Sep 292024
 
Wash Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral cornerstone was laid in 1907. Construction was completed on this day in 1990. The building was damaged by the August 23, 2011, earthquake; repairs are still being made. The cathedral boasts 288 angels, 112 gargoyles, and 215 stained glass windows. At least 220 people are interred there, including Helen Keller, Ann Sullivan, and President Woodrow Wilson and his wife Edith. Children can learn more at: National Cathedral.

Nov 162024
 
Oklahoma State Flag

Oklahoma Flag

Oklahoma became the forty-sixth state of the United States in 1907. French trappers visited the area around 1700. Several Native American groups were relocated to Oklahoma, only to be forced out later. Oil and gas were and still are important sources of income. Oklahoma’s name can be traced to a Choctaw word okla humma, meaning land of the red people. Its nickname is the Sooner State. Oklahoma ranks 20th in size and 35th in population. Oklahoma City is the capital. Idea: Oklahoma has a panhandle. Children could look at a United States map and find out which other states also have panhandles. Children can visit the America’s Library website and learn about kolaches at: Oklahoma.

Dec 172024
 
Bhutan

Flag of Bhutan

Bhutan celebrates a national holiday, marking the 1907 beginning of the reign of King Ugyen Wangchuck. Ugyen Wangchuck successfully quelled some rebellions and peacefully united his country. He received many awards from other countries. Bhutan is a country about the size of Maryland and is located in the Himalayan Mountains. About 60 percent of the population (700,000 people) depends on subsistence farming or forestry. It exports hydropower to India. The capital is Thimphu. Older children could learn more at: Bhutan.