This evening marks the first night of Hanukkah for Jewish communities around the world. Did you know? In comparison to major Jewish holidays like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Hanukkah is actually a fairly minor religious festival. In the 19th century, however, both Hanukkah and Christmas saw a rise in popularity in the United States. […]
On this day in 1783, George Washington resigned as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army following the official end of the Revolution. The moment was a testament to Washington’s hopes for a new self-governing republic. During the course of the war, Congress had given Washington such powers that, were he a lesser man, could have easily […]
On this day in 1856, 28th president Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, Virginia. During Wilson’s administration, he was responsible for the United States abstention from (and subsequent entry into) World War I, as well as the implementation of several progressive policies. Wilson was also responsible for founding the League of Nations. Though the United […]
On this day in 1808, 17th president Andrew Johnson was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. The successor to Lincoln, Johnson had huge shoes to fill, wrestling with Reconstruction in a nation still heavily divided. Johnson was at odds with his “Radical Republican” Congress, who condemned his policies as too lenient to the South. This tension […]
On this day in 1870, construction began on the famed Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. The bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its opening and provided a much-needed thruway for New Yorkers commuting from Brooklyn to Manhattan. Did you know? Compartments in the bridge were used as […]
One of the most famous (and rare) books of American birds is John J. Audubon’s Birds of America. Printed as a subscription from 1827 to 1838, the book contains over 400 watercolor illustrations of North American birds that are still studied and admired today. Did you know? Audubon was likely the first person in North […]
On this day in 1800, 13th president Millard Fillmore was born in Cayuga County, New York. His presidency was defined by the passage of the Compromise of 1850, which temporarily staved off disputes between pro-and anti-slavery factions. Though the Compromise abolished slavery in Washington D.C. and created a free state in California, it also included […]
On this day in 1790, George Washington delivered the first State of the Union Address to Congress at Federal Hall in New York City. Among other things, Washington presented the young nation’s current affairs in foreign policy, the economy, immigration, and national defense. Informed by a requirement in Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution, […]
On this day in 1913, 37th president Richard Nixon was born in Yorba Linda, California. His presidency, while marked by an end to the draft and American fighting in Vietnam as well as improved relations with China and the Soviet Union, was overshadowed by the Watergate Scandal and ensuing impeachment trial. Nixon resigned before he […]
On this day in 1755 or 1757, founding father Alexander Hamilton was born on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies. He was fundamental in securing the ratification of the Constitution and wrote the majority of the 85 Federalist Papers. In the early days of the new U.S. government, Hamilton founded the Treasury […]
On this day in 1741, Patriot hero turned traitor Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut. During the early years of the American Revolution, he was hailed as a brilliant tactician for his actions to fend off the British invasion of Canada. After being passed over several times for promotion and clashing with senior officers, […]
On this day in 1786, Virginia enacted the Statute for Religious Freedom. The statute disestablished the Church of England as Virginia’s official state-supported religion and implemented freedom of worship. Authored by Thomas Jefferson, the statute was an important precursor to the protection of religious liberty and separation of church and state later codified in the […]
Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! On this day in 1929, minister and activist leader Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. A figurehead of the American civil rights movement, he was a proponent of civil disobedience and non-violent protest. Persevering despite death threats, abuse, and arrest, he rose to the national stage, […]
On this day in 1809, American suspense and horror writer Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Poe’s short stories and poems, including such classics as “The Raven”, “The Tell-Tale Heart” and “The Cask of Amontillado”, are still widely read and admired for their macabre themes and mysterious story-telling. Did you know? Poe was […]
Florida teachers gathered virtually with JMC faculty partners Peter Myers (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire) and Lee Trepanier (Samford University) for an in-depth seminar on Martin Luther King Jr.'s political thought and the development of Civil Rights protections in the United States through Constitutional amendments, Supreme Court rulings, and federal legislation. Afterwards, JMC's Teacher Education Fellow, Dr. Danton Kostandarithes, led a classroom application […]
It’s National Hot Sauce Day! Did you know that hot sauce has deep American roots? Chilis were domesticated in present-day Mexico around 5000 B.C. The Aztecs and Mayans combined chili peppers with water to make an early hot sauce. With increased trade and colonialism in the 1500s, chilis soon spread across the world. Though colonial […]
On this day in 1737, founding father, successful merchant, and first signer of the Declaration of Independence John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. Before the Revolution, Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in New England and used his money and influence to forward the movement for American independence. He’s perhaps best known for […]
Happy National Peanut Butter Day! This uniquely American treat was first patented in the late 1800s, as Canadian Marcellus Gilmore Edson and American John Harvey Kellogg experimented with creating pastes out of roasted and raw peanuts. Kellogg’s easily digested paste was used as a healthy food for sanitarium patients. As a result of meat-rationing during […]
On this day in 1892, Bessie Coleman, the first African-American and Native American woman pilot was born in Atlanta, Texas. Coleman gave speeches, and lessons, and toured across America and Europe, encouraging other women to pursue flight and dazzling crowds with her daring air tricks. She also publicly stood up against segregation, refusing to perform […]
The seminar will provide Bradley and JMC Fellows the opportunity to meet like-minded scholars while discussing an important topic in American political thought. We will be joined by Dr. Diana Schaub, Professor of Political Science at Loyola University Maryland, Visiting Professor in the Government Department at Harvard University, and a Visiting Scholar at the American […]
On this day in 1843, 25th President William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio. His presidency was notable for an increase in protective tariffs and imperialist policies that led to the annexation of the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Tragically, McKinley was the third president assassinated – an anarchist shot him at the Pan-American Exposition […]
On this day in 1882, 32nd President Franklin D. Roosevelt was born in Hyde Park, New York. His presidency was marked by several momentous historical events, including the Great Depression and the United States’ entry into World War II. Roosevelt also was a prominent progressive and under his guidance, new government programs such as the […]
On this day in 1752, founding father Gouverneur Morris was born in Morrisania, New York (present-day New York City). Though less famous than other founders, Morris was considered the “Penman of the Constitution,” and is credited with wording the famous preamble, “We the People of the United States of America…” Aside from his key role […]
Groundhog Day was first officially celebrated on this day in 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club still gather in Gobbler’s Knob to lift Phil high in the air and oversee the proceedings in Pennsylvania Dutch. So, where did this weird American tradition come from? As indicated by the preferred language of […]
On this day in 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified, giving all American men the right to vote, regardless of race or previous state of servitude. Significantly, this meant that emancipated slaves and other African Americans had all the rights and privileges awarded by the Constitution to every U.S. citizen. The immediate effects of the […]
On this day in 1756, infamous American politician Aaron Burr was born in Newark, New Jersey. Though he may be best-known for his duel with Alexander Hamilton (which proved fatal to Hamilton), Burr was also a Revolutionary War hero and served as vice president in the Jefferson administration, during which time he set a high […]
On this day in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America was founded by William D. Boyce in Washington, D.C. Boyce was inspired by the Boy Scouts movement in England after reportedly meeting a scout while lost in the streets of London. After guiding Boyce to his destination, the Boy Scout refused compensation for his good […]
Dr. McClay will be discussing the centrality of the constitution in the civic education of Americans. This presentation is mandatory for three political science classes and open to the rest of the SPU community.
