VLS Resources
Women Heroines of the Revolutionary War
The Courage and Sacrifice of Female Patriots The American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of Independence, was not solely a tale of male valor and leadership. Women, though often overlooked in historical narratives, played crucial roles in shaping the destiny of the fledgling nation. These female patriots exhibited immense courage, resilience and ingenuity,…
VLS Celebrates Black Patriots from the American Revolution
During American Revolution, thousands of Black Americans joined the war fighting for both sides of the conflict. Unlike their white counterparts, they weren’t just fighting for independence. Most took up arms hoping to be freed from the shackles of slavery. For some slaves-turned-soldiers, the Revolution’s promise of liberty became a reality. Historians estimate that between 5,000…
Currier and Ives’ America
After discovering the book Currier & Ives’ America, which features over 80 lithographs of America during the early 19th century, we felt the images and comments by editor Colin Simkin might give our readers a glimpse into what life was like in early America. Therefore, we will be featuring several of the lithographs and text…
German Immigrants Introduced Christmas Trees
So when and how did Christmas become the festive celebration we recognize today? According to Early American Life, traditions such as decorating Christmas trees with lights and ornaments came from Germans who immigrated to the United States. By the early 19th century, these ideas spread into the American mainstream and, eventually, England, where the German…
Honor America And Her Veterans Through Proper Flag Etiquette
Make sure it can wave freely. Never allow the flag to touch the ground or any other object while it’s on display. Stand for America. Salute the American flag as it is hoisted and lowered and while saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Stand at attention with your right hand over your heart and your hat…
March is Women’s Month
This month, during Women’s History Month, we are featuring an interesting article by the American Battlefield Trust, which conveys the hardships and determination of the women who lived in our war-torn country in the 1800’s. Many women fought for our country, supported their families and the patriots, often caring for their homesteads until their husband’s…
On This July Day in American History
July 1, 1862 – President Abraham Lincoln signed the first income tax bill, levying a 3% income tax on annual incomes of $600-$10,000 and a 5% tax on incomes over $10,000. Also on this day, the Bureau of Internal Revenue was established by an Act of Congress. July 2, 1776 – The Continental Congress in Philadelphia adopted…
THOMAS JEFFERSON
Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia to Jane and Peter Jefferson. His father was a Virginia planter, surveyor, and slave owner. At age fourteen, Jefferson’s father died, and Thomas inherited some thirty enslaved individuals. Jefferson fully embraced the lifestyle of an affluent member of the planter class, and over…
The Great Seal of the United States of America
OBSERVE REVERSE Do you know why they chose these images? OBVERSE: The American bald eagle is prominently featured supporting a shield composed of 13 red and white stripes (pales) representing the Thirteen Original States with a blue bar (chief) uniting the shield and representing Congress. The motto of the United States, E. Pluribus Unum (meaning…