Robert W. Hainsworth: Undaunted Advocate – Two New Exhibits

In anticipation of our virtual rededication ceremony at 2 p.m. Central today, the Harris County Robert W. Hainsworth Law Library has curated two exhibits honoring our namesake, one physical exhibit in the Law Library lobby and one digital exhibit available online. Both are titled, “Robert Wendell Hainsworth: Undaunted Advocate.” Learn more about Robert W. Hainsworth by exploring these exhibits and by visiting our webpage dedicated to him: https://www.harriscountylawlibrary.org/robert-w-hainsworth.

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December 15th is National Bill of Rights Day

National Bill of Rights Day is observed every year on December 15th to commemorate the ratification of the Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantees certain civil rights and liberties to all Americans. The First Congress of the United States first proposed twelve amendments to the Constitution in a joint resolution on September 25, 1789. Ten of the proposed amendments were approved by three-fourths of the state legislatures and the Bill of Rights was ratified on December 15, 1791.

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Thanksgiving: A Brief History

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.

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If 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.

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