We’re all familiar with the traditions and trappings of Thanksgiving Day in the United States and the popular narrative behind the reason for its celebration. 2021 marks the 400th anniversary of the harvest feast shared by the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621, the event many Americans consider to be the “first” Thanksgiving. However, the history of Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the fourth Thursday of November has historical significance for many reasons. Here is a brief history of the establishment of a national holiday of Thanksgiving in the United States.
Read moreIf You Preserve It, They Will Come: Exploring “The Portal to Texas History”
Launched in 2004, “The Portal to Texas History is a gateway to rare, historical, and primary source materials from or about Texas.” This blog post explores the website’s contents and special programs related to The Portal, including the Texas Digital Newspaper Program, the Rescuing Texas History Program, and Resources4Educators.
Read moreA Sign of Our History - Honoring the Legacy of Robert W. Hainsworth
Beginning this week, visitors to the Law Library will pass beneath a reminder of Harris County’s civil rights history and a leader who pressed for equal access to the law for all.
Read moreJuneteenth National Independence Day: A Legal Public Holiday
Yesterday, President Biden signed into law an act declaring June 19 a legal public holiday designated as “Juneteenth National Independence Day.” Learn more about this holiday and ways to celebrate in this blog post.
Read moreLucy Burns: Fanning the Suffrage Flames
March is Irish-American Heritage Month as well as Women’s History Month. As discussed in our Ex Libris Juris blog post on 3/8/2021, the Women’s History Month theme for 2021 is “Valiant Women of the Vote: Refusing to be Silenced.” In recognition of all these things, today’s post features famous Irish-American suffragist Lucy Burns.
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