10 Facts about the Emancipation Proclamation
Source: Civil War Trust
Read ten facts about the 1863 Proclamation, one of the most important documents in the history of the United States.
Culture & Society
How Minneapolis’ Somali immigrants are keeping their artistic traditions alive
Source: MinnPost
Osman Ali and Sabrina Seyf, Minnesotans of Somali ancestry, love to share their art with the people of Minneapolis. Through artifacts and the art of henna, people learn about the Somali culture.
Why Do We Still Care About Shakespeare?
Source: The UTSA College of Liberal and Fine Arts
Four centuries and many changes to the English language have passed since Shakespeare wrote. Here’s why we still read his works.
World Without Borders
Source: The Smart Set
The late Garry Davis, a former bomber pilot haunted by his World War II experiences, hoped to unite all of mankind by eliminating national boundaries.
Descendants of Chinese Laborers Reclaim Railroad’s History
Source: NPR
The first transcontinental railroad transformed America and came to symbolize a new spirit of unity and cooperation. Yet for decades after its completion, the Chinese workers who made the railroad’s construction possible were overlooked. Recently, steps have been taken to remedy this historical injustice.
Children of the Fifty-Sixers: Growing up in Hungarian Chicago
Source: NewCity
Author Rebecca Makkai reflects on how her father’s escape from Communist-controlled Hungary in 1956 still echoes in her life in the United States.
The Psychology Of Vanity Sizing
Source: Forbes
With more and more Americans worried about their weight, clothing makers are making shifts in sizing to make customers feel better about themselves. Read this article to learn more about “vanity sizing.”
‘Nature Is a Powerful Teacher’: The Educational Value of Going Outside
Source: The Atlantic
In Boston’s schools, an initiative is creating outdoor spaces for learning and having great success. Students and teachers are finding that these outdoor classrooms are improving education.
Destination America
Source: PBS
What is it about the United States that convinces citizens of other nations to leave their homes and lives behind? Visit this site to explore the answers, along with the personal stories of immigrants from Guatemala, Iran, Tibet, the Soviet Union, Taiwan, and Mexico. While you’re there, be sure to browse the photo archives and genealogical resources.
Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots
Learn about this global organization that helps young people identify the challenges they can address in their own communities.