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Tuesday, Nov. 16 from 12-1pm ET
Webinar: The True Story of the Pilgrims, Wampanoag Indians, and the "First Thanksgiving"
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In advance of Thanksgiving and the holiday season, join the USCHS on Tuesday, Nov. 16, as we talk with George Washington University Professor David J. Silverman, the author of one of the most highly cited books on U.S. history: "This Land Is Their Land: The Wampanoag Indians, Plymouth Colony, and the Troubled History of Thanksgiving"
The mythology of the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving continues to be taught in schools and passed down from one generation to the next. But why do some Native people currently hold a Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving? How did the Pilgrims' voyage to the "New World" become a prominent American origin story? When did the United States first celebrate Thanksgiving and how? And should Americans rethink their interpretation of the holiday?
Our webinar with Prof. Silverman will shed important light on fact vs. fiction as well as the complex relationship between the Wampanoag Indians and Pilgrims, their declared friendship, and the commitment to mutual defense that became a war just one generation after the "First Thanksgiving."
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Thursday, Nov. 18 from 12-1pm ET
Webinar - George Washington's Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and a Nation
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On Thursday, Nov. 18, from 12-1 pm ET, join the USCHS as we discuss with historian Robert P. Watson his latest book: "George Washington's Final Battle."
Washington is remembered for leading the Continental Army to victory, presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and forging a new nation. But few know his crucial role in creating our capital city and how it nearly tore the nation apart. In "George Washington's Final Battle," Watson brings this tale to life, discussing Washington's backroom deals that built a Romanesque capital larger than London and Paris, the debate over the city's use of slave labor, the "Room Where it Happens" dinner party that brought the capital to the South, and the symbolism behind the design of the White House and the location of the U.S. Capitol.
For his efforts, Washington created a landmark, and one last time, gave credibility to our fledgling democracy, uniting a fractious country, and creating a sense of American identity.
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Video Available!
The Art, Architecture, & Political Cartoons of the Gilded Age
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In the final part in our series on the Gilded Age, Professor Sarah Burns of Indiana University discussed developments in American painting, Professor Nancy Unger of Santa Clara University discussed the evolution of political cartoons, and Library of Congress Reference Specialist Kathy Woodrell discussed the Library’s Jefferson Building as a prime example of the era's arts and architecture.
From Oct. 12 through Nov. 9, the U.S. Capitol Historical Society was proud to present its annual symposium, this year online and focused on the Gilded Age. From the rise of titans of industry like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, to the impact of mass industrialization on the American workforce and economic inequality, explore how Congress reacted to this tumultuous era – and how we can still learn important lessons of the age.
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Announcement: The U.S. Capitol Historical Society has officially launched our "January 6 Oral History Project" |
The U.S. Capitol Historical Society is part of a coalition of D.C.-based, national organizations that came together following the horrific events on January 6. We strongly believe that without an exhaustive study of what happened, the United States will be unable to prevent such an attack from again taking place. Unfortunately, today’s polarized political climate has made examining that fateful day nearly impossible. In response, the coalition asked the Society if we would conduct a large-scale oral history project to ensure that the facts of January 6 are not lost to time. We strongly agreed to, believing this project aligns with the mission of our organization and the best interests of the country we love.
We are not part of any investigative committee. We are a nonpartisan organization that is funded through private donations. We simply want to preserve these personal statements, photos, and videos for future generations of American citizens, scholars, and patriots.
That is why we encourage our supporters to visit our project's new website at January6History.org to learn more. We also hope that you will consider telling your story or contributing financial support for the U.S. Capitol Historical Society's "January 6 Oral History Project."
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Outside Tours of the
U.S. Capitol Are Back!
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For the first time in more than a year, join USCHS staff and trained volunteers for a walking tour of the Capitol Grounds focusing on (1) the Capitol as the “Temple of Democracy” or (2) Frederick Law Olmsted’s stunning landscape design.
Available by reservation on weeknights at 7:00pm until September 30th, the tours cost $30 per adult, $15 per youth ages 10-17, and are free for children ages 0-9. To learn more and book your tour, visit https://uschs.org/engage/tours-speakers-bureau/.
USCHS members receive one complementary tour per year; to book your member tour contact Tours@USCHS.org.
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Member Support
Makes it Possible!
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