Watch, Read, Listen

"I am not an accomplished lawyer," wrote Abraham Lincoln in a note to himself in the summer of 1850 while preparing to give a lecture on law. "I find quite as much material for a lecture in those points where I have failed, as in those wherein I have been moderately successful."

It's 1954. Where do you go to see the hottest interior design trends? The Los Angeles County Fair, of course.

In her introductory remarks at the conference "Civil War Lives" this past weekend, co-convener Joan Waugh explained the objective of the presenters: "This conference showcases the importance of individuals—men and women, white and black, soldiers and politicians, unionists and confederates. We want to get at the big issues of the Civil War through these lives

Whether planning ahead for spring or looking for autumn color to enjoy right now, gardeners will find plenty of inspiration at the Fall Plant Sale this weekend (starting today, Friday). Experts know that the secret to a beautiful garden is to get started in the fall

Jon Verdick, owner of Encanto Farms Nursery in San Diego, will provide an introduction to propagating, growing, caring for, and—above all—enjoying figs

The Aerospace History Project at The Huntington Library has taken off. Since 2007, the burgeoning archive documenting the history of the aerospace industry in Southern California has continued to grow.

With the recent death of Patrick Collinson, Regius Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Cambridge, scholarship on the social and political history of early modern England will be much diminished. See his obituary on the website of the Daily Telegraph.

Orchid fanciers will be making a beeline for The Huntington this weekend (starting today!) for the annual Southland Orchid Show and Sale, where exhibitors from local orchid societies are displaying their best blooms for the benefit of judges and the public alike.