On this day in 1773, 9th president William Henry Harrison was born in Berkeley, Virginia. He served the shortest term of any president – a mere month – before expiring from pneumonia. Though he didn’t make much impact as president, Harrison was well-known as a general in the War of 1812 and in battles with […]
On February 10, 2022, the Forum on Constitutionalism and Democracy at SUNY-Geneseo held a virtual discussion with faculty partner Lorraine Pangle on freedom of speech: This lecture surveys both the case for free speech, grounded in the classical liberal principles that guided the founding of the United States and its universities, and the strongest contemporary […]
The John Dickinson Forum at George Fox University, a JMC partner program, hosted board member Wilfred McClay to speak on American civic education and the Constitution. Thursday, February 10, 2022 • 6:30 PM PST Hoover 105 • George Fox University Free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Mark David Hall at mhall@georgefox.edu. […]
The Tocqueville Lecture Series at Jacksonville State University, a JMC partner program, held a virtual presentation and Q&A with Lucy Williams: The Tocqueville Lecture Series is excited to host Dr. Lucy Williams (BYU). Her presentation, “Civil Rights Exceptionalism” examines how the Supreme Court engages and uses the rhetoric of American exceptionalism in its civil rights […]
On February 11, 2022, the Public Law and Policy Program at the University of California, Berkeley hosted Erwin Chemerinsky, Nadine Strossen, Eric Kaufmann, and Keith Whittington for a discussion of the legal aspects of free speech in academia. The virtual event was free and open to the public. Friday, February 11, 2022 • 10:00 AM […]
On this day in 1809, 16th president Abraham Lincoln was born near Hodgenville, Kentucky. We particularly honor Lincoln for his leadership in steering the country through a civil war intact and for taking the necessary steps to end slavery once and for all. Did you know? Outside of his political prowess, Lincoln was an inventor. […]
On February 12, 2022, Christopher R. Green, the Jamie L. Whitten Chair in Law and Government at the University of Mississippi School of Law, spoke on “Equal Citizenship, Civil Rights, and the Constitution: The Original Sense of the Privileges or Immunities Clause” drawing upon his book of the same title: The Privileges or Immunities Clause […]
It’s Super Bowl Sunday! Whether sports fans or not, every American recognizes this nationally-celebrated football game. The first Super Bowl took place in 1967 between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, but wasn’t given the name “Super Bowl” until Super Bowl III in 1969. 🏈 🏈 🏈 For viewers less interested in […]
On this day in 1820, American activist Susan B. Anthony was born in Adams, Massachusetts. An icon of the women’s suffrage movement, Anthony founded the National American Woman Suffrage Association with Elizabeth Cady Stanton and helped pave the way for the Nineteenth Amendment. Aside from her activism for women’s rights, Anthony was also a vocal […]
On February 15, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Minor at the University of Portland hosted JMC faculty partner Vincent Phillip Muñoz for a lecture on religious freedom and the First Amendment. Tuesday, February 15, 2022 University of Portland Vincent Phillip Muñoz is the Tocqueville Associate Professor of Political Science and Concurrent Associate Professor of Law […]
On February 17, 2022, the James Madison Program at Princeton University hosted JMC fellow Michael Breidenbach for a discussion of his recent book, Our Dear-Bought Liberty, which examines the history of how early American Catholics justified secularism and overcame suspicions of disloyalty, transforming ideas of religious liberty in the process. In colonial America, Catholics were […]
On February 17, 2022, the American Constitution, Citizenship, and Community Speaker Series at Samford University hosted Carl Trueman for a public lecture on "The Modern Self and Civic Politics." Thursday, February 17, 2022 • 6:00 PM CST Regions Room, Brock School of Business • Samford University Click here for more information >> Carl […]
On this day in 1885, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first published in the United States. The book, still widely-read for its portrayal of race relations, focuses on the relationship between a young boy, Huckleberry Finn, and an escaped slave, Jim. Though a sequel to The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, it far surpassed […]
On February 18, 2022, the Zavala Program for Constitutional Studies at Baylor University hosted Sidney Milkis (University of Virginia) for a lecture on his recent book (co-written with Nicholas Jacobs), What Happened to the Vital Center? Friday, February 18, 2022 Baylor University Click here to learn more >> Sidney M. Milkis is the […]
On February 18-19, 2022, Lee University’s Center for Responsible Citizenship hosted its 6th Annual Symposium on Civic Virtue and Thought. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Persons and Place: Wendell Berry and the Weight of Love,” which will explore the importance of human connection and locality through Wendell Berry’s writings. This intercollegiate symposium brings […]
Happy Presidents Day! 🏛🏛🏛 Presidents Day, as we now call it, began as an officially recognized celebration of George Washington’s birthday in 1885. During the 1960s, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which pushed several federal holiday observances to Mondays in order to allow for three-day weekends. This effectively moved Washington’s Birthday from its […]
On February 21, 2022, the University of Oklahoma's Institute for the American Constitutional Heritage hosted JMC faculty partner George Thomas to give a talk for Presidents Day on his new book, The (Un)Written Constitution. Monday, February 21, 2022 University of Oklahoma Click here to learn more >> George Thomas is the Burnet C. […]
On February 22, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Forum at the University of Nebraska-Omaha hosted David McPherson for a lecture on the Constitution and imperfection. Tuesday, February 22, 2022 • 10:00 AM CST CPACS, 132 • University of Nebraska-Omaha Free and open to the public. Click here to watch on Youtube>> David McPherson is an Associate […]
On February 22, 2022, the Public Law and Policy Program at the University of California, Berkeley hosted Randy E. Barnett and Linda Lee Denno for a hybrid in-person/virtual discussion of the Fourteenth Amendment. Tuesday, February 22, 2022 • 12:50 PM PST Berkeley Law, Room 105 • University of California-Berkeley A hybrid in-person/virtual event free and […]
On February 22, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Forum at the University of Nebraska-Omaha hosted David McPherson for a lecture on "Somewheres and Anywheres: Patriotism versus Cosmopolitanism." Tuesday, February 22, 2022 • 3:00 PM CST University of Nebraska-Omaha Click here to learn more >> David McPherson is an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Creighton […]
On February 22, 2022, the Lyceum Program at Clemson University hosted JMC fellow Flagg Taylor for a virtual lecture on Václav Havel and his insights into communism: In 1975 the Czech playwright-dissident turned statesman, Václav Havel, got “tired of being tired” and wrote a public letter to the General Secretary of the Communist Party of […]
On February 23, 2022, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas's Great Works Academic Certificate Program hosted JMC faculty partner Lucas Morel for an in-person/virtual lecture on Frederick Douglass's life and character: Professor Morel will explore how a man who had every reason to hate America became one of the nation’s strongest defenders. Born into slavery, Douglass […]
On February 24, 2022, the University of North Texas's Constitutionalism and Democracy Forum hosted JMC faculty partner Jeremy Bailey to present his research on Thomas Jefferson and Native Americans. Thursday, February 24, 2022 University of North Texas Free and open to the public. Jeremy D. Bailey is Professor and Sanders Chair in Law […]
On February 24, 2022, the Political Theory Institute at American University hosted JMC fellow Richard Avramenko for a discussion of Tocqueville and equality: Today one hears only about increasing inequality, and it is true in terms of income distribution, but Alexis de Tocqueville argues that equality itself is the source of many of the problems […]
On February 24, 2022, Texas State University hosted faculty partner Charles Kesler for a discussion of constitutional interpretation and partisanship: American politics are embittered by the growing fracture between two rival constitutions, two opposed cultures, two contrary ways of life. American conservatives rally around the founders’ Constitution, as amended and as grounded in the rights […]
On February 25, 2022, the Zavala Program for Constitutional Studies at Baylor University hosted JMC fellow Matthew Brogdon for a discussion of corporations and civil liberty. Friday, February 25, 2022 • 2:30 PM CST Bennett Auditorium • Baylor University Free and open to the public Click here to learn more >> Matthew Brogdon […]
On February 25, 2022, the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University, a JMC partner program, hosted Kmele Foster and Karen Attiah for the third and final discussion in its series, "Can We Talk Honestly About Race?": In the third and final event in the series, co-founder and executive producer […]
On this day in 1846, William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody was born near LeClaire, Iowa. Cody came to symbolize “Wild West” culture in America with his famous Wild West Show, featuring figures like Annie Oakley and Sitting Bull. He was not just well-known in the U.S., but arguably one of the most famous Americans in […]
