Holiday History

Discover the powerful story of Juneteenth through the experiences of over 200,000 enslaved people in Texas who knew freedom existed but couldn't reach it. Learn how the Emancipation Proclamation became reality, why Texas became slavery's stronghold, and how June 19th evolved into a celebration of liberation and resilience that matters today.

Discover how freed Black Americans created the first Memorial Day in Charleston in 1865—a forgotten history that reveals patriotism's true meaning. Explore how this powerful origin story was erased, and examine how Memorial Day's meaning has been shaped by competing narratives about race, power, and whose sacrifices we choose to remember.

Discover how freed Black Americans created the first Memorial Day in Charleston in 1865—a forgotten history that reveals patriotism's true meaning. Explore how this powerful origin story was erased, and examine how Memorial Day's meaning has been shaped by competing narratives about race, power, and whose sacrifices we choose to remember.

Discover how freed Black Americans created the first Memorial Day in Charleston in 1865—a forgotten history that reveals patriotism's true meaning. Explore how this powerful origin story was erased, and examine how Memorial Day's meaning has been shaped by competing narratives about race, power, and whose sacrifices we choose to remember.

Discover how freed Black Americans created the first Memorial Day in Charleston in 1865—a forgotten history that reveals patriotism's true meaning. Explore how this powerful origin story was erased, and examine how Memorial Day's meaning has been shaped by competing narratives about race, power, and whose sacrifices we choose to remember.

Discover how freed Black Americans created the first Memorial Day in Charleston in 1865—a forgotten history that reveals patriotism's true meaning. Explore how this powerful origin story was erased, and examine how Memorial Day's meaning has been shaped by competing narratives about race, power, and whose sacrifices we choose to remember.

Discover the real story behind St. Patrick's Day! Learn about the historical Saint Patrick—a Roman-British boy captured by Irish raiders who became a slave shepherd—and how his faith transformed his life. Explore the religious roots of this beloved holiday and how celebrations have evolved from ancient traditions to modern parades.

Discover the real story behind St. Patrick's Day! Learn about the historical Saint Patrick—a Roman-British boy captured by Irish raiders who became a slave shepherd—and how his faith transformed his life. Explore the religious roots of this beloved holiday and how celebrations have evolved from ancient traditions to modern parades.

Discover the true story of Saint Patrick beyond the parades and leprechauns. Explore how a young Roman slave in Ireland found faith, the real religious origins of the holiday, and how St. Patrick's Day celebrations have transformed from ancient Christian traditions to modern cultural festivities across the centuries.

Explore 300+ years of America's complex relationship with immigration. Learn how debates about who belongs in America shaped the nation, from colonial German settlers to modern policy, revealing surprising parallels between historical fears and today's arguments about newcomers.