250 to 250: 57. Gettysburg Address, Narrated by Governor JB Pritzker

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Gettysburg Address, Narrated by Governor JB Pritzker

Governor JB Pritzker is Illinois’ 43rd Governor, elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022 with the highest vote share for any Democratic governor in more than 60 years. During his tenure, he has overcome years of fiscal mismanagement and made historic investments in education, healthcare, and economic opportunity while working to ensure Illinois remains a beacon of civil rights and freedom for the nation.

The American Civil War was fought between the Union and the Confederacy.

• On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln gave a speech at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
• The speech is called the Gettysburg Address.
• Lincoln spoke to about 15,000 people.
• The speech honored the soldiers who died in the Battle of Gettysburg.
• Lincoln said the nation must continue their work.
• He reminded Americans that all people are created equal.
• He hoped the country would have "a new birth of freedom."
• He said the government should be "of the people, by the people, for the people."
• Lincoln wanted the United States to stay united and free.
• Today, the Gettysburg Address is one of the most famous speeches in American history.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:34. Are you willing to take the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
• USCIS 100:75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*
• USCIS 128:94. Abraham Lincoln is famous for many things. Name one. *

Family Fun:

• Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: The Gettysburg Address playlist
• American Battlefield Trust: The Gettysburg Address: The Two-Minute Speech That Saved America | Augmented Reality
• Coloring Book Fun: Lincoln and the Gettysburg Address coloring page
• Illinois: Lincoln Historical Preservation Sites
• LOC: Gettysburg Address Online Exhibition
• NMAH: Gettysburg Address interactive exhibit
• NPS: Gettysburg National Military Park | Junior Ranger Activity Guide
• PBS: The Address by Ken Burns (The Address follows a group of students with special needs, such as dyslexia and ADHD as they prepare to recite the Gettysburg Address--very inspirational!) (stream or borrow the DVDs from your library)
• PBS: The Civil War by Ken Burns (10 part series--stream or borrow the DVDs from your library)
• USCIS: A More Perfect Union series: The Civics Test Guide to the Lincoln Memorial
• VOA News: 150th Anniversary of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address Marked at Battlefield

250 to 250: 56. “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Narrated by Sarah Longwell

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Narrated by Sarah Longwell

Sarah Longwell is publisher of The Bulwark, host of The Focus Group podcast, and bestselling author of "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time," releasing this fall. Longwell tells us how the British bombardment of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry in 1814 inspired our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The War of 1812 was fought between the United States and Great Britain.

• On September 13, 1814, the British attacked Fort McHenry.
• The fort protected the port of Baltimore.
• The attack lasted through the night.
• Francis Scott Key watched the battle.
• The next morning, he saw the American flag still flying over the fort.
• He was happy that the United States had defended the fort.
• He wrote a poem called "The Star-Spangled Banner."
• Later, the poem was set to music.
• Many Americans liked the song.
• In 1931, Congress made "The Star-Spangled Banner" the national anthem of the United States.
• Today, Americans sing the national anthem at many public events.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:35. If the law requires it, are you willing to bear arms (carry weapons) on behalf of the United States?
• USCIS 100:53. What is one promise you make when you become a United States citizen?
• USCIS 128:67. Name two promises that new citizens make in the Oath of Allegiance. 
• USCIS 100:98. /128:123. What is the name of the national anthem?

Family Fun:

• Ben's Guide: Star-Spangled Banner: 1814
• LOC: Star Spangled Banner | resources
• NPS: Fort McHenry | Junior Ranger Activity Booklet
• NMAH: Star-Spangled Banner
• uscitizenpod: Happy National Anthem Day! | USCIS 128:123. What is the name of the national anthem? | A Citizenship Quiz for Flag Day
• Visit the Capitol: H.R. 14, An Act To make The Star-Spangled Banner the national anthem of the United States of America, April 21, 1930

250 to 250: 55. Billie Jean King, Narrated by Rosie Casals

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Billie Jean King, Narrated by Rosie Casals

Rosie Casals is the winner of 12 Grand Slam Doubles titles and is one of only three players—alongside Billie Jean King and Nancy Richey—inducted into the Hall of Fame twice. She helped establish the WTA in 1973 and is a founding member of the Original 9 that started women's professional tennis. Casals details how tennis legend Billie Jean King has used her platform to push for gender equality and social change.

Billie Jean King is one of the greatest tennis players in history.

