#3: January 12-18

#3 “This Week in American History” Blog Series

Read the Introduction to the blog series…

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation in 2026, we’re excited to launch a new blog series designed to help children connect with the rich history of the United States. The This Week in American History blog series will explore significant events, people, and milestones from our country’s past, offering engaging ways to make history come alive for your families.

Each week, this blog series will include links to Real Cool History for Kids podcast episodes when applicable! There will also be a digital resource packet of coloring or activity pages for each event available in my shop* each week. Plus, once a month, we’ll feature a bonus post highlighting world history or geography from that month, broadening your child’s perspective on the world.

We invite you to explore, learn, and make history come alive with your children. Each new post in the series will be available right here at angelaodell.com.

Understanding the connections in our history is key to helping children develop a sense of identity and connection to their country. As they learn about historical figures, pivotal moments, and the struggles that shaped the nation, they can better appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God.” The price of freedom is never free. Each generation is responsible for passing the torch to the next. This is the foundational reason I wrote the America’s Story series as a starting point for your family’s history learning journey.

* Each week’s coloring and activity page bundle will be available to Patreon members as part of their membership perks!

start with Week 1

This Week in History!

January 13, 1863 – The Emancipation Proclamation Takes Effect: The Emancipation Proclamation, signed by President Abraham Lincoln, declared that all slaves in the Confederate states were free. This was a major step towards the end of slavery in America. Go HERE for the Civil War digital course – 130 pages of activities and hyperlinks to 14 episodes abut the American Civil War.

January 15, 1929 – Martin Luther King Jr. is Born Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He would grow up to lead the fight for civil rights, helping to end segregation and promote equality for all people, no matter their race. Listen to Episode 17: The Civil Rights episode.

January 16, 1969 – The First Human Heart Transplant in the U.S. Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the first successful human heart transplant in the United States at the University of California, Los Angeles. This groundbreaking medical procedure gave hope to patients with heart disease and led to many advances in organ transplants.

January 17, 1776 – The Battle of Princeton During the American Revolutionary War, General George Washington led his troops to a victory at the Battle of Princeton, New Jersey. This battle was important because it boosted the spirits of the American soldiers and helped continue the fight for independence from Britain. Listen to Episode 106: Spies of the Revolution

January 17, 1991– Operation Desert Storm: The United States launched Operation Desert Storm, which was part of the Gulf War. American forces, along with allied nations, began military action against Iraq after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Listen to Episode 48: Pride Really Does Come Before a Fall (Saddam Hussein)

January 12 – January 18

This Week in American History

Enjoy this printable resources featuring coloring pages and a short history summary for each historical event. Remember, you can get this printable as well as the other upcoming resources in this series and many other bonuses by becoming a member on our Patreon platform.

purchase packet Join Patreon