Years before millions of Americans marked the nation’s Bicentennial with fireworks and parades, the federal government began planning national celebrations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 1976. At the center of these festivities was the U.S. Congress, which oversaw the country’s many celebrations and planned its own tributes to the Revolutionary-era quest for self-determination.
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In anticipation of America’s 100th anniversary on July 4, 1876, the U.S. House of Representatives began preparing for the nation’s biggest independence celebration yet: the United States Centennial Exposition, which, over the course of six months, drew nearly 10 million visitors from across the nation and around the world to Philadelphia for an unprecedented display of American history, arts, culture, labor, and industry.
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In mid-March 1776, New Jersey Delegate William Livingston, a 52-year old brigadier general in the colonial militia and member of the Continental Congress, submitted a resolution calling for a national day of fasting in support of America’s defense against what he called “the warlike preparations of the British Ministry.” Three-and-a-half months before approving the Declaration of Independence, lawmakers agreed to Livingston’s bill setting aside May 17, 1776, for a day of prayer and reflection.
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This Edition for Educators highlights some of the personal connections between Members and Ireland, as well as the ways the House has commemorated the history of Ireland, interacted with Irish elected officials, and debated questions related to Irish independence. A closer look at this history reveals that there have always been friends of Ireland in the House of Representatives.
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One hundred years after the Declaration of Independence announced to the world a new experiment in democratic governance, the Centennial celebration gave America the opportunity to highlight what South Carolina Representative Richard Harvey Cain called “our common brotherhood.”
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Before he became the first President of the United States, George Washington was a young commander in the Virginia military during the French and Indian War, a Delegate to the Continental Congress, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and President of the Constitutional Convention. This month’s Edition for Educators highlights materials on the History, Art & Archives website about the life, career, and legacy of George Washington.
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This holiday season, the History, Art & Archives team wanted to offer something festive: a House history retelling of the Yuletide song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”
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While lawmakers would work through Independence Day 1937, leaders of the Little Congress decided to hold a public celebration of July 4 to recall the republic’s hallowed past, to dissect its unsettled present, and to prognosticate about its future.
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Ahead of Crossword Puzzle Day on December 21, the Office of the House Historian invites you to put your heads together with your historically-inclined friends to solve our latest crossword puzzle.
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Ahead of Crossword Puzzle Day on December 21, the Office of the House Historian invites you to grab a cup of coffee and take a break with our newest crossword puzzle.
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Striking a balance between work and family has long been a central part of the lives of working women—no less so for Members of Congress. This month’s Edition for Educators highlights stories of motherhood in Congress.
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Crossword puzzles became popular in America in the late 1920s, running as regular features in newspapers and published as compilations in puzzle books. Their popularity even led to a song: “Cross-word mamma, you puzzle me (But papa’s gonna figure you out).” In keeping with that history and in honor of December’s National Crossword Puzzle Day, we present to you a History, Art, & Archives puzzle to enjoy.
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