History of Juneteenth
President Abraham Lincoln declared an end to slavery in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation in September 1862. Following the Union army’s success at the Battle of Antietam, Lincoln proclaimed “That on the 1st day of January . . . 1863, all persons held as slaves within any state or designated part of a […]
Ed Dwight’s Passion for Flight and Art
In 1963, Air Force pilot Ed Dwight hoped to become the first African American in space. Dwight was not chosen, however, to be one of the first U.S. astronauts. But in May, 2024, Dwight rocketed into the record books as the oldest person to travel to space. Love of Flight Ed Dwight grew up […]
The History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an American holiday to honor members of the military who lost their lives during wars or conflicts. Many local communities hold patriotic celebrations that include parades, fireworks, and flag displays. Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday of May as a federal holiday. While the holiday honors fallen service members, […]
Historic Graduate Presents Diploma to Granddaughter
On a June day in 1965, Ronald Yancey became the first African American to graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology (commonly known as Georgia Tech) in Atlanta, Georgia. Yancey returned to the 2024 Georgia Tech graduation ceremony to present his granddaughter, Deanna Yancey, with her diploma. Both earned degrees in electrical engineering. Deanna earned […]
Maryland’s First Colonial Settlement Unearthed 386 Years Later
In 1633, the English sailing ships Ark and Dove sailed across the Atlantic Ocean with about 150 passengers. Many were Catholics who left England to avoid religious persecution and discrimination by Protestants. These settlers were led by Leonard Calvert and Father Andrew White, a Jesuit priest. In March 1634, the ships landed on the western […]
World War II’s American “Ghost Army”
During World War II (1939-1945), a top-secret U.S. Army unit had a unique mission: to confuse and trick German soldiers. The men were sworn to secrecy, even after the war. Many died without ever telling anyone, including their own families. Finally, in March 2024, the “Ghost Army” received the Congressional Gold Medal for its role […]
Women’s History Month: Nellie Bly
In the late 1800s, women reporters were rare. Even if a newspaper had a female reporter on staff, she would often be given assignments labeled “women’s interests”–such as fashion, gardening, or social events. Nellie Bly was not such a woman. She was fearless in her reporting and pushed to write impactful stories. Bly’s innovative investigative […]
Kahoot! Celebrating Black History
Created for Black History Month, this Kahoot! celebrates the contributions and impact African Americans have made throughout U.S. History in a fun and engaging way. You can play the Kahoot! yourself or your teacher can play the Kahoot! as a fun classroom activity. Click the image above or here to open the Kahoot! in a new […]
Image May Solve Amelia Earhart Mystery
In 1937 Amelia Earhart attempted to become the first woman to pilot a plane around the world. Unfortunately, Earhart’s plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean about 1,650 miles (2,650 km) southwest of Hawaii. What happened to Earhart, her navigator Fred Noonan, and the Lockheed 10-E Electra airplane is a mystery. An ocean researcher, however, believes […]
Motel Renovation Highlights Role of A.G. Gaston in the Civil Rights Movement
The renovation of an important building in the American civil rights movement is nearly complete. The A.G. Gaston Motel in Birmingham, Alabama is now a part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument. The motel served as a safe place for African American travelers who were discriminated against in the American South during the 1950s […]