A month before he was inaugurated, President Donald J. Trump tweeted his opinion that the United Nations is “just a club for people to get together, talk, and have a good time.” Throughout his time as president, his words and actions have reflected this lack of faith in the United Nations, most notably when he…

This September, the Reading into History Family Book Club kicks off a new year with a dive into a magical piece of history. All summer we’ve been reading The Magician and the Spirits by Deborah Noyes, which explores an intriguing debate between master illusionist Harry Houdini and Sherlock Holmes author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We…

Did Paul Revere really cry “The British are coming!” during his famous midnight ride? Were George Washington’s false teeth really made of wood, or were they actually the teeth of enslaved people? Where is the line between myth-making and out-of-date historical interpretations? American history is filled with powerful stories that become legends in our culture—but…

Hello dear readers! We want History Detectives to be the best blog for families to learn about American history. To make that happen, we need to hear from YOU! We want to get to know our readers and their interests better. Please take five minutes to fill out the survey below, and please share it…

The recently rescinded Trump administration policy of separating migrant families at the US border has made headlines lately. Reports of progress towards family reunification, or lack thereof, and of new policies of indefinitely detaining families together are still coming out. While some defend these practices, 69 percent of Americans disapprove of at least some of…

During the summer of 1863, New York City erupted in violence. July marks the 155th anniversary of the New York City Draft Riots-the largest civil uprising in our nation’s history. From Monday July 13, 1863 until Thursday July 16, 1863 mobs wreaked havoc on the streets of New York, looting stores, attacking police, soldiers, and African…

Here’s a challenge for all of you home chefs: Can recite this motto truthfully at the end of each day? I worked for freedom today. I served at least one food from each of the basic seven food groups. I prepared the food I served with care. I wasted no food today. Whoa, you might…

Happy Pride Month, everyone! June is a time for celebrating LGBTQIA people and their history. The Reading into History Family Book Club has long wanted to feature a work of historical fiction about LGBTQIA history, but sadly there are not very many options for the 9–12 age group that we serve. Luckily for us, Jennifer…

Next Tuesday is Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, military orders to free enslaved people were finally, officially enforced in Texas—two months after the end of the American Civil War and two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On Sunday, June 17, you can join Living Historians from the…