America’s 250th Birthday!
Happy 250th Birthday to this great nation! I have loved seeing the country and the world coming together for the World Cup as we celebrate this momentous occasion.
Enjoy this collection of some of my favorite speeches, events, and stories from America’s founding and journey.
Famous Speeches and Articles
Gettysburg address delivered at Gettysburg Pa. Nov. 19th, 1863 by Abraham Lincoln
A speech worthy of memorization, Lincoln captures in a few words the sacrifice made to found and preserve America, and our sacred obligation to protect our freedoms. The Gettysburg Address
“What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” by Frederick Douglass
One of my American heroes, Frederick Douglass’s speech is a compelling reminder of the evil of slavery and the fragility of freedoms granted in the founding documents. You can also hear the majority of the speech read in full On House Floor by Rep. Pressley.
Martin Luther King I Have a Dream Speech on American Rhetoric
This version has the audio and transcript of King’s iconic speech.
Who Were the Signers of the Declaration of Independence? | American Battlefield Trust
ABT shares a short article summarizing the backgrounds of the men who sacrificed so much by signing the Declaration of Independence.
Reenactments of Famous Events
Washington Crosses the Delaware River: The 2020 Reenactment from Washington Crossing Historic Park
An event that turned the tide in the Revolutionary War is reenacted in this annual event at Washington Crossing Historic Park.
Relive the Boston Tea Party 250th Anniversary from Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
A phenomenal reenactment celebrated in December 2023 of the famous tea party. My students loved shouting “Huzzah” with the patriots as they tossed the tea overboard!
Podcasts and Webinars
Founding Fathers: An American Dream | Noiser History Podcasts
A new podcast series that documents the American journey through excellent story telling.
Constitution 101: The Meaning and History of the Constitution | Hillsdale College Online Courses
I would recommend this class for anyone who wants to learn the principles of the American founding embodied in the Declaration of Independence and United States Constitution.
The Story of America – The White House
Hillsdale College brings together an excellent series of videos retelling stories of the founders and key events of the American founding.
Independence Day at the National Archives
This site has a variety of activities for families including crafts, recipes, articles, videos, and more.
Happy 4th of July!