Oh, by Gosh, by Golly: Christmas at the White House

Christmas at the White House as it is orchestrated today is a very modern notion - First Ladies flanked by an army of support staff who prepare the year’s theme months in advance in anticipation of the holiday season began only in the mid 20th century. Historically, the First Family celebrated Christmas in private surrounded … Continue reading Oh, by Gosh, by Golly: Christmas at the White House

History of the Bill of Rights

On November 15, 1777 the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union was approved by the Continental Congress. This edict (though “perpetual” in name) would last only twelve years, to be replaced by the Constitution after it became heartily apparent that the Articles would ensure America’s doom should they be perpetuated. Purposeful in its design, the … Continue reading History of the Bill of Rights

The Equal Rights Amendment – A 100 Year History

A Constitutional amendment granting women the right to vote has been a part of the American debate since the inception of our nation. Abigail Adams wrote to her husband in 1776, imploring him to “remember the ladies” in the process of fomenting a new government. She writes “That your Sex are Naturally Tyrannical is a … Continue reading The Equal Rights Amendment – A 100 Year History

“Outstanding Veterans” Series: Ensign Jesse Brown

On July 26th, 1948 President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, effectively creating the President’s Committee on Equality of Treatment and Opportunity in the Armed Services. This order required the immediate desegregation of all United States military branches, units, and housing facilities. As ever on his rather progressive social crusade, President Truman faced intense criticism … Continue reading “Outstanding Veterans” Series: Ensign Jesse Brown

“Outstanding Veterans”: Major Dick Winters

Beginning our “Outstanding Veterans” series is Major Richard “Dick” Winters, commander of Easy Company of the 2nd battalion, 506th parachute infantry regiment, part of the “Screaming Eagles” 101st Airborne Division. Genteel and respectful towards the men under his command, Winters would shape the lives of his soldiers in arms for eternity as he would shape … Continue reading “Outstanding Veterans”: Major Dick Winters

New Blog Series: “Outstanding Veterans”

Memorial Day and Veterans Day, held respectively in May and November of each year, are federal holidays enacted to honor Armed Services members who have courageously defended our great nation. The familiar moniker "all gave some, some gave all" addressing military servicemen and women is a poignant statement that rings with truth. Two days out … Continue reading New Blog Series: “Outstanding Veterans”

“White House Kids” Series – Lynda Bird Johnson Robb

As daughter of career politician and 36th President Lyndon Johnson, Lynda Bird Johnson Robb lived most of her life in the shadow of her dedicated father. A Texan through and through, President Johnson spent most of his time in the nation’s capitol attending his many duties, first as a Representative in the House serving Texas’s … Continue reading “White House Kids” Series – Lynda Bird Johnson Robb

“White House Kids” Series – Margaret Truman Daniel

Being a child of a President of the United States cannot at all times be pleasant - being the only child of a United States President, arguably one of the greatest President’s in our nation’s history, is a daunting fate. However, Margaret Truman, daughter of 33rd President Harry S. Truman, carried this burden with grace … Continue reading “White House Kids” Series – Margaret Truman Daniel

“White House Kids” Series – Anna Roosevelt Halsted

A second famous First Daughter carrying the Roosevelt name came about twenty years after her cousin - Alice Roosevelt Halsted. Eldest and only female child of powerhouse couple Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Anna Roosevelt Halsted was one of the most understated accomplished women of the 20th century. Co-editor of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, owner of the … Continue reading “White House Kids” Series – Anna Roosevelt Halsted

“White House Kids” Series – Alice Roosevelt Longworth

Arguably the most well-known and controversial First Daughter with the name Roosevelt, Alice Roosevelt Longworth was a woman before her time. Unbending in the face of scandal (which she frequently was featured in and appeared to relish in) while using her wit and intellect to become the great equalizer at every social gathering, Alice Roosevelt … Continue reading “White House Kids” Series – Alice Roosevelt Longworth