#4: January 19-25

#4 “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!

1. January 20, 1961 – John F. Kennedy Becomes President
On this chilly winter day, John F. Kennedy stood before a crowd and said something very important: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” It was a way of encouraging Americans to help one another. At just 43 years old, Kennedy became the youngest person ever elected president. Fun fact: He even gave his speech without a coat, despite the freezing weather! Listen to Episode 46: Amazing President Stories

2. January 21, 1954 – The Launch of the First Nuclear-Powered Submarine
The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched on this day in Groton, Connecticut. Unlike earlier submarines, it could stay underwater for much longer and travel much farther without needing to refuel. Fun fact: The Nautilus even traveled under the North Pole in 1958, marking a huge milestone in naval exploration!

3. January 23, 1845 – Congress Approves “Uniform Election Day”
On this day, Congress decided that all presidential elections in the U.S. should happen on the same day—the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Before this, states could choose their own election dates, which sometimes caused confusion. This decision made voting more organized and fair for everyone!

4. January 23, 1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell Becomes America’s First Female Doctor
Elizabeth Blackwell was not only a great student but also very determined. She wanted to help people by becoming a doctor. Even though many medical schools wouldn’t accept women, she didn’t give up! On this day, she graduated from Geneva Medical College, becoming the first woman in the U.S. to earn a medical degree. Talk about breaking barriers!

5. January 24, 1848 – Gold is Discovered in California
While working near a river in California, James Marshall spotted something shiny—it was gold! This discovery led to the California Gold Rush, where thousands of people traveled west hoping to strike it rich. Did you know? People sometimes found gold just by sifting through riverbeds with pans, like a treasure hunt!

January 19 – January 25

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