A Virtual Seminar for Florida Teachers Professor David Ramsey (University of West Florida) will lead an interactive discussion for Florida teachers on the Supreme Court and the development of the principle of judicial review. Readings for the seminar will include Constitutional articles, Federalist and Antifederalist papers, and Marbury v. Madison (1800). After the discussion, Dr. […]
On this day in 1807, American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was born in Portland, Maine. He is one of the best-known poets of the nineteenth century, authoring such prominent and lasting works as “Paul Revere’s Ride”, “The Courtship of Miles Standish”, The Song of Hiawatha, and Evangeline. His works appealed to the masses. Did you […]
On this day in 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as President Ulysses S. Grant signed an act protecting over 2 million acres of wilderness as “a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.” It was the first national park in America. Did you know? Yellowstone contains roughly 75% of […]
On March 1, 2022, the Public Law and Policy Program at the University of California, Berkeley hosted Col. Winston Williams for a discussion of the law and warfare in the 21st century. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 • 12:50 PM PST LAW Room 105 • University of California-Berkeley Click here to view on Youtube>> Col. Winston […]
On March 2, 2022, as a part of its President’s Lecture Series, the University of Montana hosted Ross Douthat for a discussion of changes in the Republican Party from Reaganism to Trumpism. Wednesday, March 2, 2022 • 8:00 PM MST Dennison Theatre • University of Montana Click here to learn more >> Click here to […]
On this day in 1931, the United States officially adopted “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its national anthem. The song was penned in 1814, but gained greater meaning throughout the 19th century, becoming particularly impactful during and after the Civil War. Why? During the upheaval of the war, the American flag became an even more impactful […]
On March 3, 2022, the University of Houston's Tocqueville Forum on American Ideas and Institutions hosted Edward Widmer to give a talk on his new book, Lincoln on the Verge: Thirteen Days to Washington: Dr. Widmer’s great book on Lincoln’s odyssey from Springfield to Washington D.C. for the Inauguration was released last year and has […]
On this day in 1770, the Boston Massacre occurred on King Street in Boston, Massachusetts as colonists rioted and British troops panicked, opening fire and killing 5 men. The incident fueled increasing anti-British sentiment as the colonies approached the Revolution. Did you know? Though labeled a “massacre”, the British troops had been provoked by the […]
On this day in 1876, Alexander Graham Bell received a patent for his invention of the telephone. A native of Scotland, Bell developed his telephone while teaching at a school for the deaf in Boston, Massachusetts. His prototype featured vibrations that electronically transferred sound from one instrument to another. A few days after filing the […]
On this day in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Ulysses S. Grant as Lieutenant General of the Union Army. The position gave Grant command of all U.S. armies and made him answerable only to the President himself. The appointment followed a string of unsuccessful general-in-chiefs, including George McClellan, who shared mutual feelings of dislike with […]
The Straus Center at Yeshiva University, a JMC partner program, hosted James Diamond to speak on Aristotle, Maimonides, and how these two thinkers—one ancient, and one medieval—can enrich our political-ethical discourse. Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Yeshiva University Learn more about the Straus Center >> James Diamond holds the Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Chair of […]
On this day in 1913, American abolitionist and leading conductor in the Underground Railroad Harriet Tubman died in Auburn, New York. An escaped slave herself, Tubman took great personal risks to lead at least 70 slaves out of the South to freedom – she never lost a passenger. Did you know? Aside from her work […]
On March 10, 2022, the Public Law and Policy Program at the University of California, Berkeley hosted JMC faculty partner Charles Kesler for a discussion of the Constitution and conflicting interpretations of it: American politics grows embittered because it is increasingly torn between two rival constitutions, two opposed cultures, two contrary ways of life. […]
On March 10, 2022, the Lyceum Program at Clemson University hosted Robert C. Bartlett for a lecture on human passions and hate speech: Philosophers ancient and modern have agreed that we must understand the human passions if we are going to understand ourselves. Lately, one among these passions has received a lot of attention, on […]
On this day in 1912, the Girl Scouts of America was founded by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia. Inspired by the Girl Guides of Great Britain, Low decided to begin an organization for American girls that emphasized outdoor activities, exercise, independence, and service to others. Soon troops spread across the country. Some of their […]
On March 12, 2022, the American Studies Department at the University of Dallas will be hosting a conference for the discussion of the teaching—especially at the K-12 level—of American literature, history, politics, and civics. The conference will bring together academics, scholars, and other leading figures with local classical educators. This first event will focus on […]
On this day in 1767, 7th president Andrew Jackson was born near Lancaster, South Carolina. During his time in politics, the Democratic Party came into being. His administration was set apart by his prominent use of executive power, the Indian Removal Act and subsequent Trail of Tears, and political war over the renewal of the […]
On March 15-17, 2022, the James Madison Program at Princeton University hosted JMC board member James Ceaser for three-day lecture series on America's founding principles: First Lecture, March 15: The Categories and Sources of Foundational Concepts Second Lecture, March 16: Nature, History, and Providence in Pivotal Moments Third Lecture, March 17: Do We Still Have […]
On this day in 1751, 4th president and founding father James Madison was born in Port Conway, Virginia. Madison was instrumental in the creation of the Constitution, earning the title “father of the Constitution.” He publicly defended the new form of government, writing some of the most-studied Federalist Papers, and was responsible for compiling the […]
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Irish-Americans (and not so Irish Americans) across the country celebrate Irish heritage today with parades, corned beef and cabbage, and festive green attire. The holiday, traditionally a celebration of Ireland’s patron saint, has been marked in North America for hundreds of years. The first St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in […]
On this day in 1837, 22nd (and 24th) President Grover Cleveland was born in Caldwell, New Jersey. Cleveland is the only president to have served for two separate terms. His time in office was characterized by political reform, hot debates over tariffs and the gold standard, and the greatest economic depression yet seen in the […]
On March 20, 1612, Puritan poet Anne Bradstreet was born in Northampton, England. A leading figure in early American poetry, Bradstreet was the first published poet from the American colonies. Her poetry was lauded in both America and England, and King George III himself was said to keep a volume in his library. A reflection […]
On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech in Richmond, Virginia while arguing for the deployment of Virginia troops in the American Revolution. Henry’s passionate speech made a strong impression on the Second Virginia Convention, who sat in stunned silence for several minutes afterwards. It had […]
On March 24, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Program at the University of Notre Dame hosted Philip Hamburger for a hybrid in-person/virtual discussion of free speech in the age of big tech: One of the preeminent scholars writing today on constitutional law and its history, Philip Hamburger teaches and writes on wide-ranging topics, including religious liberty, […]
On March 24, 2022, the Tocqueville Forum on Liberal Democracy at Christendom College hosted JMC faculty partner Lynn Uzzell for a lecture on James Madison. Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 4:00 PM EDT Christendom College Click here to learn more >> Click here to watch on Youtube>> Lynn Uzzell teaches American politics and rhetoric […]
On March 24, 2022, the Cincinnatus Center at Coastal Carolina University hosted JMC fellow Trevor Shelley for a lecture on "Globalization and Liberalism: Montesquieu, Tocqueville, and Manent." Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 5:00 PM EDT Coastal Carolina University Free and open to the public. Trevor Shelley is an Instructional Professional at Arizona State […]
On March 24, 2022, the Political Theory Institute at American University hosted JMC faculty partner Lucas Morel for a discussion of Ralph Ellison. Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 5:30 PM EDT A virtual event • American University Click here to learn more and register >> Click here to watch on Youtube>> Lucas Morel is […]
On March 25, 1911, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire took place in New York City, killing 146 workers, mostly teenage girls. The tragedy is infamous in part for its preventability – safety features had been neglected to save money and locked doors prevented escape. Trapped with nowhere to go, several jumped from the 8th floor. […]