• She won 39 Grand Slam tennis titles.
• In 1972, Sports Illustrated named her Sportsman of the Year.
• She was the first woman to receive this award.
• In 1973, she played against former tennis champion Bobby Riggs.
• Many people called the match the "Battle of the Sexes."
• About 90 million people watched the match around the world.
• Billie Jean King won the match.
• She worked for equal pay for women in tennis.
• She also supported equal rights for LGBTQ+ people.
• Billie Jean King believed sports could help make society fairer.
• Today, she is remembered as both a champion athlete and a leader for equal rights.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 2:05: Are you male or female?
• USCIS 100:9.  What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?
• USCIS 128:10. Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

Family Fun:

• Barack Obama: Billie Jean King (Medal of Freedom, LGBT)
• Billie Jean King: Biography
• International Tennis Hall of Fame: Title IX and Billie Jean King
• NPG: Billie Jean King coloring page
• New York Historical Society: Billie Jean King collection
• PBS American Masters: Billie Jean King | Trading Cards
• USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center: Tennis Programs and Camps
• Women's History Museum: Beyond the Court: Billie Jean King's Triumph in The Battle of the Sexes

250 to 250: 54. John Adams' Letters to Abigail, Narrated by Sara Georgini

 

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: John Adams' Letters to Abigail, Narrated by Sara Georgini

Dr. Sara Georgini is an American historian, author, and Series Editor for the ‘Papers of John Adams,’ at the Adams Papers Editorial Project at the Massachusetts Historical Society. Georgini shares how John Adams, writing to his wife Abigail in 1776, envisioned generations of Americans celebrating independence with pomp and parade—right about everything but the date.

In July 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.

• John Adams was a delegate from Massachusetts.
• On July 2, Congress voted that the colonies should be free and independent.
• John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail Adams.
• He said the colonies were now free and independent states.
• On July 4, Congress approved the final words of the Declaration of Independence.
• John Adams believed Americans would celebrate this important event every year.
• He thought the celebration would be on July 2.
• Instead, Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4.
• Every year on July 4, people celebrate the birth of the United States.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 5:02. Is your current spouse currently a member of the U.S. armed forces?
• USCIS 100:99.  When do we celebrate Independence Day?*
• USCIS 128:125. What is Independence Day?

Family Fun:

• Biography: John Adams | Abigail Adams
• History: Abigail Adams | Mrs. President
• MHS: Letter: John Adams to Abigail Adams, Philadelphia July 3. 1776
• National Archives: The Declaration of Independence
• NPS: Adams National Historical Park | Junior Ranger book
• NPS: Declaration of Independence Timeline
• PBS: The Declaration of Independence & Birth of the United States
• uscitizenpod: John Adams | Abigail Adams | John and Abigail Adams 1 | John and Abigail Adams 2 coloring pages
• VOA News: July 4? Try July 2, America's Real Independence Day 

250 to 250: 53. Mister Rogers, Narrated by Governor Josh Shapiro

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Mister Rogers, Narrated by Governor Josh Shapiro

Governor Josh Shapiro is the 48th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the home state to one of America’s most beloved neighbors, Fred Rogers. As a kid, Governor Shapiro grew up watching "Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood." Now as Governor, he uses those guiding principles of universal kindness to serve his neighbors across Pennsylvania.

Fred Rogers was from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

• He was the host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.
• He wore his famous red sweater on the show.
• For more than 30 years, he welcomed children into his television neighborhood.
• He taught children to be kind, honest, and caring.
• He told children to look for people who help others during difficult times.
• Many children felt that Mr. Rogers was their friend.
• He told every child, "I like you just the way you are."
• His words helped children feel safe and important.
• Fred Rogers made a positive difference in American families.
• Today, many people remember him for his kindness and care for children.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 6:02c. Where does your child reside?
• USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
• USCIS 128:69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?

Family Fun: 

• Focus Features: Won't You Be My Neighbor | How Mister Rogers Saved PBS (clip)
• Latrobe Art Center: Fred Rogers coloring pages
• NPM: The Story Behind the Stamp: The Timeless Teachings of Fred Rogers
• PBS: Why Mister Rogers Still Matters Today | Full Documentary
• PCUSA: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood 
• Penguin Classroom: Mr Rogers Teacher Resources
• Mr. Rogers Family Days: Festival
• Very Local: Guide to visiting all of the Fred Rogers’ sites in Latrobe, PA

250 to 250: 52. Three Flags Day, Narrated by Claire Conner McCaskill

 

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Three Flags Day, Narrated by Claire Conner McCaskill

Claire Conner McCaskill is a former attorney, political analyst for MS NOW and NBC News, and known for being the first female Senator from Missouri. McCaskill recounts the "Three Flags Day" of 1804, when St. Louis passed from Spain to France to the United States in a single day.

In March 1804, St. Louis changed countries three times in 24 hours.

