November Reading List: Native American Heritage Month & the History of Harvest Feasts

It’s November and here in the United States it’s Native American Heritage Month.  Thanksgiving also takes place on the third Thursday of the month. This year, it’s on November 24th.  The National Congress for American Indians describes Native American History Month: “The month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important … Read More

Native American Heritage Month Teaching Resources

November is Native American Heritage Month.  In our American History boxes, we talk about the role of Native Americans in every box.  It’s only right. We need to talk about Native American history all year long, but next month is a perfect time of year to do a deep dive. Here are some resources for appropriate and respectful study.  Discussing … Read More

Happy Groundhog Day!

Groundhog, groundhog, in your burrow, do we get to spring forward or will you see your shadow? With spring just around the corner, it’s that wonderful time of year where we look to our furry forecaster, the groundhog, to see if spring is here early or if we have 6 more weeks of winter. So why exactly do we do … Read More

Fashion and History: 7 Fun Facts

As the saying goes, everything old is new again. Fashion is one of those things that has been, and always will be, relevant. No matter how many new trends there are, clothes are something we use each and every day. Fashion is always evolving, but sometimes something that seems new to us, isn’t really all that new. Fashion tends to … Read More

Black History Month Teaching & Learning Resources

Black History Month is celebrated every year from February 1-March 1 in the United States & Canada. Did you know that Black History Month is also celebrated in other countries around the world like the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the Netherlands?  They celebrate Black History Month in October but the mission is the same.  In America, it is a month … Read More

Black History Month Poetry Teatime

Poetry teatime is a wonderful way for parents and children to connect – whether you are a homeschooling family or looking to spend time together after a day or school or work. This month is special because it’s Black History Month and there is a rich history of poetry and verse that you can explore. Visit The Poetry Foundation for … Read More

5 Ways to Bring History to Life in Your Homeschool

Are you looking for ways to bring the study of history alive in your homeschool?  Hands-on learning sparks student engagement and motivation. As homeschool parents, we love anything that brings kids to the table ready to learn!  Read on for five fantastic ways to make history exciting for your learners through hands-on learning. 1. Food Everyone eats!  Make the people … Read More

A History of Memorial Day: Celebrating those Who Died in Battle

Did you know that Memorial Day wasn’t always called Memorial Day? If you ask your older relatives they might remember the holiday being called Decoration Day. It wasn’t until 1967 that the holiday became officially known as Memorial Day. It was established as a federal holiday on May 13th, 1938 and is celebrated on the last Monday in May. In … Read More

Tradition and Travel: How the Honolulu International Airport Honors Its Culture

As one of the most racially and ethnically diverse states in the US, Hawaii has a rich culture and heritage. Customs and traditions from the islands’ indigenous roots continue to flourish, and Hawaii has also become home to immigrant populations from countries like China, Japan, and the Philippines. This openness has highlighted the importance of Asian American and Pacific Islander … Read More

What was the Viking Revival?

In this blog post, we will explore 19th-century architecture, music, and art that were inspired by increased interest in the Vikings, often called the Viking Revival, as well as some learning resources to enhance Vikings Unboxed. Are you looking for more activities from other regions during the Middle Ages? Check out Charlemagne Unboxed and Benin Unboxed! As you’ve been learning … Read More

Ancient Eats: An Edible Exploration of the World – Now Available For Purchase!

Go on a mouth watering journey through the ancient world with this family-friendly cookbook. Each of the more than 100 recipes is inspired by delicious historical dishes and adapted for ease of preparation in the modern kitchen.  Taste your way through 18 cultures as you feed your mind with mythical origins and the historical significance of food around the world … Read More

The Story of Jack (AKA, Mr. O’Lantern)

It all starts with an Irish folktale called The Legend of Stingy Jack.  So who exactly is this “Stingy Jack?” As the story goes, Jack lived in a small Irish village. He was known among the villagers as a drunk and not a very nice person. In fact, the Devil himself heard many rumors about Jack and became jealous of … Read More

The History of Valentine’s Day!

As we enter the season of rose bouquets and heart-shaped candies, I thought it’d be interesting to share the not-so-lovely story about how Cupid’s holiday came to be what it is today. The history of Valentine’s day is a bit patchy, with not a whole lot of specific details, but the story is definitely worth a share. So, to start … Read More

Roman numerals, The Ides of March, and the Roman Calendar

While many people know that the Ides of March is the 15th of March, many don’t know what it actually meant and what its role in the Roman calendar was.  Would it surprise you to know that the Ides of March was a sacred day long before Julius Caesar was assassinated?

The Benefits of Hands-On History Activities

You might have ended up here because you were looking for hands-on history resources.  But have you ever thought about why this style of learning is so important? Sure, it’s fun. But is it effective? Short answer: Yes! Long answer: Yes, and Here’s Why! So what’s stopping you from doing hands-on history activities? Is it too much work? We’ve done … Read More

STEM, History and Penicillin…What?

Guest blog post by Carol Bettencourt There is a lot of talk these days about the value of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – in education. Proponents of a STEM-based education argue that to remain competitive, countries must educate their next generation of innovators, engineers and scientists. Job prospects and income tend to be higher for those with … Read More

Snuggle Up With Some Winter Holiday Books!

