Finding my great grandmother: Ellis Island treasure

October 14, 2012 by Jason Hiner in history, family

Earlier this year I puzzled out the mystery of my great-grandmother's missing immigration record from Ellis Island and it led to a treasure trove of interesting details about her family and her early life.

Good product design: The 10 principles of Dieter Rams

October 09, 2011 by Jason Hiner in art, history

San Francisco MOMA currently has an exhibit on designer Dieter Rams, who influenced Apple and other tech companies. See his principles of good design.

Samuel Morse: The engineer who painted a masterpiece

August 26, 2011 by Jason Hiner in history

Samuel Morse revolutionized global communications. However, first he painted a masterpiece that was a failure in its own time, and finally led Morse to give up painting for life as an inventor.

The fascinating da Vinci portrait that's even better than the Mona Lisa

July 22, 2011 by Jason Hiner in history

The Mona Lisa is the world's most famous painting, but it's not my favorite da Vinci portrait. After volunteering in the "Da Vinci: The Genius" exhibit this summer, I've fallen for "Lady with an Ermine."