Curiosity was bred and owned by James R. Keene of Castleton Stud, Lexington, Kentucky. She was sent to France in 1912 where she led an unusual life for a racehorse. According to Samuel Hildreth, who owned her at one time in France, she was "still sending a line of sons and daughters to the races endowed with her own instincts of what thoroughbreds are expected to do. And when the World War came along the usefulness of her existence continued, for she was mustered into service in the French Army, and word came back from the military zones that she was being ridden by a French army officer."

Curiosity, a half sister to Sweep, was the dam of Hildreth's champion Novelty (Saratoga Special, Hopeful Stakes, Rensselaer Handicap and the Belmont Futurity Stakes) and "one of the few great horses I've ever owned." Novelty also competed successfully over the jumps during his stay in France. Curiosity was also the dam of Wonder who became dam of the good racehorse and sire John P. Grier who in turn sired Miyako, granddam of Native Dancer.

Other champions tracing to Curiosity include Torrejon (Venezuela), John Henry (Arlington Million Stakes, Budweiser Million Stakes, Jockey Club Gold Cup, Santa Anita Hnadicap twice, etc.), Family Style (Frizette Stakes, Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, 2nd Breeder's Cup Juvenile Fillies), First Flight (Futurity Stakes, Matron Stakes, Astoria Stakes, Fashion Stakes, Monmouth Oaks, Fall Highweight Handicap), Career Boy (United Nation's Handicap, 2nd Belmont Stakes). Other notable descendants include Dustemall (Matron Stakes), and Editor's Note (Belmont Stakes).

Curiosity belongs to the Woodbine branch of Family 8 tracing to the Bustler Mare.