with us at a recent tour stop.

Doug Elliott: Persimmon
Doug explains this North American wild fruit and when the best time to eat them is.

Products

American Almanacs: A Living History DVD and VHS
American Almanacs: A Living History. If you are interested in the science behind predictions and in learning how you too can predict things -- this groundbreaking program is for you! Breathtaking photography, beautiful scenery and rare historical images escort...

Season One
Episode 3

EPISODE THREE: A PRESIDENTIAL FARMER AND THE FIRST ALMANAC BY AN AFRICAN-AMERICANInsights from former President Jimmy Carter; the incredible story of the first Almanac written by an African-American-Benjamin Banneker, son of slaves who solely through 'observational knowledge' taught himself...

Season One
Episode 13

EPISODE THIRTEEN: PAUL BUNYAN & NATIVE-AMERICAN SEED CULTIVATIONVisit the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack museum in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, located on the site of one of the oldest lumberjack camps in the country, a camp that produced enough lumber to circle the...

Season Two
Episode 1

New York Times, columnist, Verlyn Klinkenborg converses with us about rural and urban life. His take on which is the hardest is surprising.Nickel Creek gives us a look inside their 2006 tour and long history.A father and son team...

Season Two
Episode 5

At one time there were only 2 books published in America, The Bible and The Farmers' Almanacs. This is the story of how one 1818-year-old publication survived to become an American Institution. Over 30,000 toy tractors, trucks, combines and farm...

Season One
Episode 4

EPISODE FOUR: COUNTRY MUSICIAN BLAKE SHELDON & A WINDMILL MUSEUMVisit backstage with Country star Blake Sheldon; tour the American Wind Power Center in Lubbock, Texas, which houses the most comprehensive collection of historic windmills in the world; and be...

The Change in the Weather
People, Weather, and the Science of ClimateWritten by William K. StevensTrade Paperback, 384 pagesUpdated with a new afterword, including information on the warmest winter of the century.Is something going on with the weather?A record-setting heat wave that just won't release...

How the Weather Works
by Michael AllabyDesigned for the whole family to enjoy together, this is a fascinating introduction to meteorological phenomena from what causes them to how experts forecast when they will occur. It contains hundreds of stimulating hands-on experiments, projects, and demonstrations...

Foxfire 10
Interested in rediscovering the virtues of simple life?Although about a quarter of this collection of oral histories is devoted to folk arts and crafts, such as chair-making and gourd art, the focus in this Foxfire volume is on Appalachian history....

Farm-opoly
FARM-OPOLY, a down on the farm property trading game! Here's a property tradin' game for farmers or those who just think farmin' is cool! It's life down on the farm where players increase their profits by collecting acres...

Jellyfish Squish
All those who enjoy saltwater activities risk being stung by the many different types of jellyfish that inhabit all oceans. Their sting has been described as a painful burn that lasts three hours or more, and then leaves itching...

