Civics Education
Phillis Wheatley: America’s First African American Woman Poet Who Spoke Truth to Power
Phillis Wheatley remains a towering figure in early American literature. As the first African American woman — and among the very first enslaved people — to publish a book of poetry, her life and work resonate deeply today. Though born in bondage, her gifted mind and courageous voice reached presidents and patriots, offering praise of liberty…
Read MoreHow FDR Changed Thanksgiving to the Fourth Thursday—and Transformed the Modern Holiday Season
Thanksgiving has long been a cherished American tradition, but its date has not always been fixed. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, most presidents followed Abraham Lincoln’s Civil War-era declaration and celebrated Thanksgiving on the last Thursday of November. However, in 1939—during the Great Depression—President Franklin D. Roosevelt decided to make a…
Read MoreBenjamin Rush: A Founding Father Devoted to Education, Public Health, and Civic Virtue
A Versatile and Influential Founder Benjamin Rush is sometimes called “the forgotten Founder,” but his influence on early America was anything but small. Born in 1746 in Pennsylvania, Rush became a leading physician, a civic reformer, and one of the most intellectually energetic voices of the young republic. He signed the Declaration of Independence at…
Read MoreJoseph Brant (Thayendanegea): Mohawk Leader Who Bridged Cultures During the American Revolution
In the complex story of America’s founding, Joseph Brant—known by his Mohawk name, Thayendanegea—stands out as a leader who navigated two worlds. A warrior, diplomat, and statesman, Brant sought to defend his people’s sovereignty while engaging with global powers during the American Revolution. His legacy reflects the diverse voices and perspectives that shaped early America.…
Read MoreCornplanter (Gaiänt’wakê): A Peacemaker Between Nations
When most Americans think of the nation’s founders, names like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson often come to mind. But America’s story is broader and more diverse than those familiar figures. It also includes Native leaders whose courage, diplomacy, and foresight helped shape the early years of the United States. One such leader…
Read MoreHonoring Service: The History and Legacy of Veterans Day
Each year on November 11, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day stands as a solemn reminder of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have defended the nation in times of war and peace. New York Army National Guard Brig. Gen.…
Read MoreHonoring the Legacy of Susan B. Anthony and the Women’s Suffrage Movement
On November 5, 1872, Susan B. Anthony cast a vote in the presidential election, an act that would become a defining moment in American history. At a time when women were legally prohibited from voting, Anthony’s action was both bold and groundbreaking, challenging the limitations placed on citizens and asserting the power of the individual…
Read MoreCrispus Attucks: The First to Fall for American Liberty
In the story of America’s founding, one man’s courage on a cold March night in Boston became a spark that helped ignite a revolution. Crispus Attucks, a man of African and Native American heritage, is remembered as the first person killed in the Boston Massacre—and the first casualty in the fight for American independence. Crispus…
Read MoreOrson Welles and The War of the Worlds: The Night America Believed the Martians Had Landed
By 1938, Orson Welles was already recognized as a prodigy. Born in 1915, he grew up with a passion for theater, music, and storytelling. In his early twenties, he had made a name for himself in New York as a daring stage director. His Mercury Theatre, co-founded with producer John Houseman, earned acclaim for modern,…
Read MoreThe Louisiana Purchase: A Gamble that Redefined America
On October 20, 1803, the United States Senate voted to approve the treaty that made the Louisiana Purchase official. With that ratification, a young republic doubled its size overnight, securing control of the Mississippi River and opening vast new lands for exploration and settlement. What had begun as a negotiation for the port of New…
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