Other
Brooklyn Expedition: Latin America
Excellent site about Latin America from the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Explore ancient beliefs and rituals, celebrations, culture, the land, animals, and the history of Latin America.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: Why Do Americans and Canadians Celebrate Labor Day?
In the United States and Canada, the first Monday of September is a federal holiday, Labor Day. Originally celebrated in New York City's Union Square in 1882, Labor Day was organized by unions as a rare day of rest for the overworked...
Read Works
Read Works: We're Going to a Powwow
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text describing a Native American powwow. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Day of the Dead
This encyclopedia article from Wikipedia explores what Day of the Dead is and how it is commonly celebrated in Mexico and elsewhere.
Mex Connect
Dia De Muertos: The Dead Come to Life in Mexican Art
To an outsider, Mexico's celebration for their dead loved ones seems a bit morbid. Discover Mexicans distinct view of the afterlife by reading the reaction of a French-Canadian woman visiting the country. Also includes information on...
SMART Technologies
Smart: Holidays and Celebrations Thanksgiving
Children will learn about the similarities and differences between holidays they celebrate and other students in our building celebrate. They will compare and contrast cultures, traditions, foods, clothing, music, etc. of Thanksgiving...
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: South American Cultures
Help your students understand cultures unique to different countries. This lesson plan shows how festivals and celebrations are important to all people no matter what nationality.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Celebrations
[Free Registration/Login Required] An interactive introduction to birthday, Christmas and wedding celebrations prompting children to draw on their own experiences of these events.
PBS
Pbs American Masters: Isaac Stern
A virtuoso on the violin, Isaac Stern is celebrated in this brief biography by PBS. Read about the highlights of his life and music.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: On Time: The Almanac
To keep track of time, many people used an almanac. Its elaborate tables of astronomical, seasonal, and religious events provided a useful way to mark time. And its directives on the proper time to do all manner of things from planting...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Bring Hispanic Heritage Month to Life: A Collection of Resources
Celebrate diversity with this collection of ideas to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, including lesson plans, authors, pioneers, and more.
A&E Television
History.com: What Is Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Since 1991, dozens of cities, several universities, and a growing number of states have adopted Indigenous Peoples' Day, a holiday that celebrates the history and contributions of Native Americans. Not by coincidence, the occasion...
Read Works
Read Works: Celebrate National Nutrition Month!
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text listing some simple things people can do to help them stay healthy. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: After the Celebration
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the financial woes of Union Pacific after the railroad was completed, and what the government did to recoup some of its loans. Also...
Other
Kwanzaa Information Center
Use this site to discover the history, symbols, celebrations, and language of Kwanzaa.
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week: Celebrate Wilderness
In this activity, students research a wilderness refuge near them or through online resources. They will investigate the history of a refuge and how indigenous people lived there long ago, as well as the lives of any descendants of these...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Indiana
"Indiana means 'land of the Indians'" Who has the "longest-running Fourth of July celebration?" Come and check out this site and find out more about the Hoosier state.
Other
Somos Primos: Hispanic Heritage and Diversity Issues
Access is free. Articles explore topics such as Hispanic heritage, the Black/Latino connection, and Hispanic patriots involved in the American revolution. There is a database through which users post surnames they are hoping to trace the...
A&E Television
History.com: Kwanza
The History Channel provides basic information on the African American non-religious holiday of Kwanza. Celebrated for seven days, descriptions are given of the seven principles and the seven basic symbols.
Countries and Their Cultures
Countries and Their Cultures: Multicultural America: Sioux
Provides an overview of the traditional culture and lifestyle of the Sioux, a Native American tribe. (Note: Content is not the most current.)
Other
Progress Made Visible: American World's Fairs: Progress Made Visible
Find information on the four major expositions of the last half of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century in the United States. Primary sources tout the progress in America over the century and celebrate the American spirit.
University of Groningen
American History: Essays: The Iron Horse: The Meeting at Promontory Point
From a lengthy essay on the history of the railroad in the United States. This section describes the events that occurred as the Union Pacific and Central Pacific both reached the endpoint of the railroad at Promontory Point, California....
American Geosciences Institute
American Geosciences Institute: Earth Science Week
A wealth of resources for celebrating Earth Science Week, complete with educational materials in both English and Spanish. Teachers will find classroom activities, information on contests and Earth Science Week events, and ideas for...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: A Patriotic Celebration of Veterans
Students will gain an understanding of the significance and meaning of National Veterans Day, the unique founder of the organization and the history created in Birmingham, Alabama for veterans across America. Students will recognize the...