Stacey Vanek Smith

This week in 1964, the 24th Amendment was ratified to outlaw poll taxation. Good thing, especially considering its origins. . .

The price of art has risen sharply over the past five years thanks to skyrocketing demand from wealthy collectors and investors. But Stacey Vanek-Smith wonders, how long can the boom keep booming?

This week in 1940, Ida May Fuller received the first monthly Social Security check. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history of one of the most popular federal programs of all-time.

Fine art's been selling like mad. It raked in record profits last year. But for most of us, arriving at a monetary value for art is a mysterious thing. Stacey Vanek Smith takes a look at how it's done.

Acclaimed director and master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock released his first film 80 years ago this week. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history.

This week in 1848, gold was discovered in California. That lucky strike sparked the largest gold rush ever and an economy was born. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history.

This week in 1919, the 18th Amendment prohibiting "intoxicating liquors" was added to the U.S. Constitution. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history.

A prospector struck oil near the city of Beaumont, Texas this week back in 1901. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history.

Electronic trading is changing the once-bustling culture of the New York Stock Exchange. Stacy Vanek-Smith takes a walk around a quieter and more open trading floor.

This week in 1984 we celebrated a new baby . . . actually seven of them. Stacey Vanek-Smith has the history.