Verso

Anchoring the north section of the new Steven S. Koblik Education and Visitor Center complex that opened in January is the new Huntington Store, with more than double the space of the previous store.

One hundred and fifty years ago, on Jan. 31, 1865, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, a resolution ending slavery. The framers of the Constitution had forged a nation built on the rights of its citizens, but one that accommodated the peculiar institution of slavery.

Today's pop culture often goes overboard by invading personal privacy in the search for entertainment. Britain's Georgian era (roughly 1714 to 1830) was a similarly nosy time—gossiping and people watching

If asked to recall the accomplishments of Samuel F. B. Morse (1791–1872), most people would cite his role in developing Morse code. Many would be surprised to learn he started his career as a painter.

It was Martinez's fault, happily, that for five decades his columns and writings inspired readers to think more deeply about the world around them and see more clearly the common humanity that binds people together.

A monstrous frog-like creature nibbling at the breast of a corpse; a claustrophobic encounter between two women who embrace under the eyes of a shadowy watcher; a raving sorceress surging forward, bent on destruction

Even by the standards of the day, the task the 15th-century Yongle emperor in China gave to his scholars was unreasonable: compile and organize a book containing all the knowledge of the world, and make sure the information was easy to access.

Before we say goodbye to 2014, we invite you to enjoy a dozen highlights selected from the year's Verso posts. Take a peek behind the scenes at The Huntington and meet some of the staff members and volunteers who help make it a special place.