taraFeb 23 minThis Day in History: The surprising origins of Groundhog DayOn this day in 1887, the first Groundhog Day is celebrated in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The celebration seems so solidly American,...
taraNov 26, 20203 minThis Day in History: The Pilgrims enjoy a three-day Thanksgiving feastOn or around this day in 1621, the Pilgrims enjoy a three-day feast! They are grateful for their harvest after a long, hard first year in...
taraNov 18, 20203 minThis Day in History: The origins of the Battle Hymn of the RepublicOn or around this day in 1861, Julia Ward Howe is inspired to write the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Did you know that this much-loved...
taraOct 28, 20202 minThis Day in History: The Statue of Liberty is dedicatedOn this day in 1886, the Statue of Liberty is dedicated by President Grover Cleveland. It was then called Statue of Liberty Enlightening...
taraOct 24, 20203 minThis Day in History: Sarah Josepha Hale, the “Mother of Thanksgiving”On this day in 1788, the “Mother of Thanksgiving” is born. Sarah Josepha Hale wore many hats during her lifetime. She was a writer and a...
taraSep 13, 20203 minThis Day in History: Francis Scott Key & the National AnthemOn this day in 1814, the British begin bombarding Fort McHenry. Famously, a young lawyer named Francis Scott Key watched the battle from...
taraAug 29, 20203 minThis Day in History: The origins of the Flag CodeOn or around this day in 1942, the United States Congress considers amendments to the United States Flag Code. Did you know that the...
taraJul 22, 20202 minThis Day in History: The inspiration for “America the Beautiful”On this day in 1893, a professor stands atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. She is struck by the beauty around her and is inspired to write a...
taraJun 14, 20202 minThis Day in History: Happy Flag Day!Happy Flag Day! Did you know that today’s holiday would not exist but for the actions of a 19-year old schoolteacher from Wisconsin? In...
taraApr 4, 20202 minThis Day in History: The Star-Spangled Banner is redesignedOn this day in 1818, President James Monroe signs an act that redesigns the U.S. flag. That act established our current rule: The flag...
taraSep 30, 20193 minThis Day in History: How did the National Anthem come to be played at sporting events?On this day in 1939, a football game is televised for the first time. The nation was not yet in the habit of playing the Star-Spangled...
taraAug 21, 20192 minThis Day in History: The origins of “E Pluribus Unum”On this day in 1776, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin propose “E Pluribus Unum” as a national motto to be used on the...
taraAug 11, 20193 minThis Day in History: “Old Glory” gets its nameOn (maybe) this day in 1831, a sea captain from Massachusetts names his American flag “Old Glory.” The name that Captain William Driver...
taraJul 5, 20193 minThis Day in History: Betsy Ross’s sacrifices for the American causeAt about this time in 1776, Betsy Ross works as a seamstress and an upholsterer. At least according to legend, she would make the first...
taraJun 21, 20192 minThis Day in History: The origins of the Great Seal of the United StatesOn this day in 1782, the Confederation Congress adopts the Great Seal of the United States. The seal was nearly 6 years in the making!...
taraApr 2, 20192 minThis Day in History: What if the U.S. never had paper money?On this day in 1792, the Coinage Act creates the U.S. Mint and provides for the construction of a new building in Philadelphia. That...
taraJul 31, 20182 minThis Day in History: The probable inspiration for Uncle SamOn this day in 1854, the man who was the probable inspiration for Uncle Sam passes away during a cholera epidemic. Did you know that...
taraDec 6, 20173 minThis Day in History: Washington, D.C., the Washington Monument, & the political firestorms they creaOn this day in 1790, the United States capital moves from New York City to Philadelphia. Exactly 94 years later, the capstone is placed...
taraNov 15, 20172 minThis Day in History: The controversy surrounding the Jefferson MemorialOn this day in 1939, a cornerstone is laid for the Jefferson Memorial. Statues of America’s third President have become controversial in...
taraNov 1, 20172 minThis Day in History: Mount Rushmore is completed!On this day in 1941, Mount Rushmore is declared complete. Did you know that the famous presidential monument was partly inspired by a...
