Dec 15th, 2008 · The FBI used to treat cases of art theft just like any other case involving stolen property. But today a team of special agents at the FBI is devoted to tracking down priceless cultural artifacts. Dina Temple-Raston explores the world of real-life art heists.
Nov 17th, 2008 · In 2002, archaeologists claimed a box of ancient bones held the remains of Jesus' brother. Nina Burleigh discusses her book, Unholy Business: The True Tale of Faith, Greed and Forgery in the Holy Land, which explores how forgers create fake artifacts to "prove" Biblical stories to be true.
Nov 13th, 2008 · America's newly elected president won't be sworn in for weeks, but already the Smithsonian Institution is gathering objects for a Barack Obama exhibit. And just what are those precious artifacts? Campaign mailers, election maps and a Lazy Boy chair. They were headed for the trash until curators called. The Smithsonian plans to recreate an Obama field office. It has collected so much, that some of the campaign stuff is being stored in the garage of an Obama volunteer.
Oct 7th, 2008 · It's not easy trying to modernize a massive institution known more for historic artifacts than cutting-edge technology. Wayne Clough, head of the Smithsonian, talks about his first 100 days in office with Ari Shapiro. They discuss fundraising, education and keeping pace with technological change.
Aug 29th, 2008 · Fort Ticonderoga, in upstate New York, saw bloody action in the French and Indian Wars and the Revolutionary Wars But now the privately owned museum and battleground is fighting for its own existence. The fort could be forced to shut down or sell off key artifacts.
Jul 6th, 2008 · With drought, high temperatures and bark beetle infestations, conditions are ripe across the West for catastrophic forest fires. And that's making archaeologists very nervous. Fires may destroy thousands of ancient Native American artifacts and may expose other sites to looters.
Jul 3rd, 2008 · George Washington slept there for years — it's the Virginia house he grew up in. Archaeologists have excavated the house, or what's left of it, and they say they've found artifacts that suggest that the Washingtons started out genteel but fell on hard times.
Jul 1st, 2008 · Many historical artifacts can be found in National Parks, which are often tempting to thieves. Some say stealing these relics may help preserve history rather than hurt it. As part of our series on National Parks, NPR's Laura Sullivan has the story.