We live in a sort of boom time for interesting documentaries, and some of the best capture the past in ways only film can do. Here are four illuminating historical documentaries:

Mighty Times: The Legacy of Rosa Parks
We all have heard of Rosa Parks. In this short documentary we see how one person can change the fate of the nation. Just by refusing to give up her seat on the bus Rosa Parks helped fight the battle against segregation and make our country what it is today. 

The Fog of War
Learn about the life and times of U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Start at the beginning with his birth during World War I to his time working during World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War. Through interviews with McNamara we hear about his outlook on modern warfare. 

Liberty! The American Revolution
It may be long but if you want to learn the ins and outs of the American Revolution this six hour PBS documentary is for you. From the very beginning to the last shot fired you can see a thorough explanation of how our nation became what we know and love. 

Once in a Lifetime
This documentary chronicles the rise and fall of the New York Cosmos, a 1970s-era club in the defunct North American Soccer League who counted Pele among their players.
 

As the name implies, Murder by the Book, a comfy neighborhood book store, has the mystery genre as its main focus. The shop has an extensive mystery section and is host to frequent book signing events from some of the genre’s biggest names. However, if you’re looking for fantasy, nonfiction, or romance, Murder by the Book has still got you covered. This is an old fashioned full service book store, something that is becoming increasingly rare in this age of megastores and online shopping. Unlike larger, more impersonal retailers, Murder by the Book is staffed by friendly folk who will grow to know your tastes are always there to give you personalized advice. There is a real community surrounding the store, bolstered by twice-monthly book discussion groups and an ongoing Mystery Author Luncheon Series at the Briar Club.

Murder By The Book
2342 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
(713) 524-8597

BRC Gastropub is a favorite spot for southern-style pub food in a cozy setting. It’s a beer-lovers haven, with 28 beers on tap and 25 bottled brands, offering a huge variety to please just about every taste. The food menu features their Big Bad Ass Biscuits, served with an array of spreads like bacon jam and smoked salt butter. Backyard Style BBQ Chicken Legs with bleu cheese slaw, Country Pork Pate with Creole mustard, Fried Oyster Street Tacos with carrot slaw and Dixie Chicken Cobb Salad with bleu cheese & bacon are on the entrée menu. Grilled Flatbreads, Burger Sliders, and Mac & Cheese are also offered. Open every day for lunch and dinner.

BRC Gastropub
519 Shepherd Drive
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 861-2233
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brc-gastropub-houston