Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy

We are at the 104th Annual National Council for the Social Studies Conference! See us in booth 712.

Arrrr ye ready for a bit of pirate history??On Nov. 22,?1718, one of history's most notorious pirates, Edward Teach—better known as Blackbeard—met his dramatic end off the coast of Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina. His death followed a fierce battle with British naval forces and cemented his place in pirate legend. Blackbeard's tale continues to captivate, symbolizing the golden age of piracy and the lawlessness of the early 18th century. Learn more about this swashbuckling villain in this quick read,?https://lnkd.in/gkfZVDVF Pirates, pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots all contributed to creating the country and world we live in today. Learn more about our fascinating history on Civics for Life at https://lnkd.in/gFF_dajX.

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."?On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered one of the most iconic speeches in American history: the Gettysburg Address. In just 272 words, Lincoln’s address remains one of the shortest yet most profound speeches in history. Learn more about this historic speech here:?https://lnkd.in/grX67_mh The Civics for Life website helps you explore the important role events like this played in creating the country we call home today. Find this and other articles at https://lnkd.in/gFF_dajX

Do you have a creative middle or high school student who loves history, government, or social studies? The Civics Challenge is an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent, and they could win a $500 cash award! Learn more about this annual competition from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy at?oconnorinstitute.org/cc

Happy Birthday, Civics 101! In November 2023, the Institute launched the free microlesson program Civics 101 for adults nationwide. In one year, over 28,000 adult learners have utilized this platform. This is just one of the many ways we are working to encourage multigenerational civic education, civic engagement, and civil discourse. Celebrate with us and learn more at https://lnkd.in/gdX7z8Vk today!

Join us for a can’t-miss AAA-ICDR Foundation webinar: “National Civil Discourse and Engagement” on January 15, 2025, 1–2 pm ET. Hear from leaders in civil discourse and grant partners as they share meaningful insights. This event will explore the power of reviving civility, solving problems across divides, and advancing democracy through civic education. Featured speakers include Bruce Meyerson and Tracey Frisch from the AAA-ICDR Foundation, Keith Allred from the National Institute for Civil Discourse, Matt Leighninger from the National Civic League, and Sarah Suggs from the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute for American Democracy. Register here: https://bit.ly/3NEDFGk

On October 28, 1886, a 21-gun salute marked President Grover Cleveland’s arrival and clouded the Statue of Liberty in smoke as the iconic landmark was unveiled to the public. Learn more about this gift to the United States in this quick read,?https://lnkd.in/geP5Gxue Want more stories of history? Visit?https://lnkd.in/gXjc4qVb #CivicsforLife #OnThisDate #History Photo: Liberty Enlightening the World--Inauguration of the Bartholdi Statue, Harbor of New York--Military and naval salute, the President's arrival at Liberty Island. New York, ca. 1887. 1886 Oct. 28. Photograph.?https://lnkd.in/gCC2eHbx.

On October 24, 1861, the first transcontinental telegraph system was completed by Western Union, and the first telegram was sent from the Chief Justice of California in San Francisco to President Lincoln in Washington, D.C. This would lead to the end of the Pony Express and an important advancement in communication. Learn more about this historic step forward and the impact it had on our country here,?https://lnkd.in/gUidMxez Want to learn more about important historical dates, United States history, and our government? Visit https://lnkd.in/gXjc4qVb today! #CivicsforLife #History #OnThisDate

On October 23, 2018, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor announced her retirement from public life. This was not an easy step for an active public servant, but the diagnosis of dementia, likely Alzheimer's, led to the final quiet chapters of her amazing life. In a letter to the public, she shared: "While the final chapter of my life with dementia may be trying, nothing has diminished my gratitude and deep appreciation for the countless blessings in my life. How fortunate I feel to be an American and to have been presented with the remarkable opportunities available to the citizens of our country. As a young cowgirl from the Arizona desert, I never could have imagined that one day I would become the first woman justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. I hope that I have inspired young people about civic engagement and helped pave the pathway for women who may have faced obstacles pursuing their careers. My greatest thanks to our nation, to my family, to my former colleagues, and to all the wonderful people I have had the opportunity to engage with over the years." You can learn more about her amazing life, work, and her lasting legacy at OConnorInstitute.org.

The O'Connor Institute spoke with officials from the Washington?D.C.-based National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), including its current president, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon(D), president-elect Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson (R), and NASS Executive Director Leslie Reynolds, about the important work election officials are taking to prepare for the November 5 General Election. As you prepare to head to the polls, mail in your ballot, or watch the results come in, this conversation is a great watch or listen. Find it now at?connorinstitute.org/nass