On March 25, 2022, the Frederick Douglass Project at Providence College hosted Robert C. Bartlett for a lecture on democracy and Aristotle's Art of Rhetoric. Friday, March 25, 2022 Providence College Click here to learn more >> Click here to watch on Youtube>> Robert C. Bartlett is the Behrakis Professor in Hellenic Political Studies […]
On March 26, 1874, American poet Robert Frost was born in San Francisco, California. His popular poetry is best known for its focus on nature and rural New England life. 🌲🏡🌳 Still read by schoolchildren today, “The Road Not Taken”, “Mending Wall”, and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” are some of his best […]
On March 29, 1874, First Lady Lou Hoover was born in Waterloo, Iowa. The wife of 31st president, Herbert Hoover, Lou served as first lady during the first years of the Great Depression. Did you know? A geology major while at university, Lou had a love of nature and the outdoors and was a strong […]
Today marks the birthday of the 10th president John Tyler. Did you know that Tyler was the first vice-president to take office after the death of a sitting president? He became president after the death of William Henry Harrison, who held the shortest term in U.S. history. He is also known as the only […]
On March 29, 2022, the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University, a JMC partner program, hosted Heather Wilson, the president of University of Texas at El Paso, former secretary of the U.S. Air Force and former New Mexico’s representative in Congress, to share some of the tough lessons she […]
The Colin Powell School at the City College of New York held a virtual discussion with Ryan Balot, Susan McWilliams Barndt (JMC faculty partner), Jamelle Bouie, Simone Chambers, Roosevelt Montás (JMC faculty partner), and Deva Woodly on Professor Danielle Allen's run for governor of Massachusetts: How can Danielle Allen’s scholarship and ongoing political campaign shape […]
On March 30, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Forum at the University of Nebraska-Omaha hosted faculty partner Diana Schaub for a virtual presentation on Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. Wednesday, March 30, 2022 • 3:30 PM CDT University of Nebraska-Omaha Click here to learn more and register >> Click here to watch on Youtube>> Diana […]
On March 31, 1918, Daylight Saving Time went into effect for the first time in the United States. The practice had roots in World War I, when clocks were changed by an hour to conserve on fuel. After the war however, the practice proved so unpopular with Americans that it was repealed in 1919. Daylight […]
On this day in 1776, Abigail Adams wrote her husband John her now-famous letter urging him to "remember the ladies." "I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would […]
On March 31, 2022, the Forum on Constitutionalism and Democracy at SUNY-Geneseo held a virtual discussion with fellow Gregory McBrayer on modern day morality and what Plato can teach us about solving our own moral and political questions: How can a society revive justice when its moral foundations have been shaken by cynicism, sophistry, and […]
On March 31, 2022, the University of North Texas's Constitutionalism and Democracy Forum hosted JMC faculty partner Diana Schaub for a public lecture on her research on Frederick Douglass. Thursday, March 31, 2022 • 4:00 PM CDT Willis Library, 250 H • University of North Texas Click here to learn more >> Diana […]
On March 31, 2022, the Politics Department at Ave Maria University hosted fellow Samuel Goldman for a talk on his recent book, After Nationalism: Being American in an Age of Division. The talk will discuss the three kinds of nationalism Americans have attempted to forge and why they never quite served the purpose for national […]
The Tocqueville Lecture Series at Jacksonville State University, a JMC partner program, held a virtual presentation and Q&A with faculty partner Joseph Knippenberg: In this lecture, Dr. Knippenberg will discuss the two most prominent contemporary challenges to the liberal education that should be at the core of everyone’s experience of higher education. Both challenges are […]
On April 1, 2022, Harvard University's Program on Constitutional Government will host JMC faculty partner Diana Schaub for a public virtual lecture on Lincoln's greatest speeches. Friday, April 1, 2022 • 12:30 PM EDT Harvard University Free and open to the public. Click here to register >> Diana Schaub is a Professor of […]
On April 3, 1860, the first rider for the Pony Express departed St. Joseph, Missouri. Each of the famed riders rode 75-100 miles straight, handing off letters to another waiting horseman. Letters reached Sacramento, California in a speedy 10 days. Though the Express lasted less than two years, it remains famous as a fixture of […]
The John Dickinson Forum at George Fox University, a JMC partner program, will host JMC fellow Jason Ross to speak on slavery and the American founding. Monday, April 4, 2022 • 6:30 PM PDT Hoover 105 • George Fox University Click here to learn more >> Free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Mark […]
On April 5, 1792, the presidential veto was used for the first time by President George Washington. What was he vetoing? A bill with a new apportionment formula that would give some states more representatives than proportionate to their populations. Congress did not override a presidential veto until 1845 (!) Did you know? Veto is […]
On this day in 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established to organize young, unemployed American men to work in America’s parks and forests. In addition to providing jobs for the unemployed, the program led to a greater appreciation and awareness of America’s wilderness. Did you know that over the course of […]
On April 6, 2022, the University of Oklahoma's Institute for the American Constitutional Heritage will host Max Edling for a talk based on his recent book, Perfecting the Union: National and State Authority in the United States. Wednesday, April 6, 2022 University of Oklahoma Click here to learn more >> Max Edling is […]
It’s National Beer Day! 🍺🍺🍺 So, why today? On April 7, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt partially lifted Prohibition regulations, relegalizing 3.2% beer. It would be another 8 months before Prohibition would be completely lifted. Did you know? Unsurprisingly, some of the largest breweries in America sprung up in heavily German areas, such as Pennsylvania […]
On April 7, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Minor at the University of Portland will be hosting Evan Bernick for a lecture on his new book, The Original Meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment: Its Letter and Spirit (Harvard 2021), co-authored with Georgetown law professor Randy E. Barnett. Thursday, April 7, 2022 University of Portland […]
On April 8, 1918, First Lady Betty Ford was born in Chicago, Illinois. During her time as First Lady, Ford brought special attention to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as breast cancer awareness. Having faced addiction and breast cancer herself, Ford made the personal public to reduce stigma around these issues. Did you know? […]
On April 8-9, 2022, Belmont Abbey Honors College will host a two-day conference, "'Revolution, Religion, Regime Change, and Liberty': A Discussion of Tocqueville’s Other Book: The Old Regime and the Revolution" featuring four small group seminar sessions on selections from Tocqueville’s L’Ancien Regime et La Revolution. Students and faculty from all institutions will be mixed […]
On April 8-10, 2022, the Matthew J. Ryan Center at Villanova University will host a three-day student conference, "Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg, and American Political Thought" in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The JMC-sponsored event will give students an opportunity to discuss thinkers and texts tied to America’s founding principles and history that they might not otherwise encounter during […]
On April 8, 2022, the Zavala Program for Constitutional Studies at Baylor University will be hosting Gary Jacobsohn for a discussion of American constitutionalism. Friday, April 8, 2022 • 2:30 PM CDT Bennett Auditorium • Baylor University Free and open to the public Click here to learn more >> Gary Jacobsohn is the […]
On April 8, 2022, the Forum on Constitutionalism and Democracy at SUNY-Geneseo will be holding a virtual discussion with faculty partner Alexander Duff on the place of speech in our common life: Contemporary questions about the place of speech in our common life are sometimes articulated as though speech is violence and therefore violence is […]
On this day in 1865, the Civil War unofficially ended as General Robert E. Lee surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox Court House, Virginia. Did you know?: Lee arrived at the meeting in his full dress uniform, while future president Grant wore his muddy field uniform for the occasion. Terms of […]
On April 11, 2022, the University of Houston's Tocqueville Forum on American Ideas and Institutions will host Donald Drakeman to give a talk on his new book, From Breakthrough to Blockbuster: the Business of Biotechnology as part of a broader conference series entitled “Liberal Education and Citizenship in a Self-Governing Republic”. His lecture will showcase the […]
On April 11, 2022, the Frederick Douglass Forum on Law, Rights, and Justice at Linfield University will be hosting acclaimed stage actor Darius Wallace for his portrayal of Frederick Douglass. Mr. Wallace performs one man shows in which he plays Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr., and many other important figures in black history. […]
