Week of Events
On this day in 1800, the Library of Congress was established
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 this day in 1785, famed ornithologist John James Audubon born in Haiti
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 originally […]
On this day in 1822, 18th President Ulysses S. Grant was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio
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 this day in 1758, 5th President James Monroe was born in Monroe Hall, Virginia
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 this day – Maryland becomes our Seventh State
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 […]
First President George Washington administered oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City
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 this day – Louisiana becomes our 18th State
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 […]
University of Nevada-Las Vegas: Honesty and Optimism – A Talk on Slavery and Racism
University of Nevada-Las Vegas: Honesty and Optimism – A Talk on Slavery and Racism
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 […]
University of Nebraska-Omaha: The Consistency of James Madison – The Case of the Bill of Rights
University of Nebraska-Omaha: The Consistency of James Madison – The Case of the Bill of Rights
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 […]