Makematic
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is one of the most well-known American holidays. But how did it come about? And how is it perceived by different communities today?
Curated Video
American Flag for Kids
The American flag, also known as the Stars and Stripes, is a powerful symbol of freedom, unity, and patriotism. Featuring 13 red and white stripes representing the original colonies and 50 stars for each state, the flag has evolved since...
National Geographic
Why Do We Celebrate St. Patrick's Day? | National Geographic
St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated for centuries. But what are the holiday's origins, and who exactly was St. Patrick? Learn about the patron saint of Ireland, why St. Patrick's Day is associated with four-leafed clovers, and how the...
One Minute History
008 Cinco de Mayo - One Minute History
Cinco De Mayo celebrates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with Mexican Independence. After losing half of its national territory to the United States during the...
One Minute History
Thanksgiving - One Minute History
1621 - Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag natives share an autumn harvest feast; this is believed to be the first Thanksgiving in the colonies. Despite objections, George Washington issues a thanksgiving proclamation to celebrate American...
One Minute History
123 Thanksgiving - One Minute History
1621 - Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag natives share an autumn harvest feast; this is believed to be the first Thanksgiving in the colonies. Despite objections, George Washington issues a thanksgiving proclamation to celebrate American...
Curated Video
Let’s Have a Holiday
Dr. Forrester explains that countries around the world are comprised of people with similar ideas and backgrounds. They often speak the same language and celebrate the same holidays.
One Minute History
Memorial Day - For The Bravest Of All - Origins of National Holidays - One Minute History
The history and origins of Memorial Day.
Wonderscape
The Evolution of President's Day
Presidents' Day originated as a celebration of George Washington’s birthday, officially becoming a federal holiday in 1885. Over time, the holiday evolved to recognize Abraham Lincoln and other U.S. presidents, with the 1971 Uniform...
One Minute History
038 Tamales - One Minute History
Tamales originated in Meso-America. In times of war, masa, a corn-based dough was an easily portable food for the Mayan, Inca and Aztecs. The Tamale was served to the Spanish during the Inquisition, and eventually brought to what is now...
Makematic
Memorial Day
Every year on Memorial Day the country honors those who died while serving in the military. In this video, learn about how Memorial Day became a federal holiday.
Makematic
Presidents’ Day
Learn about the origins of Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday dedicated to honoring George Washington and all U.S. Presidents.
Makematic
Labor Day
Have you ever wondered who built all the buildings, roads, and bridges? They were all built by people - we call them workers. Once a year, we celebrate these workers on Labor Day.
Makematic
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, celebrated every November 11th, honors military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a time for remembrance and gratitude.
Makematic
Independence Day
The Fourth of July marks the transformation of the 13 colonies into a free and independent United States.
Reading Through History
The History of Mother's Day - Original version
For a newer and much improved version of this video, click here: https://youtu.be/hLng6M1jh4g A short video explaining the history of Mother's Day. For a wonderful Common Core aligned lesson concerning this content, click here:...
Reading Through History
The History of Mother's Day
This is a remake of our original Mother's Day video which had no background music and very poor audio. We also swapped out most of the pictures. Make sure to add this to your holiday playlists! *** For a wonderful Common Core aligned...
PBS
Native American Heritage Month | All About the Holidays
Watch a quick video to discover why November is Native American Heritage Month. Engaging graphics and eye-catching sound effects detail facts from the origins of the holiday to how we celebrate during the month presently.
PBS
Juneteenth | All About the Holidays
An eye-catching video details the national holiday, Juneteenth. Find out how and why fellow Americans honor the end of slavery on June 19.
PBS
Martin Luther King Day | All About the Holidays
Martin Luther King Day, a national holiday celebrated on the third Monday in January, is the focus of a short video that introduces young learners to the civil rights leader. The video provides a brief review of King's work and...
PBS
Women's History Month | All About the Holidays
A quick and engaging video features the origins of Women's History Month. Details start with its humble beginnings in Sonoma, California to its nationwide growth by way of the National Women's History Project.
PBS
Indigenous Peoples' Day | All About the Holidays
Indigenous people around the world have close ties to their land, their ancestors, and their traditions. Celebrate the native inhabitants of our nations in August (and/or October) by learning more about the holiday and its origin.
PBS
National Library Week | All About the Holidays
National Library Week honors the American tradition of free access to information, to books, magazines, and even computers. Launch a celebration of the holiday with a short video that provides a brief history of lending libraries.
PBS
Veterans Day | All About the Holidays
A quick video details the history of Veterans Day. Viewers discover how the holiday came to be, dating back to 1918 when it was known as Armistice Day, and how it has evolved to the holiday we celebrate currently. A question challenges...