On April 12, 1861, the Civil War began as Confederate troops under the command of General Pierre Beauregard opened fire on Fort Sumter off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina. South Carolina had declared secession in December 1860 after the election of Abraham Lincoln. Did you know? Amazingly, nobody was killed in the Battle of […]
On April 12, 2022, the Public Law and Policy Program at the University of California, Berkeley will be hosting Victor Davis Hanson for a discussion of his recent book, The Dying Citizen. Tuesday, April 12, 2022 • 5:15 PM PDT Warren Room 295 Simon Hall • University of California-Berkeley Click here to learn more >> […]
On April 13, 1870, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was incorporated in New York City. The museum acquired its first object later that year, a Roman sarcophagus that dates to the 200s A.D. By the 1900s, the museum was considered one of the top art institutions in the world. Today it consists of over 2 […]
The third president Thomas Jefferson was born on this day in 1743 in Shadwell, Virginia. At age 33, he drafted the Declaration of Independence and is remembered as its primary author. Did you know? Jefferson’s proudest accomplishments did not include, as one may expect, serving as president. He requested that his grave be inscribed […]
On April 13, 2022, the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University, a JMC partner program, will host faculty partner John Tomasi, inaugural president of Heterodox Academy, to discuss trends in higher education: For over a thousand years, the traditional purpose of a university has been the pursuit of truth, […]
On this day in 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was tragically shot and mortally wounded in Ford’s Theatre while watching a performance of Our American Cousin. After being evaluated by doctors, he was taken across the street from the theater to William Petersen's boarding house. This painting, Lincoln Borne by Loving Hands, is the only […]
On April 14, 1775, the first abolition society in North America, the Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, was established in Philadelphia by Quaker Anthony Benezet. Did you know? Though he held slaves as a young man, Benjamin Franklin became a proponent of abolition in his elder years. In the […]
The John Dickinson Forum at George Fox University, a JMC partner program, will host Kevin Gutzman to speak on Thomas Jefferson and the Election of 1800. Thursday, April 14, 2022 • 6:30 PM PDT Hoover 105 • George Fox University Click here to learn more >> Free and open to the public. Questions? Contact Mark […]
On April 14, 2022, Texas State University will be hosting Steven D. Smith for a discussion of American religious liberty. Dr. Smith will explore the traditional understanding of the religious provisions of the First Amendment and the consequences of the Supreme Court’s rejection of that understanding: Situating the roots of America’s approach to the […]
On this day in 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott set out from Boston, Massachusetts around 10 pm to warn patriots in Lexington and Concord of the approaching British. 🐎🐎🐎 The ride preceded the very first battles of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord, and was famously immortalized by Henry Wadsworth […]
On April 19, 1832 First Lady Lucretia Garfield was born in Garrettsville, Ohio. Her time in the White House was short – her husband President James Garfield was assassinated after six months in office. She was particularly admired for her grace in face of the tragedy. A reserved woman, Garfield enjoyed intellectual pursuits, particularly literature […]
On this day in 1897, the first Boston Marathon took place. Only 15 runners (all men) took part in the race, with John J. McDermott of New York finishing victorious. The number of participants has grown to roughly 30,000 runners in more recent times. Did you know? Women weren’t allowed to enter the marathon […]
On April 19, 2022, the Center for Constitutional Studies at Utah Valley University will be hosting Governor Spencer Cox and Christopher Peterson for a public discussion of civility in politics. Two of Utah's most recent gubernatorial candidates, Cox and Peterson will talk about their experience with civility and political campaigns and answer questions from the […]
On April 19, 2022, the Alexander Hamilton Forum at Middlebury College will be hosting author Amity Shlaes and former Governor Jim Douglas to discuss the 1920s, the New Deal, and the Great Society: Amity Shlaes is a bestselling author who treats twentieth-century political and economic history. Her biography of Calvin Coolidge, a president who grew up in Plymouth […]
On April 20, 1841, one of the earliest detective stories, Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Murders in the Rue Morgue,” was published. It is widely held as one of the most important modern detective stories in the English-speaking world, preceding the works of both Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie. 🔎 🔦 🗝 🕰 Paving the […]
Do you have questions about the war in Ukraine? The response from the international community? Or about what role the United States could play in the conflict? Ask a JMC faculty partner! On Wednesday, April 20th, JMC will host its second Office Hours with Professor Alberto Coll (DePaul University College of Law) where he will […]
On April 21, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Forum at the University of Nebraska-Omaha will be hosting David Azerrad for a public discussion of influential Enlightenment thinker John Locke. Thursday, April 21, 2022 • 10:00 AM CDT CPACS 132 • University of Nebraska-Omaha The event is free and open to the public. Click here to learn […]
On this day in 1791, 15th president James Buchanan was born. The last president born in the 18th century, he served just one term from 1857 to 1861, as the immediate predecessor to Abraham Lincoln. Though Buchanan aimed to compromise in an increasingly divided nation, he failed to prevent the conflict of […]
On this day in 1800, the Library of Congress was established in Washington, D.C. It is our nation’s oldest federal cultural institution and the largest library in the world! Since 1801, the collection has increased from its initial 740 volumes “necessary for the use of Congress” to over 170 million items. The Library […]
On April 26, 1785 famed ornithologist John James Audubon was born in Les Caves, Saint-Dominique (modern-day Haiti). Audubon documented 700+ birds of America in his book, Birds of America. His faithful paintings of several species are still enjoyed today. 🐦🦆🦉🦅 Did you know? Audubon, though most associated with American wildlife, was not American himself. He […]
On this day in 1822, 18th president Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio. Although he served a full two terms as president, he is often best remembered for his crucial role in winning the Civil War. Did you know? President and Mrs. Grant almost attended Ford’s Theatre with Lincoln on […]
On April 27, 2022, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas's Great Works Academic Certificate Program will host JMC fellow Adam Seagrave for an in-person/virtual lecture on slavery and racism: Professor Adam Seagrave of Arizona State University will give a talk combining a strong statement on the evils of slavery and racism in general, and American slavery […]
On this day in 1758, 5th president James Monroe was born in Monroe Hall, Virginia. Though he’s often less remembered than fellow founding fathers Madison, Jefferson, or Washington, Monroe was a popular and accomplished president. In particular, he is distinguished for running for reelection unopposed (the only other president to do so was […]
On April 28, 1788, 7th state Maryland was ratified into the United States. Did you know? The Maryland State House is the oldest state capitol in continuous legislative use. It also served as the national Capitol when Annapolis was our nation’s capitol – Washington resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the army here. What’s in […]
On April 29, 2022, the Constitutional Studies Forum at the University of Nebraska-Omaha will be hosting a lecture and follow-up discussion panel on the legacy of James Madison. "The Consistency of James Madison—The Case of the Bill of Rights" will be presented by JMC faculty partner Michael Zuckert at 10:00 AM. A panel discussion on […]
On this day in 1789, George Washington became our first U.S. president as he was administered the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City. Washington appeared on the balcony of Federal Hall in a plain brown suit, solemnly recited the oath of office over the Bible, and, in a mark […]
On April 30, 1812, Louisiana was admitted to the United States as our 18th state. Did you know? Perhaps unsurprisingly, Louisiana is the birthplace of jazz. The port city of New Orleans was the perfect melting pot for jazz’s development, as the genre borrows elements of both African and European musical traditions. Jazz developed in […]
On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building was dedicated in New York City. The 1,250 foot building stood as the tallest in the world until the 1970s with the construction of the World Trade Center tower. 🏙🏙🏙 Did you know? The very upper tower of the building was originally intended as a docking station […]
On this day in 1864, American journalist Nellie Bly was born in Cochran’s Mills, Pennsylvania. Bly (born Elizabeth Cochran) is famous for her daring approach to investigative journalism, and, in particular, for exposing the poor working and living conditions in urban areas. In 1887, Bly went undercover, feigning insanity in order to be admitted […]
