Marie Antoinette (1755-1793) was born into Austrian royalty, the youngest daughter of Emperor Francis I and Maria Theresa. As a young teen, she married the grandson of Louis XV, and became Queen of France at the age of nineteen. As …[Continue]
Halloween Safety
From costume safety to pet safety, this week’s roundup of Halloween safety tips will ensure that everyone has a happy Halloween….[Continue]
Emancipation Proclamation
On January 1, 1863, after three years of a brutal Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation (freeing Confederate slaves) that was drafted on September 22, 1862. Before the Proclamation, the North was in the war to reunite …[Continue]
Wright Brothers
On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made the world’s first flight in a power-driven, heavier-than-air machine that cost about $1000 to build. With Orville at the controls and Wilbur on the ground, the plane flew 120 feet in twelve …[Continue]
Ellis Island
Today’s online field trip takes us to Ellis Island, which served as the portal to almost all American immigrants arriving between 1892 and 1954. Although some were turned away, 98 percent of those examined at Ellis Island were allowed into …[Continue]
E.B. White
In the world of children’s literature, E.B. White is a super-star: the author of three beloved classics “Stuart Little,” “Charlotte’s Web,” and “The Trumpet of the Swan.” He also co-authored my favorite guide to the writer’s craft, “Elements of Style.”…[Continue]
Underground Railroad
The term “underground railroad” was first used around 1830 to describe the loosely organized system that helped thousands of black American slaves escape to the northern states and Canada. The most heavily traveled routes ran through Ohio, Indiana and western …[Continue]
Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter (1866 – 1943) was an English author, illustrator, and conservationist best known for her children’s books featuring Peter Rabbit and other animal characters. The first draft of “The Story of Peter Rabbit” was based on a letter she …[Continue]
On This Day in History
The noting of historical anniversaries teaches us history and marks the passage the of time. But what about historical figures and events beyond those that get their own holidays such as Columbus Day or Martin Luther King Day? Want to …[Continue]
Ben Franklin’s Kite Experiment
In June of 1752, Ben Franklin sought to prove that lightning was electrical by flying a kite in stormy weather. When Franklin touched the iron key attached to the kite’s string, he saw sparks fly between his knuckle and the …[Continue]