• First, Spain controlled St. Louis.
• Then France took control.
• One day later, the United States took control.

St. Louis is near the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

• Native peoples lived in this area long before Europeans arrived.
• France gave the land west of the Mississippi River to Spain in 1769.
• Spain gave the land back to France in 1800.
• In 1803, the United States bought the land from France.
• On March 9, 1804, the Spanish flag was lowered.
• The French flag flew for 24 hours.
• On March 10, the American flag was raised.
• The Louisiana Purchase doubled the size of the United States.
• The United States renamed the Louisiana Puchase, the Missouri Territory.
• It also helped start westward expansion.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:32. Do you understand the full Oath of Allegiance to the United States?
• USCIS 100:88. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States.
• USCIS 100:52. /128:66. What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? * 
• USCIS 100:71 / 128:90. What territory did the United States buy from France in 1803?

Family Fun:

• Field Museum: Three Flags Day lesson plan
• Google Arts and Culture: Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, United States of America
• Mystic Stamp Company: Three Flags Day
• NPS: George Rogers Clark National Historical Park: St. Louis: The way opened to the Pacific 
• NPS: Gateway Arch National Park | 2008 Junior Ranger Book | 2015 activity page
• NPM: Louisiana Purchase Exposition Issue
• SAAM: Westward Expansion (1801-1861)

250 to 250: 51. Civil War Income Taxes, Narrated by Danny Werfel

 

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Civil War Income Taxes, Narrated by Danny Werfel

Danny Werfel served as 50th Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is currently an Executive in Residence at the Johns Hopkins University School of Government and Policy. Werfel details how the Civil War spurred congressional Republicans to invent the income tax.

During the Civil War, the United States needed more money.

Congress created the first federal income tax.

• People paid taxes based on the money they earned.
• The government used the tax money to help pay for the war.
• Many leaders believed everyone should help support the country.
• Some newspapers said loyal Americans should pay the taxes.
• Congress wanted the tax system to be fair.
• People with higher incomes paid more taxes.
• People with lower incomes paid less taxes.
• Senator Justin Smith Morrill said taxes should match a person's ability to pay.
• The income tax helped the federal government during the Civil War.
• Today, income taxes continue to help pay for government programs and services.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:03. Do you currently owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes in the United States?
• USCIS 100:56. When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?*
• USCIS 128:71. Why is it important to pay federal taxes?

Family Fun:

• Coloring Book Fun: 62 Money Coloring Pages (Free PDFs)
• icivics: People's Pie game
• IRS: Understanding Taxes (many lesson plans and resources)
• PBS: Justin Morrill: Land for Learning (land-grant universities)
• Justin Morril supported economic opportunity for American through his legislation and tax reform.  His most notable contribution was the founding of public land-grant colleges in U.S. states, that focused on agriculture (fatming), engineering (mechanics), and mining.
• Personal Finance Lab : Taxation Lesson Plan

250 to 250: 50. Thurgood Marshall, Narrated by Governor Wes Moore

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Thurgood Marshall, Narrated by Governor Wes Moore

Governor Wes Moore is a combat veteran, bestselling author, former nonprofit CEO, and is Maryland's first Black governor and the third black Governor elected in American history. Moore celebrates Thurgood Marshall, the legendary civil rights lawyer who won Brown v. Board of Education and became the first Black Supreme Court Justice.

Thurgood Marshall was a lawyer who fought for equal rights.

• He graduated from Howard University Law School.
• Marshall worked with the NAACP.
• He helped create the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.
• He used the courts to fight racial segregation.
• Marshall argued many cases before the U.S. Supreme Court.
• He won the important Brown v. Board of Education case.
• The Court ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Marshall to the U.S. Supreme Court.

• He became the first African American Supreme Court Justice.
• Marshall worked to protect equal rights and justice for all Americans.
• He encouraged people to protect and strengthen American democracy.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:07e. Have you EVER ordered, incited, called for, committed, assisted, helped with, or otherwise participated in causing harm or suffering to any person because of their race, religion, national origin, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion?
• USCIS 100:37. / 128:51. What does the judicial branch do?
• USCIS 100:28. / 128.52. What is the highest court in the United States? * 

Family Fun:

• Kulture Kidz: Thurgood Marshall Coloring Page
• NAACPLDF: Thrgood Marchall: LDF Founder and First President and Director-Counsel
• NMAAHC: Thurgood Marshall’s Desk
• NPS: Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial | trading cards
• NPS: Thurgood Marshall: A Legacy of Civil Rights Leadership
• Stamps: Thurgood Marshall
• Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage: Brown v. Board of Education
• Thinkport: Champion of Justice (many lesson plans)