Week of Events
On this day – Kansas becomes our 34th state
On January 29, 1861, Kansas was admitted to the Union as our 34th state. Kansas’s statehood came with much controversy – its statehood was proposed under the policy of “popular sovereignty” which meant that the territory’s residents were to vote on the legality of slavery in the new state. With tensions over slavery high nationwide, […]
On this day in 1843, 25th president William McKinley was born in Niles, Ohio
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
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 […]
Happy National Hot Chocolate Day!
Happy National Hot Chocolate Day! ☕️☕️☕️Cocoa beans are native to South America and the first known hot chocolate was developed in Mexico by the Aztecs and Mayans. This hot chocolate was very different from what we enjoy today – early recipes included chili pepper and cornmeal and were often served cold, bitter, and frothy. 🌶🌽🍫 […]
On this day in 1752, founding father Gouverneur Morris was born in Morrisania, New York
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 […]
On February 1, 1901, American poet Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri
On February 1, 1901, American poet Langston Hughes was born in Joplin, Missouri. Hughes was a leading light of the Harlem Renaissance and his short stories, poems, and novels about the Black American experience are still well-read today, including “I, Too,” “The Weary Blues,” and “Mother to Son.” Did you know? Part of Hughes’ popularity was his […]
Today is Groundhog Day!
Today, the groundhog saw/didn’t see his shadow – six more weeks of winter! 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. 🎩🎩🎩 Did you know? […]
Happy Groundhog Day!
Today, the groundhog saw his shadow – six more weeks of winter! 🌨🌨🌨 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 […]
On this day in 1870, the 15th Amendment was ratified
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 […]
Jacksonville State University: What is Political Civility Today?
Jacksonville State University: What is Political Civility Today?
The Tocqueville Lecture Series at Jacksonville State University, a JMC partner program, will hold a hybrid in-person/virtual presentation and Q&A with faculty partner Lee Trepanier on "What is Political Civility Today?": The Tocqueville Lecture Series is excited to host Dr. Lee Trepanier (Samford University). His presentation, "What is Political Civility Today?" highlights some of the […]