On May 5, 1809, Mary Kies became the first woman to receive a U.S. patent for her new method of weaving straw hats using silk and thread. 👒👒👒 Did you know? First Lady Dolley Madison was so impressed with Kies’ innovation that she wrote to her with congratulations for boosting the female-dominated straw hat-making industry. […]
Today marks the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby! The Derby dates to 1875 and of the three races in the Triple Crown, it is the first and the most popular, attracting millions of viewers every year. 🐎 🐎 🐎 Over the years, the race has collected a variety of traditions, including mint juleps, enormous […]
On this day in 1884, 33rd president Harry S. Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri. Truman became president under trying circumstances. Upon the death of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, the former vice-president faced difficult choices relating to the first use of the atomic bomb, the subsequent end of World War II, and the […]
Happy Mother’s Day! 🥰👩👧👦💐 Did you know? Abigail Adams is one of only two women that have served as both First Lady and mother of a president. She was survived by both of her presidents and left a lasting impact on them with her goodness and intelligent support. Writing in his diary upon her death, […]
On May 9, 1800, American abolitionist John Brown was born in Torrington, Connecticut. He’s best remembered for his forceful means of fighting slavery, in particular the raid he led on Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia in 1859. The raid was meant to incite a nationwide slave rebellion and heightened already rising tensions over slavery between North […]
On this day in 1869, the first transcontinental railroad in the United States was completed in Promontory Point, Utah, where a golden spike was driven to connect the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railways. This major step in infrastructure helped to connect the country and enabled faster and cheaper travel. 🚂🚃🚃 A ceremony, centered […]
On May 10, 2022, the Alexander Hamilton Forum at Middlebury College will be hosting AEI scholar Michael Strain, who will argue that populism has infused an unwarranted and debilitating pessimism into national economic discourse. Tuesday, May 10, 2022 • 5:00 PM, EDT Dana Auditorium • Middlebury College Click here to learn more >> […]
On May 11, 1858, Minnesota was admitted into the United States as our 32nd state. Did you know? Minnesota was the first Union state to volunteer troops to fight in the Civil War. Roughly half of Minnesota’s eligible men fought in the war. Minnesota’s nickname, “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” is no exaggeration. In actuality, the […]
On this day in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in America – Jamestown, Virginia – was established under the orders of King James I. Early inhabitants struggled in Jamestown, facing disease, famine, and poor relations with Native Americans. Fatality rates were high – by January 1608, only 38 of the original 104 colonists remained. […]
On May 14, 1804, the Lewis and Clark expedition began as William Clark departed from Camp Dubois in Illinois to join Meriwether Lewis in St. Charles, Missouri. Over the course of the next two and a half years, the men and their expedition would explore the newly obtained Louisiana Purchase, traveling 8,000+ miles to and […]
On May 15, 1860, First Lady Ellen Wilson was born in Savannah, Georgia. First Lady to Woodrow Wilson, she took a particular interest in art and children’s issues. Before marrying, she attended the prestigious Art Students League. 🎨 🖌 Did you know? Wilson directed the addition of the famous Rose Garden to the White House […]
On May 17, 1792, the New York Stock Exchange was established as businessmen met under a buttonwood tree on Wall Street and signed a trading agreement to give preference to each other while buying and selling. 💸💸💸 Trading often took place outside (weather-permitting) as well as in nearby taverns and coffeehouses. 🌳☕️🌳 Did you know? […]
On this day in 1954, Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka was decided with the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruling that race-based segregation in public schools was unlawful and denied black children equal educational opportunities. The landmark case began as five separate cases drawn from Kansas, South Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, and D.C. At the […]
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, killing 57 people and causing $3 million in damages. It was the deadliest and most destructive volcano eruption in U.S. history, destroying 230 square miles of forest area within minutes. Did you know? Fluctuating between periods of calm and activity, Mount St. Helens erupted […]
On this day in 1780, residents of New England and New Jersey experienced what would later be called “New England’s Dark Day” or “Black Friday.” Starting roughly mid-morning, mysterious darkness fell over the sky from Maine south to New Jersey. Animals behaved as if it were nighttime and candles were required to see during the […]
On May 20, 1768, First Lady Dolley Madison was born in Guilford County, North Carolina. The wife of founding father James Madison, Dolley balanced his taciturn nature with her sociability, friendliness, and fun-loving tendencies. Their marriage is remembered as a particularly happy one despite their difference in natures and wide age gap of 17 years. […]
On this day in 1932, American aviator Amelia Earhart departed on her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first woman (and second person, after Charles Lindbergh) to do so. Taking off from Canada at 7 pm, she arrived in Ireland roughly 15 hours later. Upon her return to the United States, she was […]
On May 20, 2022, the Christendom College will be hosting a lecture on Machiavelli with JMC fellow Joseph Brutto. The lecture will be broadcast online for those who wish to attend virtually: The use of the term Machiavellian has become synonymous with deceit and corruption in politics. But what did Machiavelli actually teach? In this […]
On May 22, 1902, Crater Lake National Park was established in Oregon. Aside from being jaw-droppingly beautiful, the lake is the deepest in the United States, reaching depths of 1,943 (the ninth deepest in the world). Did you know? Crater Lake was formed by the eruption and collapse of the volcano Mount Mazama 7,700 years […]
May 23 is World Wrestling Day! Several U.S. presidents didn’t just wrestle, but were good at it, including Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and Zachary Taylor. Abraham Lincoln was renowned in his region for his wrestling skills, only losing one match in a dozen years. He is the only president to be conducted into the […]
On this day in 1844, telegraph inventor Samuel Morse sent the first telegraph message from the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, MD. 🏛️➡️➡️➡️➡️🏘️ Though now obsolete, the telegraph made a lasting impact on nationwide (and eventually worldwide) communications and was indispensable for war correspondence during the Civil War. Did you […]
On May 25, 1787, the Constitutional Convention began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Delegates from nearly every state, including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, met to discuss the future of the United States and a revision of the Articles of Confederation. Over the next few months, the delegates would develop and vote on the U.S. […]
Around this time in 1888, American athlete Jim Thorpe was born near Prague, Oklahoma, a member of the Sac and Fox Nation. Competing in the 1912 Olympics, he was the first Native American to win a gold medal for the United States. Thorpe was a multi-talented athlete - among other sports he was skilled in […]
On this day in 1937, Americans celebrated the opening of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. The iconic structure spans nearly two miles and was the longest suspension bridge in the world up until 1964. A long time coming, the bridge was originally proposed in the 1870s with construction not occurring […]
On May 28, 1754, the first engagement of the French and Indian War occurred as a Virginia militia led by 22-year-old George Washington launched a surprise attack on a party of French in southwestern Pennsylvania. 🇬🇧🇫🇷 The skirmish had international implications. Though fighting began in 1754, war wasn’t officially declared between Great Britain and France […]
On this day in 1917, 35th President John F. Kennedy was born in Brookline, Massachusetts. His presidency was marked by Cold War tensions, the civil rights movement, and developments in the space race. Tragically, Kennedy’s term was cut short by assassination when he was fatally shot while on a presidential visit to Dallas, […]
On May 29, 1790, our 13th state, Rhode Island, was ratified into the United States. Though it was the first colony to renounce allegiance to Great Britain, it was the last of the Thirteen Colonies to ratify the Constitution, and the only state to boycott the Constitutional Convention. Though it is tiny (the smallest state […]
On this day in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. The structure honors our 16th president and his actions to end slavery and preserve the Union. The 1922 dedication ceremony was attended by such prominent figures as Robert Lincoln (Lincoln’s only surviving son), past president William Howard Taft, and keynote […]
Happy Memorial Day from the JMC! While many of us are enjoying a long weekend, let us remember the purpose of this national holiday – to remember and honor those that have fallen while in service to our country. The holiday has origins in the aftermath of the Civil War – "Decoration Day" was celebrated […]
