#34: August 17-23

August 17, 1807 – Robert Fulton’s Steamboat Begins Its Journey

On August 17, 1807, something incredible took place on the Hudson River! Robert Fulton’s steamboat, called the Clermont, began its very first journey from New York City to Albany. Before this, boats had to rely on wind or rowing, which took a lot of time and energy. But Fulton’s invention used steam power to push big paddle wheels, making the trip much faster and easier. This was the beginning of a whole new way to travel on water and helped connect people and places like never before.
Fun fact: Even though people laughed at Fulton’s idea and called his boat “Fulton’s Folly,” the Clermont worked so well that it changed history forever. Although I do not have an episode about Robert Fulton’s steamboat (yet!), Episode 50 is the story about another type of incredible form of transportation! Listen to Episode 50: Flying Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease (the story of dirigibles)!

August 18, 1868 – Helium Is Discovered

On August 18, 1868, scientists made a light and floaty discovery—helium! While studying the Sun through a special telescope during a solar eclipse, French astronomer Jules Janssen noticed something unusual in the light: a brand-new gas that had never been seen on Earth before. English scientist Norman Lockyer soon confirmed the find, and the gas was named helium. Today, helium is used to fill balloons that drift into the sky, help doctors with special breathing treatments, and even keep super-powerful machines, like MRI scanners, cool enough to work properly. Without helium, many of the things we use every day wouldn’t be possible!
Fun fact: A helium balloon won’t really float into space—it usually bursts about six miles up—but it can soar far higher than the eye can see. Podcast episodes with a SPACE connection: Episode 52: Mission – Moon! and Episode 70: Houston, We Have a Problem!

August 19, 1934 – The First Soap Box Derby

On August 19, 1934, kids raced into history with the very first Soap Box Derby! The race took place in Dayton, Ohio, where children built their own cars out of wood, wheels, and lots of creativity. These cars didn’t have engines—they zoomed downhill powered only by gravity and a good push at the start. The Soap Box Derby quickly became a favorite tradition, letting kids show off their building skills and their racing spirit.
Fun fact: The fastest Soap Box Derby cars can reach speeds of more than 30 miles per hour—that’s faster than most people can ride a bike.

August 20, 1866 – President Andrew Johnson Declares the Civil War Over

On August 20, 1866, President Andrew Johnson made an important announcement (Proclamation 157)—he officially declared that the Civil War was over. The war had divided the United States for four long and difficult years, with families, towns, and even friends split apart. Johnson’s declaration meant the nation could finally begin to heal, work together again, and start rebuilding what had been lost. Although challenges remained, this moment gave people hope that a brighter future was ahead and that the United States could move forward as one country again.
Fun fact: The Civil War ended more than 150 years ago, but you can still see uniforms, flags, and even handwritten letters from that time in museums today. There is quite a list of podcast episodes about the Civil War. In fact, there is a whole digital course covering 14 of those episodes here: The Civil War Course Use the code: backtoschool2025 to get 25% off all digital products until the end of September!

August 21, 1959 – Hawaii Becomes the 50th State

On August 21, 1959, Hawaii made history by becoming the 50th state of the United States! Before that, it had been a U.S. territory, but on this special day it officially joined the country. People all across America celebrated, and Hawaiians marked the moment with pride and excitement. Hawaii brought something unique to the United States—lush rainforests, sandy beaches, powerful volcanoes, and a culture rich with music, hula dancing, storytelling, and traditions that go back hundreds of years. Becoming the 50th star on the American flag, Hawaii completed the family of states we know today, and it remains the only state made up entirely of islands.
Fun fact: Hawaii is home to the world’s tallest mountain—Mauna Kea. If you measure it from the ocean floor all the way to its peak, it’s even taller than Mount Everest. Hawaii is also where Pearl Harbor is located. Listen to Episode 40: A Day that Will Live in Infamy (the story of the Attack on Pearl Harbor – December 7, 1941)