#5: January 26-February 1

#5 “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. Michigan Becomes the 26th State (January 26, 1837)

Summary: On this day, Michigan officially became a state in the United States! Known as “The Wolverine State,” Michigan is famous for its Great Lakes, which are so big they look like oceans.
Fun Fact: Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state—over 120 of them! Imagine living in a lighthouse and watching the ships go by every day! Listen to Episode 144: Ida the Housekeeper (Ida lived in Rhode Island.)

2. Apollo 1 Tragedy (January 27, 1967)

Summary: NASA was preparing for its first mission to take astronauts to the Moon, but sadly, a fire broke out during a test, and three astronauts lost their lives. This event taught NASA important lessons that made future space travel safer.
Fun Fact: The Apollo program eventually succeeded in landing astronauts on the Moon just two years later in 1969! Listen to Episode 52: Mission…Moon!

3. Lewis and Clark Expedition Winter Camp (January 29, 1804)

Summary: During their famous journey to explore the western U.S., Lewis and Clark set up a winter camp near St. Louis, Missouri. They spent the cold months preparing supplies and planning their adventure into the unknown.
Fun Fact: The team brought a Newfoundland dog named Seaman on their journey. He was a great hunter and even scared away a buffalo once! Listen to Episode 79: Lewis and Clark

4. Jackie Robinson’s Birthday (January 31, 1919)

Summary: Jackie Robinson was born on this day! He became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball, breaking barriers and inspiring millions.
Fun Fact: Jackie Robinson was so fast that he stole home base 19 times in his career! That’s one of the hardest things to do in baseball. Listen to Episode 66: Take Me Out to the Ballgame! (The History of Baseball)

5. The Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster (January 28, 1986)

Summary: The Challenger space shuttle tragically exploded shortly after launch, with seven astronauts aboard. Among them was Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was going to teach lessons from space.
Fun Fact: Because of Christa, many schools started space education programs, inspiring kids to learn about space and science.

January 26 – FebrUARY 1

This Week in American History

Enjoy this printable resources featuring activity and 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