Nov 262025
 

Thanksgiving Day was celebrated nationally for the first time in 1789. President Washington issued a proclamation declaring that the day should be one of prayer and thanksgiving. Children could research what the first Thanksgiving meal was. How does it compare to what they eat on the holiday today? In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed that Thanksgiving would be celebrated on the last Thursday in November. In 1941 Congress passed a resolution changing Thanksgiving to the fourth Thursday in November. Children can read about “The Year We Had Two Thanksgivings” at: Two Thanksgivings.

Jan 072026
 

Presidential elections occurred in the United States for the first time in 1789. Basically George Washington ran unopposed. He received 69 electoral votes. John Adams won 34 electoral votes. Therefore, according to the Constitution at that time, Washington became president, and Adams became vice president. Children can check out an absolutely amazing website and see ANY presidential election result at: http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS/.

Apr 302026
 
George Washington

George Washington

George Washington was inaugurated President of the United States in 1789 in New York City. Idea: Present Presidents are inaugurated on January 20 in Washington, DC. Children could try to figure out why George Washington’s inauguration was in April (instead of January) and in New York City (instead of Washington, DC). They could also read a transcript of his speech at: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html.

Jun 082026
 

James Madison suggested the Bill of Rights in 1789. He realized that many people felt the new Constitution was not strong enough without some statements about individual rights, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The Bill of Rights added the first ten amendments to the Constitution and became effective December 15, 1791. Children could read a kid-friendly version of the rights: Bill of Rights.