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Human Interest Feature
SmithsonianMag.com
Years after the launch of Smithsonian Magazine, its inaugural editor recalled his philosophy for the publication – that it "would stir curiosity in already receptive minds” and “deal with history as it is relevant to the present.” This philosophy holds true today and extends to its digital property, Smithsonianmag.com, albeit with a slightly quirkier bent. It’s for this reason that I pitched the site’s editor this part travel, part history, part humor story pegged to the Fourth of July. At the time of its writing, avocado toast was selling for as much as $26 at NYC restaurants; Instagram was rife with pictures of elaborately garnished plates; and almost everyone was calling herself a “foodie.” Also, Hamilton was on Broadway, and its popularity had sparked renewed interest in the Founding Fathers. Would foodies care that James Madison loved ice cream? Or that John Adams called Hamilton an “insolent coxcomb” because he preferred coffee to alcohol? I thought so. Also, the story would age well: Smithsonian can promote it every July 4th with no need for edit updates.
