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This Day in History: Baseball Brought America's Past to PBS in 1994

This Day in History: Baseball Brought America's Past to PBS in 1994

Ken Burns' 1994 PBS documentary series, "Baseball," offers an extensive exploration of America's national pastime, employing a distinctive format t...

Historic Philadelphia Actors Engage Audiences with First-Person Interpretations for America 250 Celebrations

Historic Philadelphia Actors Engage Audiences with First-Person Interpretations for America 250 Celebrations

Actors from Historic Philadelphia, Inc. are actively engaging visitors in Colonial history through first-person interpretations as part of America's 250th birthday celebrations. Carol Spacht, portraying Betsy Ross, has participated in various public events, including waving the checkered flag at a NASCAR race and meeting Punxsutawney Phil. The organization expanded its programming for the influx of tourists, nearly doubling its cast to approximately 60 actors. These interpreters bring historical figures to life, sharing stories of both well-known and underrepresented Philadelphians who contributed to the nation's founding. The actors undergo rigorous training, including learning authentic period techniques like Colonial sewing methods for those portraying Betsy Ross.

The Knoxville News-Sentinel

Can better civics lessons strengthen democracy? These teachers hope so

Can better civics lessons strengthen democracy? These teachers hope so

Teachers are being equipped with tools to moderate conversations on the Constitution, including the First and Fourth Amendments and religious freedom.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto Emphasizes Civic Education for Constitution Day

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto Emphasizes Civic Education for Constitution Day

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada delivered a special video message for Great Basin College's Constitution Day observance on September 17. In her address, Senator Cortez Masto highlighted the foundational principle of 'We the People' from the U.S. Constitution, stressing that the government is designed by and for American citizens. She underscored the importance of individual voices in selecting representatives and shaping laws. The Senator encouraged all citizens to gain a comprehensive understanding of governmental functions, actively participate in the democratic process, and register to vote. Her message aimed to promote civic education and engagement among students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, aligning with the national commemoration of the Constitution's signing on September 17, 1787.

An American Emblem Dating to 1782 Lives on Every One-Dollar Bill

An American Emblem Dating to 1782 Lives on Every One-Dollar Bill

For many Americans, their most frequent interaction with the Great Seal of the United States occurs almost unconsciously, through the ubiquitous on...

New York State Monument at Valley Forge Commemorates Revolutionary War Contribution

New York State Monument at Valley Forge Commemorates Revolutionary War Contribution

The New Yorkers State Monument, located at Valley Forge National Historical Park, was donated by the state of New York in 1970. This marker is nearly identical to the one erected for New Hampshire, a reflection of the fact that regiments from both states served under the same commander, Enoch Poor, during the encampment. Although New York contributed only four regiments to the Continental Army, these units were generally larger than those from other states. Additionally, New York maintained an extensive militia to protect its troubled frontier during the Revolutionary War. The monument features an inscription quoting Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt of the 2nd New York Regiment, from a letter to Governor George Clinton on February 13, 1778, stating, "... IT IS BEYOND DESCRIPTION TO CONCEIVE WHAT THE MEN SUFFER..."

These Revolutionary women took up arms and fought for freedom

These Revolutionary women took up arms and fought for freedom

Many women contributed to the war effort, but some went into battle and fought alongside men, sometimes in disguise.

Baseball Used Music to Capture the Changing Mood of American Life

Baseball Used Music to Capture the Changing Mood of American Life

Ken Burns' 1994 PBS documentary series, "Baseball," is not merely a chronicle of the sport; it is a profound exploration of how baseball has mirror...

The First Bank Faced a Major Credit Crisis Just Months After Its Creation

The First Bank Faced a Major Credit Crisis Just Months After Its Creation

The establishment of the First Bank of the United States in 1791, while a landmark achievement for Alexander Hamilton's financial vision, was immed...

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to Participate in Global Constitution Day Mock Trial Program

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett to Participate in Global Constitution Day Mock Trial Program

Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett is scheduled to deliver a video presentation for this year's Constitution Day educational activity, which features an online mock trial program for third-grade students. The program, initiated by District Judge Robert Wonnell, has significantly expanded from a local Olathe, Kansas, event to a national and now international initiative. This year, over 45,000 third-graders from 47 states are expected to participate. The federal government has also requested the inclusion of classes from military bases, leading to over 70 third-grade classes on military bases across four continents joining the program. The mock trials, which involve students acting as jurors, aim to teach youth about the U.S. court system and the Constitution. The program's growth was accelerated by the shift to online formats during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for broader participation and the inclusion of high-profile speakers like Justice Barrett and Delaware Governor Matt Meyer.

A 21-Gun Salute Opened Khrushchev's 1959 Visit to Washington

A 21-Gun Salute Opened Khrushchev's 1959 Visit to Washington

Nikita Khrushchev's state visit to the United States in September 1959 was a meticulously planned journey designed to expose the Soviet leader to v...

The First Bank Sparked a Fierce Constitutional Debate in Washington's Cabinet

The First Bank Sparked a Fierce Constitutional Debate in Washington's Cabinet

Following the American Revolutionary War, the nascent United States faced significant economic turmoil. The 1780s were marked by widespread financi...