What are some examples of situations in which a court has taken judicial notice of historical facts?

What are some examples of situations in which a court has taken judicial notice of historical facts? Is the judge required to take judicial notice of historical facts? Explain. Are the courts more reluctant to permit the use of judicial notice in criminal cases as compared to civil cases? What do you think? If not, why not and if so, why? Needs to be 500 words with blue-book citation