On May 31, 1819, American poet journalist, and essayist Walt Whitman was born in West Hills, New York. Whitman is considered one of our nation’s most important poets, producing enduring works on such topics as love, democracy, nature, and life and death. His best-known volumes are Leaves of Grass and Drum Taps, which drew heavily […]
On this day in 1886, President Grover Cleveland wed Frances Folsom at the White House. Although President Cleveland wasn’t the only president to marry while in office, he remains the only president to be married in the White House. 💕 👫🏛️ 💕 Did you know? The marriage was controversial not only because of a […]
On June 2, 1861, First Lady Helen “Nellie” Taft was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Taft was enthusiastic about music and travel. She had a degree in music from the Cincinnati College of Music and founded the city’s orchestra association. 🎼🎺🎻 Even before her time as First Lady, she had close presidential ties. Taft’s parents were […]
On June 4-10, 2022, the Cincinnatus Center at Coastal Carolina University will host a week-long summer seminar on the American Political Tradition in June of 2022. This seminar is geared toward middle- and high-school teachers in Horry and surrounding counties, in order to offer content-based professional development to equip teachers with the history and pedagogy […]
On this day in 1851, Uncle Tom’s Cabin was first published in serial form in The National Era. Despite the novel’s perpetuation of many racial stereotypes, it was absolutely pivotal in revealing the cruelties of slavery to white northerners, many of whom were not directly exposed to them. The book was immensely popular, selling 10,000 […]
On this day in 1755, American patriot and spy Nathan Hale was born in Coventry, Connecticut. He is famous for being executed by the British while on a spy mission during the Revolutionary War, uttering the last words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” There […]
On June 6, 1933, the first drive-in movie theater, Camden Drive-In, opened in Pennsauken, New Jersey. 🎬🎟🚗 Richard Hollingshead, an auto products manager, came up with the idea after witnessing his mother’s discomfort while sitting in the standard movie theater seat. Striking on the comfort of the roomy car seat, he tested the idea in […]
On this day in 1867, American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Wright is considered one of the greatest American architects of all time, famously designing his structures with an eye toward harmony with the surrounding environment: “No house should ever be on any hill or on anything. It […]
On June 8, 1847, First Lady Ida McKinley was born in Canton, Ohio. McKinley suffered from many tragedies in her life – aside from her husband’s assassination in 1901, she had previously lost both of her children and suffered from a serious illness that caused debilitating headaches, fainting, and seizures. Before marrying and while healthy, […]
On this day in 1692, the first execution of the Salem Witch Trials took place as Bridget Bishop was hanged in Salem, Massachusetts. She was the first of 19 people (5 men and 14 women) to be executed during this dark chapter of American history. Did you know? Bridget Bishop was not the […]
On June 11, 1741, American patriot and physician Joseph Warren was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. A significant figure in the early days of the Revolutionary War, Dr. Warren led up several patriot organizations in Boston, and was the person that enlisted Paul Revere for his famous midnight ride. Sadly, Warren would never see the fruits […]
On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia that the prohibition of interracial marriage was unconstitutional. The case came to the Court after Mildred Jeter (a black woman) and Richard Loving (a white man) were married in Washington, D.C. and returned to Virginia, where they were charged with violating state […]
Happy Flag Day! Today marks the anniversary of the adoption of the American flag. First celebrated locally in northern states during the Civil War, June 14th wasn’t officially established as Flag Day until President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation in 1916. Although not an official federal holiday, Flag Day is an official state holiday in […]
On June 15, 1836, Arkansas was admitted into the Union as our 25th state. Did you know? Arkansas is the only state with an operating diamond mine. The three largest diamonds found in the United States are from Arkansas. Arkansas’s hot springs have long been a destination for people seeking rest and recovery. In a […]
On this day in 1884, the first American roller coaster opened on Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. This early roller coaster, called the “switchback railway”, used gravity to its advantage, taking riders downwards from an elevated tower at the exhilarating speed of 6 mph. 🎢 🎢 🎢 The one-minute ride was wildly popular and […]
On June 18, 1812, the War of 1812 began as James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain. The declaration came after British ships attempted to restrict American trade and impressed American sailors into the British Navy. The war was relatively brief, ending in 1815, but had impact as a boost to national […]
On this day in 1865, the final slaves residing in the former Confederacy were informed of their freedom as granted under the Emancipation Proclamation. The day became a holiday for former slaves in Texas (the final state to be informed of the Proclamation) and is now celebrated across the nation to commemorate American emancipation from […]
Father’s Day was not, as one may imagine, founded by a father, but by a loving daughter, Sonora Smart Dodd. While sitting in at a church service for Mother’s Day, Dodd was inspired to start a day for dads. Her own father, William Smart, was a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised Dodd and her […]
On June 20, 1975, Jaws was released in the United States, ushering in the trend of “summer blockbusters.” The famous movie, focused on the hunt for a killer great white shark off the coast of Massachusetts, grossed $7 million in its first weekend (that’s roughly $35 million today!) At the time, it was the highest-grossing […]
Today marks the first day of summer and is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. ☀️☀️☀️ Did you know? In the United States, several Native American tribes observed (and still observe) the summer solstice with traditions including dance, prayer, and sun salutation. There are several Native American stone arrangements in the […]
Summer Institutes are instrumental to building a nationwide community of scholars committed to expanding student access to courses in America’s founding principles. We began in 2007 with 125 faculty partners and today have developed a network of 1,000+ JMC Fellows on over 300 college campuses across the country. Led by renowned scholars, Summer Institutes are […]
On this day in 1611, explorer Henry Hudson, his teenage son, and seven others were abandoned in Hudson Bay by mutineers. Hudson's company had sailed to the Americas in search of a northwestern passage to Asia. The mutiny was triggered by the crew’s terrible experiences over the past year – the expedition had been ill-equipped […]
On this day in 1876, the Battle of Little Bighorn took place in what is now Montana. Combined Native American forces consisting of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho warriors soundly defeated General George Armstrong Custer and his men, none of whom survived. The battle, also known as “Custer’s Last Stand,” was one of […]
On June 25, 1788, Virginia entered the Union as our tenth state. As home to the oldest English settlement in America (Jamestown) as well as several magnanimous founding fathers, Virginia may be counted as one of our most historic states. Eight U.S. presidents have hailed from Virginia, including four of the first five: George Washington, […]
Pearl S. Buck On June 26, 1892, American author Pearl S. Buck was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. She spent much of her life in China and her fiction often focused on Chinese families wrestling with love, adversity, and loss. Her best-selling work, The Good Earth, won the 1938 Nobel Prize in Literature. 📖📚🏅 Did […]
On this day in 1859, Mildred J. Hill, the composer of “Happy Birthday to You” was born in Louisville, Kentucky. An innovator in education, she wrote: “Good Morning to All” with her sister, Patty. Published in the 1890s, the song was intended for use by teachers to greet their pupils at the beginning of the […]
On June 28, 1870, Congress established the first federal holidays. There were only four initially - New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 🎉🇺🇸🦃🎄Today, there are eleven federal holidays - the most recently established is Juneteenth. The “federal” holiday designation is quite literal – though many businesses follow the federal calendar for days off, […]
On this day in 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, officially creating the U.S. Interstate Highway System. The new system of highways (41,000 miles in total) greatly improved infrastructure and increased the efficiency of nationwide travel. The project is considered one of the most important achievements of Eisenhower’s presidency. […]
On June 29, 1906, Mesa Verde National Park was established in southwestern Colorado to protect a large grouping of ancient cliff dwellings. The dwellings, built by the Ancestral Pueblo, are estimated to be over 700 years old! Aside from being a national park, Mesa Verde is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of […]