I love reading with my kids.  And I especially love reading books about winter holidays. Reading books allows us to see how children and families around the world celebrate and acknowledge this special time.  I’ve put together a list of some of our favorite winter holiday books here at History Unboxed that focus on Solstice, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and Hanukkah celebrations. … Read More

Sugarplums! Recipe for a Victorian Holiday Treat

In the Victorian era, sweets made of dried fruits, with nuts, spices and sugar, were special holiday treats. These “sugar plums” were carefully prepared and then put in cones of festively colored paper to hang on the Christmas tree or packaged in pretty boxes for gifts. To create a special treat, and give yourself a taste of history, try our … Read More

Women’s History Month Teatime

March is Women’s History Month and here at History Unboxed® we figured that it’s time for a Women’s History Month teatime. Check out the graphic below to learn about how Women’s History Month came to be. We’ve compiled a list of poetry and short readings we think lend themselves well to a Women’s History Month themed teatime. But first, the … Read More

Our Favorite Books for Festivals of the Dead

No matter who we are, we all come into contact with death. People around the world have their own traditions to mourn and celebrate the loss of loved ones. Americans celebrate Halloween as a spooky day with monsters and creatures. Other celebrations of the dead around the world are quite different. Books are a great way to learn about other … Read More

Plymouth Rock

In this post we will talk about the history of Plymouth Rock, the mythological stepping stone upon which the Pilgrims first stepped when they landed in the New World. To learn more about the Mayflower, the Pilgrims, and the Indigenous Wampanoag People check out Plymouth Unboxed or Thanksgiving Unboxed downloadable lesson. I don’t know about you, but when I think … Read More

Poetry Teatime: Saint Patricks Day

Poetry Teatime: Saint Patricks Day Saint Patrick’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to take a break with some tea, a treat, and a great poem or two. Ireland is a country full of amazing writers, so there is no shortage of people to pick from. Sometimes humorous, often melancholy, many times both, Irish poetry has something for everyone. Below, I’ve … Read More

Learning Resources for Ancient Pompeii

I don’t know about you, but when I think about what the city of Pompeii looked like immediately after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, I envision a city completely buried by ash and dirt. But the city wasn’t completely buried, and tops of houses, sculptures, and other artifacts would have been poking up out of the dirt, … Read More

History of Languages in the Philippines by Pia Villanueva-Pulido

In celebration of Asian-American & Pacific Islander History Month, we are bringing you a special guest blog post on the history of language in the Philippines by Pia Villanueva-Pulido! Pia  is an award-winning English and Humanities educator for the Gifted and Talented, a storyteller, a published freelance writer, and children’s author. She was born in Manila, Philippines and grew up … Read More

Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month

May is Jewish American Heritage Month in the United States. It is a time for “hundreds of organizations and Americans of all backgrounds [to] [join] together to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to the present day.” In this blog post we’ll talk about the history of Jewish American … Read More

A Brief History of April Fools’ Day

Would it surprise you to learn that April Fools’ Day, celebrated every year on April 1, has been celebrated for thousands of years in many countries and communities around the world? Today, April Fools’ Day is generally celebrated as a day of mischievous and (hopefully) harmless pranks put on by both individuals and mass media, but it hasn’t always been … Read More

Hispanic Heritage Month Educational Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month starts on September 15th, and runs through October 15th. This year’s theme is Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America. The celebration starts on September 15th because that was the day that many Central American countries gained their independence. Like many of our month-long celebrations, Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration in 1968.  In … Read More

The Importance of Using Authentically Sourced Materials

At History Unboxed®, our commitment to authenticity sets us apart in the realm of education. We believe in going beyond textbooks, offering students a hands-on experience with materials sourced directly from the very places they are studying. But why is this so important to us? Cultural Authenticity When we use culturally authentic materials, it gives students an opportunity to experience … Read More

Arab-American History Month: Celebrating Arab-American Resilience & Diversity

In 2021, American President Joe Biden was the first president to recognize National Arab-American Heritage Month. In April of 2022, the US Congress, the U.S. Department of State, and 45 states issued proclamations declaring April as Arab-American Heritage Month. Each year since then, President Biden has issued a proclamation declaring April as Arab-American Heritage Month. But the initiative to create … Read More

Antiquities in the Roman Era

From where we sit in time, it’s easy to lump the past together into one category, but even people living in eras long before our own could gaze in wonder at ruins and artifacts from times still older. For example, when Cleopatra looked out her window at the Great Pyramid of Khufu, she was looking at something that was built … Read More

The Ancient Indigenous Roots of Pumpkin Pie

Fall has arrived and with it, pumpkins! Covering stoops across the US, pumpkins are a part of the aesthetics of fall as well as the menu. While we already shared the ancient origins of pumpkin pie spice, we want to dive into the ancient Indigenous origins of pumpkin pie too!

Magic Tree House Alignment

Ancient Science: How did ancient people explain the moon and eclipses?

Did you know that Mark Twain used a solar eclipse as a plot device in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court? Hank, the protagonist, time-travels to Camelot. He avoids execution by “predicting” an eclipse. Long before Twain created Hank, ancient astronomers observed the heavens and recorded their observations. Let’s look at what some of them learned. Mesopotamia Ancient Mesopotamia’s moon … Read More