Green Blog

Vinegar Rocks!
January 12, 2008 12:02 AM


Weather Chatter

June 6th - D-Day
June 6, 2008 10:06 AM

Value of "old" Almanacs
July 8, 2008 11:27 AM

Record Cold Temps
January 28, 2008 7:57 AM

Flag Day - June 14th
June 12, 2008 4:15 PM

April Full Moon
April 17, 2008 6:18 PM

Happy 4th of JUly
July 3, 2008 1:19 PM

Memorial Day Memories
May 27, 2008 8:57 AM

Wedding Contest Results Coming Soon
March 18, 2008 10:26 AM

Ember Days in '08
January 18, 2008 10:15 AM

Full Wolf Moon
January 22, 2008 9:33 AM

A World Record - Not
October 16, 2008 12:59 PM

March - Spring & Birds
March 3, 2008 7:05 AM

Fall - Apples - Pies
September 27, 2007 10:01 AM

Us vs Them
September 12, 2007 3:15 PM

A Day to Remember
November 11, 2008 1:43 PM

Those Darn Ants
July 28, 2008 2:55 PM

Full Moon.... What Happens?
July 18, 2008 8:45 AM

What's In a name?
August 28, 2008 4:32 PM

A Halloween Legend
October 30, 2007 11:19 AM

Living Life Better
June 25, 2008 2:03 PM

Hunter's Full Moon
October 26, 2007 9:26 AM

Gift Cards For The Holidays
November 18, 2008 6:13 PM

Halt the Holiday Hustle
November 26, 2007 10:44 AM



Wedding Weather Contest Finalists
March 31, 2008 1:33 PM



The 100 Year Difference (1907)
January 11, 2008 5:07 PM

Move Thanksgiving?!
November 20, 2007 5:53 PM

Blog

Patriot Day - 5th Anniversary
September 11, 2006 11:01 AM

Do You Know Any Indian State Names?
September 7, 2005 12:09 PM

American Agriculture Trivia - Quiz 2
August 18, 2006 7:36 AM


Famous President Quotes
September 28, 2005 9:09 AM


Yes, Virginia, There IS a Santa Claus
December 3, 2007 10:10 AM

Famous American Farming Quotes
September 5, 2005 10:35 PM


All About Dairy Cows
August 8, 2006 12:11 PM

Blogging From Farm Aid - Post #1
September 29, 2006 12:24 PM


Safe Swimming Tips
May 29, 2006 9:08 AM

Farm Aid Blog Post #3
September 30, 2006 2:31 PM

Signs of Rain
August 17, 2005 11:35 AM

Labor Day - Already?!
August 28, 2008 11:44 AM

New Face of the FFA - City Folk
November 16, 2006 9:55 AM

Potted Easter Lily Care
April 12, 2006 7:59 AM

Thanksgiving Traditions
November 16, 2007 2:47 PM

Holiday Trivia
December 20, 2007 5:37 PM

Combine Demolition Derby
November 7, 2006 10:38 AM

Almanacs, Large and Small
September 15, 2006 11:02 AM

Ray Geiger and the Farmers' Almanac
September 18, 2006 9:55 AM

Pages

For The Press
Common Press Questions and AnswersFind answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Farmers' Almanac and Farmers' Almanac TV.Fact SheetGet some quick facts, such as Almanac readership and television viewership information.Interview RequestsGet contact information for the editor...

Interview Requests
Looking for a lively, unusual, but informative interview for your story or show? Farmers’ Almanac editors love to talk about unusual weather, long-range weather outlooks and more! Both seasoned interviewees, editors Pete Geiger and Sandi Duncan are ready, willing...

Common Press Questions and Answers
What is the Farmers’ Almanac? Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac is North America’s most timeless, trusted, and treasured source for long-range weather predictions, humor, fun facts, and valuable advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, conservation, and much more. The...

Farmers' Almanac History
Founded in 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac’s timeless appeal has spanned three centuries, offering readers a trademark blend of long-range weather predictions, humor, fun facts, and valuable advice on gardening, cooking, fishing, conservation, and much more. The Farmers’...

Podcasts and RSS Feeds
Farmers Almanac TV Weather Podcast From weather proverbs to historic weather events, Farmers' Almanac TV presents the facts behind the folklore! Farmers Almanac TV Video RSS Feed We travel the continent to bring you stories...

Welcome to the NEW FarmersAlmanac.com
We've been very busy at Farmers' Almanac and Farmers' Almanac TV working on a new site that provides you with a more weather, wisdom, video, recipes, and more! Check out our new enhanced features: One-Stop Weather Site:Our new site is...

Sandi Duncan, Philom., Managing Editor of the Farmers' Almanac
If only Sandi Duncan could remember all of the interesting bits of trivia she’s learned throughout her years of editing the Farmers’ Almanac, she’d be able to make a fortune on the television quiz show circuit and retire comfortably. Luckily...

Farmers' Almanac Timeline
1818 – The first edition of Farmers’ Almanac is printed by editor David Young, Philom., and publisher Jacob Mann, in Morristown, N.J. 1852 – David Young dies. Astronomer Samuel Hart Wright succeeds him as editor. 1875...

About Farmers' Almanac
Farmers’ Almanac - The Trusted Authority on Smart Living for Almost 200 Years.Time-tested and generation approved, the Farmers’ Almanac is a compendium of knowledge on weather, gardening, cooking, remedies, managing your household, preserving the earth, and more. Anyone can...

2007-2008 Weather Outlook for Canada
Click here for the 2007-2008 U.S. Outlook » Weather is the most talked about subject on earth, which makes the annual Canadian Farmers’ Almanac weather predictions a hot topic. Fans of the Almanac say its famous long-range forecast is accurate...

Farmers' Almanac Fact Sheet
Every year since 1818, the Farmers’ Almanac has been sought after for its long-range weather predictions, practical gardening and household advice, fishing tips, astronomical data and articles on ways to conserve time, energy, and the earth. The Farmers' Almanac has...

2006-2007 Weather Outlook for the U.S.
Tired of the Heat? Hang on – 2007 Farmers' Almanac Predicts "SHIVERY IS NOT DEAD"Lewiston, ME: After a brutally hot summer in most of the country, cool news is on the way. The new edition of the Farmers' Almanac, which...

Farmers' Almanac Testimonials
Our readers say it best! As North America's Favorite Farmers Almanac, we receive tons of letters, emails, and phone calls from readers and fans. Here are a fews of our favorite comments:Dear Almanac,I absolutely love you magazine and now I...

Meet the Editors
Peter Geiger, Philom., EditorIf Peter Geiger hadn’t become the seventh editor of the world-famous Farmers’ Almanac, he would have wanted to write a syndicated column offering handy, time saving household hints. Luckily for famous hint maven Heloise, Peter’s fate was...