On June 30, 1768, First Lady Elizabeth Monroe was born in New York, New York. While her husband served as minister to France during the French Revolution, Monroe played a critical role in saving the Marquis de Lafayette’s wife from imprisonment. The couple was very popular in France, where Elizabeth was affectionately referred to as […]
On this day in 1863, the Battle of Gettysburg began in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In the bloodiest engagement of the Civil War, tens of thousands of men were killed in battle. The battle, won by Union forces, marked a turning point in the war as the Confederacy was prevented from invading farther north. The victory also […]
On July 3, 1890, Idaho was admitted into the Union as our 43rd state. A largely rural state with lots of wilderness area, Idaho is known for its potato crop as well as an abundance of gemstones. 72 different types of precious and semi-precious stones are found in the state. Did you know? Western Idaho […]
On this day in 1872, 30th president Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth, Vermont. He is the only U.S. president to share a birthday with the country he served. 🎂 🇺🇸 🎂 After President Harding’s death in 1923, Vice President Coolidge took office, markedly cleaning up corruption from the previous administration and retaining the […]
On this day in 1747, Revolutionary War naval captain John Paul Jones was born in Arbigland, Scotland. He is remembered as the “Father of the United States Navy” for his prominent role as captain, as well as for his tenacity and courage in battle. Bringing the Revolution to the enemy’s home waters, Jones led several […]
On this day in 1930, construction began on the Hoover Dam on the state border of Arizona and Nevada. For its time, it was the tallest dam in the world and provided essential flood control, as well as the expansion of irrigated farming in the desert. The dam also created America’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead. […]
On July 7, 1768, America’s first patriotic song, “Liberty Song,” was published in the Pennsylvania Gazette and Pennsylvania Journal in Philadelphia. Written by founding father John Dickinson, it served as a response to the Townshend Acts of 1767, the most recent in a series of taxes imposed on the colonies by Great Britain. “Liberty Song” […]
On July 9, 1819, Elias Howe Jr., the inventor of the modern sewing machine, was born in Spencer, Massachusetts. His patent for the first lockstitch sewing machine contributed much to mass clothing production. 🧵🪡👔👚 Though machine production did not prove profitable for Howe, he became wealthy as other companies utilized his technology, collecting royalties and […]
On July 10, 1890, Wyoming was admitted into the Union as our 44th state. Though it is the most sparsely populated of the 50 states, it has much to offer, with some of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the country, including Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, and Devil’s Tower. Did you know? Wyoming was both […]
On this day in 1767, 6th president John Quincy Adams was born in Braintree, Massachusetts. He was the first U.S. president to be the son of another U.S. president. The younger Adams’ time in the White House was marked by the contentious presidential election of 1824 against Andrew Jackson, improvements in infrastructure, and the formation […]
On July 12, 1817, American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau was born in Concord, Massachusetts. One of the leading transcendentalists, Thoreau ruminated on nature, justice, and self-perception. His oft-assigned Walden discusses nature and self-reliance while “Civil Disobedience” (in part a response to Thoreau’s disgust with the Mexican-American War) has inspired such leading civil rights […]
On this day in 1787, Congress adopted the Northwest Ordinance, which established formal procedures for transitioning American territories into states, encouraged public education, and, perhaps most importantly, banned slavery in the Northwest Territory. Did you know? The Northwest Territory consisted of the current states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota. Almost […]
On this day in 1913, 38th president Gerald Ford was born in Omaha, Nebraska. During his administration, the United States exited the Vietnam War and faced a domestic energy crisis. Ford is remembered as the successor to Richard Nixon, who resigned amidst the Watergate Scandal – Ford controversially pardoned the former president. Did you know? […]
On July 14, 1943, the George Washington Carver National Monument was established near Carver’s birthplace of Diamond, Missouri. It was the first national monument dedicated to an African American and non-president and honors Carver’s life and work as an agricultural scientist and inventor. 🥜🥜🥜 Born into slavery near the end of the Civil War, Carver […]
On this day in 1862, civil rights and women’s rights activist Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs, Missouri. An investigative journalist, she reported on and exposed the violence of lynchings in the South and spoke out against segregation. During this time, Wells received threats to her life and work but did not waver […]
On July 16, 1790, our national capital, Washington, D.C., was founded on the Potomac River as George Washington signed the Residence Act into law. The president was tasked with choosing the exact location and a new district was formed from land donated by both Maryland and Virginia. 🏛🇺🇸⛲️ Ironically enough, Washington was the only U.S. […]
On July 17, 1955, Disneyland opened in Anaheim, California. Predating Disney World by 16 years, Disneyland has remained an iconic American theme park and has welcomed over 700 million visitors since its opening. 🥳🏰🎡⛲️🎢 Did you know? The opening itself was considered a disaster by staff, who referred to the day as “Black Sunday.” Counterfeit […]
On this day in 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention began in Seneca Falls, New York. The two-day convention for women’s rights is traditionally considered the beginning of the organized women’s rights movement in the United States. Figureheads Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott were inspired to organize the convention after being denied as delegates at […]
On July 19, 1848, the Seneca Falls Convention began in Seneca Falls, New York. The two-day convention for women’s rights is traditionally considered the beginning of the organized women’s rights movement in the United States. Figureheads Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott were inspired to organize the convention after being denied as delegates at the […]
On this day in 1969, Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin (Apollo 11) became the first men to walk on the moon. In this first successful moon landing, the men spent 2 ½ hours on the surface of the moon, collecting samples, taking pictures, and planting an American flag. The event was (and is!) significant […]
On this day in 1861, the first major battle of the Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run, took place just north of Manassas, Virginia. Though the Civil War had officially begun months earlier at Fort Sumter, Bull Run set the tone for the war, illuminating the reality of just how long and bloody […]
On July 21, 1864, First Lady Frances Cleveland was born in Buffalo, New York. A very popular and social First Lady, she held two public White House receptions each week – the one on Saturday afternoon was specifically scheduled with women who worked during the week in mind. She was so popular, in fact, that the […]
On this day in 1897, American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart was born in Atchison, Kansas. She’s credited with many records and notable accomplishments, including being the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She was also the first woman to make a transatlantic flight, though she didn’t see it as a major […]
Sweating today? ☀️🔥☀️🔥 Americans in 1936 could relate. In July 1936, the United States experienced a devastating heatwave with highs that went into the 120s(!). It was the hottest recorded month in U.S. history and 25% of U.S. daily heat records were set that summer. Middle America was hit especially hard, already suffering from the […]
On July 25, 1775, First Lady Anna Harrison was born in Morristown, New Jersey. She spent only one month as First Lady, as her husband, William Henry Harrison, died shortly after taking office. She did not attend the inauguration and never even entered the White House. Though she grew up in the East, even attending […]
On July 26, 1788, New York ratified the Constitution, making it our 11th state. It contains the nation’s most populous city (New York City) which once served as our nation’s capital (Washington was sworn in there in 1789). It has also produced the most vice presidents. Did you know? Buffalo wings, beloved both nationally and […]
On this day in 1866, Lavinia (“Vinnie”) Ream became the first female artist to receive a commission from the U.S. government. Her project? A full-body statue of the recently deceased Abraham Lincoln. The piece still stands in the Capitol Rotunda today. A child prodigy, Ream was only 18 at the time of the commission, making […]
Happy National Cheesecake Day! Cheesecake dates back to the ancient Greeks, who made a type of cheesecake with fresh cheese and honey. 🧀🍮🍯 Though this beloved dessert didn’t originate in the United States, its composition was revolutionized by the American invention of cream cheese in 1872, which was then used for cheesecake in the 1930s. […]
On this day in 1790, the first U.S. patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins for an apparatus used to make pearlash and potash (types of ash used for soap, leavening, fertilizer, and industry). The patent was signed by both President George Washington and future president Thomas Jefferson. The U.S. Patent Office had been created earlier […]