The jazz queen who chose home over fame

The presidential inauguration that made everyone sick

The Post's new Retropolis columnist, Petula Dvorak, introduces herself and reintroduces you to what can be uncovered with a good look at history.  Petula shares her Retropolis column "The presidential inauguration that made everyone sick" about the aftermath of James Buchanan’s inauguration [https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2025/01/17/presidential-inauguration-james-buchanan-national-hotel-disease/?utm_source=podcasts&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=retropod]. America became obsessed: Was the fatal illness called the “Buchanan Grip” an assassination attempt? Or just a disease-ridden hotel?

Earthrise

On Christmas Eve in 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts captured an image that symbolizes hope and inspired environmentalism.

Hair peace. Bed peace.

On March 25, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were a few days into their marriage when they invited the press to join them at their honeymoon suite at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.

The jazz queen who chose home over fame

Jazz singer Ethel Ennis’s voice wowed audiences and won praise from critics. But when she was faced with the opportunity to become a superstar, Ennis chose a different path.

Clara Barton, America's most famous nurse, broke boundaries to treat Civil War victims

The nurse who founded the American Red Cross had no formal training in medicine. She tended to countless wounded soldiers.