Here are a few databases devoted to the past; after all, those who forget the past are destined to spend a lot more time searching for their keys.

American History 

http://digitalhistory.uh.edu

This is a great source of American historical information based out of the University of Houston in cooperation with our own Chicago Historical Society.  The site is easily searchable and goes to lengths to present history from a wide range of voices.

World History 

http://www.hyperhistory.com

This site presents World History through a large range of interactive maps.

Historic American Speaches 

http://www.americanrhetoric.com

This sire contains an archive of important American speaches.

Bartleby 

http://www.bartleby.com

Bartleby has the entire World History Encyclopedia for your perusal.