Shortform Books

Unsolved Murders? The Lingering Questions of Osage

Are there still unsolved murder cases in Osage County? Was the conspiracy completely unmasked? The Osage murder investigation was officially closed with the conviction of William Hale and others in 1926. But Osage community members believe that those who were convicted weren’t the only perpetrators and that many deaths in Osage are unsolved murders that were part of the conspiracy. Read more to learn about the not-so-closed case of the Osage murders.

The Osage Tribe: A (Mostly) Forgotten Bloody History

What’s the history of the Osage tribe? What was the source of their wealth? How did their wealth make them a target? The Osage tribe lived on land on which oil was discovered and drilled. In the 1920s, their wealth—or, rather, the greed of those who coveted their wealth—led to what became known as the Reign of Terror. Read more to understand what happened to the Osage tribe.

NASA’s Hidden Figures: Making Space Travel a Reality

Who were NASA’s Hidden Figures? Why were they considered “hidden” and what contributions did they make? NASA’s Hidden Figures are brought to light in the book Hidden Figures. The book focuses on three outstanding women—though of course, they’re not the only ones—as the unsung heroes of space travel. Working behind the scenes as mathematicians and engineers, NASA’s Hidden Figures are part of what made space travel possible.

How Dorothy Hoover Opened Doors for NASA Women

Who was Dorothy Hoover, and how did she contribute to changing the culture and rules at NASA? How did Dorothy Hoover help open doors for women, both black and white, to advance at NASA? Dorothy Hoover was a physicist and mathematician. One of the first black women hired as a human computer at NASA, Dorothy went on to co-publish a paper on wing design for aircraft. Her contribution helped make it possible for women to advance in NASA, once higher-ups saw the work the women were doing, and what they were capable of. Read more to find out how the

Rita Smith, Osage Murder Victim (Killers of the Flower Moon)

Who was Rita Smith? What was her connection to the Osage murders? Rita Smith and her husband Bill were murdered in 1923 after their house exploded. Rita’s brother-in-law and others had conspired to steal the family’s money, and nothing was going to stop them. Read more about Rita Smith and the larger conspiracy that resulted in multiple murders in Rita’s family and others.

NACA to NASA: How American Aeronautics Evolved in the ’50s

When did NACA become NASA, and why? What were NACA Nuts, and how did they help change the culture at NACA (NASA)? NACA, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, became NASA in 1958. NACA Nuts was a nickname for new hires at NACA (NASA) as the organization turned to defense and space exploration. In their quest to hire the best people possible, NACA (NASA) hired people from all over the country. As a result, the culture slowly began to shift toward a more equal workplace environment, due in part to less tolerance for segregation from Northern hires, and the persistence

The Osage Reign of Terror: Why It Started & How It Ended

What was the Osage Reign of Terror? Why did it start, and how did it end? The Osage Reign of Terror occurred in the 1920s in Oklahoma. It was defined by a series of murders that turned out to be a conspiracy designed to steal the wealth of the Osage tribe. Continue reading to learn about this dark episode in American history.

Newsome Park: A Thriving Community, a Segregated City

Where was Newsome Park, and who lived there? What were residents of Newsome Park Known for? Newsome Park was a community in Hampton Roads, Virginia, where many black NASA employees settled during World War II and the post-war period. In the middle of a segregated city, the residents of Newsome Park formed a tight-knit community, which is highlighted in the book Hidden Figures.

Miriam Mann and the Daily Protests That Changed NASA

Who was Miriam Mann, and what did she do? How did Miriam Mann help dismantle segregation at NASA? Miriam Mann was a mathematician and a member of West Computing Group. Miriam Mann played an important part in helping achieve equality amongst the computers, and was known for her ongoing protest: removing the offensive “colored computers” sign in her workplace.

Anna Brown: The Victim of the First Known Osage Murder

Who was Anna Brown? How was she touched by the Osage murder conspiracy? Anna Brown, a young Osage woman, was the first known victim of the Osage Reign of Terror. Her close family members also fell victim to the evil plot. FBI investigator Tom White connected the murders and ultimately brought the killers to justice. Keep reading to learn about the death of Anna Brown and how it was only one piece of the puzzle.