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, […]
Rosenwald Schools Educated African Americans in the South
May 17, 2024, is the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that ended the system of racially segregated schools in the United States. To commemorate this important achievement for equality and civil rights, btw takes a look at the history of the Rosenwald Schools. In the early 1900s, a […]
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 […]
Remembering Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter
Rosalynn Carter, wife of former President Jimmy Carter, died on November 19, 2023. She was 96 years old. She and the president had been married 77 years. Rosalynn (pronounced ROSE-a-lynn) Carter greatly expanded the role of First Lady of the United States during her husband’s presidency. She fought fiercely for mental health reform, women’s rights, […]
You Know Uncle Sam. But Who is Brother Jonathan?
Uncle Sam is a familiar character used to represent the United States as a person. Dressed in red, white, and blue, his image brings to mind thoughts of American patriotism. He is used as a stand-in for the United States in political cartoons and advertisements. Uncle Sam’s origins can be traced back to the War […]
AAPI Heritage Month: The Ireicho
During World War II, thousands of Japanese American citizens and Japanese immigrants were removed from their homes and imprisoned in camps around the United States. Some remained in these camps for as long as three years. Until recently, no complete record of their names existed. Here, btw takes a closer look at the effort to […]
California’s Asian American Community History
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month: a time to recognize and honor the many cultures, histories, and contributions of the AAPI community. This week btw examines the history of Asian American settlement and community growth in central and southern California. A Short History of AAPI Immigration California has long been a […]
Library of Congress Transcription Campaign for Post-Civil War Petition
The Library of Congress By the People program uses the power of the internet to make historical documents and historical research more accessible, readable, and searchable. In March 2023, the Library of Congress began a new campaign to learn more about a post-Civil War petition calling for equal rights for African Americans. A petition is […]
Navy Ship Renamed to Honor American Hero Robert Smalls
Have you ever heard of Robert Smalls? The U.S. Navy just renamed a ship, the USS Robert Smalls, in his honor. Robert Smalls was an African American man who captured a Confederate steamer loaded with guns during the Civil War. Smalls surrendered the vessel to the Union Navy. By reaching Union lines, this act also […]
Examining the Lavender Scare
(Note: This story discusses issues that might be upsetting to some readers, such as anti-LGBTQ discrimination and suicide.) June is Pride Month: a time to honor and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. But it is also a time to remember and reflect on important historical moments in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. One such […]