Stories

Welcome to Stories, a place to explore—and be inspired by—the wonder of our natural and cultural worlds.

An Object of Contempt and Curiosity to a Testament of Hope

At quick glance, the picture looked unremarkable and vaguely familiar like something I might have on my iPhone. After introspection, it reveals stories about community, immigration, tradition, and a historic earthquake.

Wonder Is in Our Bones

How giant fossils expand the dimensions of our imagination
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A New Skink in Town

How an iNaturalist observation of a non-native lizard could help protect Southern California’s native species—and its economy

Mammoths vs Mastodons: A La Brea Tar Pits Trunk Show

Discover the differences between Columbian mammoths and American mastodons

Chocovivo: Alive in Chocolate

Patricia Tsai | Chocovivo
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Chocolate's Natural History

Learn about cacao’s journey from seedling to confection in this fascinating video.

Earth's Green Giant

Fossil bones of Gnatalie, the long-necked dinosaur, on display in NHM's new wing, were prepared in the Dinosaur Lab.

Spaceport Fossils from French Guiana

How one small step for a spaceport in French Guiana led to a giant leap for Pleistocene fossils