Harry Houdini
National Magic Day is celebrated today in memory of Harry Houdini who died this day in 1926. Children could learn more about Houdini at: America’s Library.
Oct 312025
Oct 312025
Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore was completed in 1941. The project, depicting likenesses of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt, began on October 3, 1927. Nearly three million people visit it each year. Children could visit the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/moru/.
Oct 312025
Earl Lloyd in 1950 became the first African American to play for the NBA. He played for the Washington Capitols at a game held in Rochester, New York. He went on to play 560 games in nine seasons. He then became the first African American assistant basketball coach and was head coach for the Detroit Pistons. Children could learn more at: Earl Lloyd.
Nov 012025
Day of the Dead Sculptures for the Ofrendas
Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) is celebrated today and tomorrow in Mexico and other parts of the world. The day celebrates all those who have died. Families and friends bring flowers to grave sites. They prepare festive meals and remember their loved ones by creating ofrendas, alters of offerings to their departed. Children can learn more at a fascinating site: Day of the Dead.
Nov 012025
Bison and Friend
National Bison Day is today! Celebrated on the first Saturday in November, the day honors our national mammal, the bison. The US Senate created the day in 2012 with the encouragement of conservation groups and Native American tribal organizations. The bison is also the state mammal of Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Bison were almost hunted to extinction, but today the animals can be found in refuges and ranches.
Nov 012025
Flag of Algeria
Algeria celebrates Revolution Day, remembering its 1954 revolution against France. The country, located in northern Africa, is about 3.5 times the size of Texas. Its natural resources include petroleum, natural gas, lead, zinc, and phosphates. It is a member of OPEC. Over 38 million people live in Algeria, and Algiers is the capital.
Nov 012025
Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda celebrate Independence Day. The two islands gained their independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. However, the two-island nation still recognizes King Charles III as their monarch. According to The CIA World Factbook, the combined area of the two islands and smaller islands under their control is about 2.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Located in the Caribbean, southeast of Puerto Rico, their tropical climate attracts tourists. Tourism accounts for about 60 percent of their income. About 90,000 people call the islands their homes, and Saint John’s is the capital. How can children celebrate this holiday? They can peel, slice and sauté some plantain…yum!
Nov 012025
Great Books by Great Authors!
National Authors’ Day honors all authors. The custom dates back to 1929. Each child could pick out his/her favorite author and present a small biography about that person. Children could also read Eileen Christelou’s What Do Authors Do?
Nov 012025
White House
The White House was ready for occupancy in 1800. Building had started in 1792, and John and Abigail Adams were the first President and First Lady to occupy the building. Children can learn more about the building and grounds at: White House.
Nov 012025
United States Weather Bureau began recording weather observations in 1870. Children can visit a great website regarding weather at: https://www.weather.gov/owlie/.