Whereas: Stories from the People’s House

A 1916 presidential proclamation first designated national Flag Day on June 14—the date the Continental Congress approved the design of the national flag in 1777. In 1949, the House and Senate passed a joint resolution declaring June 14 as Flag Day and authorizing the President to issue a proclamation that flags be displayed at government buildings and, further, that the President urge all citizens to observe the anniversary. This edition for educators is devoted to the American flag.
In 1909, a new Capitol Hill tradition took root at American League Park in Washington, DC.
In the great tradition of summer picnics and cookouts, this edition for educators provides inspiration for your next al fresco outing complete with a touch of the House for your celebration.
Categories: Edition for Educators
This month's Edition for Educators highlights pastimes in the House of Representatives, from baseball to horseshoes.
Categories: Edition for Educators
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76 Facts in Honor of 1776

As part of a new America250 exhibit, the Office of the Historian has assembled 76 facts organized across a dozen categories about the Continental and Confederation Congresses and their Delegates. Each tidbit provides fascinating insight into life in Revolutionary-era America.

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Edition for Educators—Gifts to Congress

This month’s Edition for Educators answers the question: what do you get for the legislative body that has everything? Explore a few select examples of art, curiosities, and other gifts that the U.S. House of Representatives has received either to commemorate its own history or on behalf of the United States of America.

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The Continental Congress and the Problem of Prisoners

On May 21, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to deal with an issue Delegates expected would soon be a problem. Although the colonies would not officially declare independence until July, Congress deemed it worthwhile to stipulate how the “Thirteen United Colonies” would handle British prisoners captured during what they anticipated would be a costly war.

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Caucuses, Committees, and Congressman Tony Coelho: An Oral History Update

In a recently published oral history, Representative Tony Coelho reflected on the role caucuses and committees played throughout his steady rise to Majority Whip on Capitol Hill, enabling him to earn the trust of his colleagues and learn to operate the levers of political power.

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Edition for Educators—James Madison of Virginia

Over the course of his life, James Madison was a Delegate to the Continental and Confederation Congresses, a U.S. Representative, and the fourth President of the United States. This month’s Edition for Educators highlights materials on the History, Art & Archives website about the life, career, and legacy of James Madison.

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