NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY

National Massachusetts Day on August 17th recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named after the indigenous people who populated the area when explorers (and later the pilgrims) first arrived, Massachusetts became an incubator for independence, education, and industry.

Cradle of Liberty

It should come as no surprise that the state earned the name of Cradle of Liberty. After all, Massachusetts hosted the founding of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party. The list of notable names from history grows long from Massachusetts. Of course, their stories and the historic events leading up to the founding of a country make for fascinating tales.

Patriots come to mind first, but don’t stop there! Poets, inventors, authors, politicians, architects, activists, athletes and those who have managed the amazing. It’s much too long for these pages. So, we encourage you to explore them further during National Massachusetts Day!

With her numerous bays and abundant shorelines, Massachusetts offers many seaside escapes. Discover mountain exploration inland, and for those who seek urban adventure, encounter adventures there, too. Everywhere you go, there’s history, beauty, and perhaps a bit of an adjustment to the New England language. Either way, dive into the food, the past and the future of Massachusetts.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMassachusettsDay

During National Massachusetts Day, explore all the adventures, history and more the state has to offer. Share your favorites by using #NationalMassachusettsDay on social media.

Massachusetts Flavor

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Boston Cream Pie
Cranberry Juice
Corn Muffin
Cod
Fried Clams
Fluffernutter
Boston Cream donut
Clam Chowder
Cranberry

Massachusetts Day Flavor

We’ll start with the obvious when the topic of Massachusetts food comes to the table: Boston Cream Pie. What other states would this layered, hot milk cake hail from? Well, to be specific, it was created in 1856 in the kitchen of the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston and is still made there today.

Next, we turn to the salty sweet combination of Fluffernutter. A blended combination of marshmallow fluff and peanut butter, Fluffernutter became a household name in New England in the 1960s.

On July 3, 1916, Lawrence and Bessie Woodman fried the first clam at their roadside concession stand in Essex, Massachusetts. The rest, as they say, is history. Massachusetts has been in love ever since. Speaking of clams, don’t forget the chowder.

For those who like a less fishy flavor of the sea, cod is the way to go. Massachusetts celebrates the Sacred Cod. A notable cape is named after it. Also, it’s their state fish.

Finally, and tastefully, Massachusetts is one of five states known to grow cranberries. It’s their state berry and juice, too! Of course, each state has a wide list of favorite combinations of flavors. Share with us your Massachusetts favorites!

Massachusetts State Symbolism

State Capital – Boston
State Nickname – The Bay State
State Motto – Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem
State Bird – Black – Capped Chickodee
State Flower – Mayflower
State Animal –
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Cod
State Dessert – Boston Cream Pie
State Fossil – Dinosaur Tracks
State Mineral – Babingtonite
State Tree – American Elm
State Song – All Hail to Massachusetts
State Gemstone – Rhodonite
State Folk Hero – Johnny Appleseed
State Heroine – Deborah Samson Shurtleff
State Insect – Ladybug

Notable People

Squanto- Native American Guide – (c.1585 – November 1622)

Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans) Library Binding – August 15, 2020

by Ann Byers  (Author)
Squanto (The Inside Guide: Famous Native Americans)

by Ann Byers  (Author)

Benjamin Franklin – Founding Father – (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands  (Author) 
The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by H. W. Brands  (Author) 

John Hancock- Patriot – (January 23, 1737 – October 8, 1793)

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 
John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author) 

Eli Whitney – Inventor – (December 8, 1765 – January 8, 1825)

Eli Whitney
Eli Whitney

Susan B. Anthony – Activist – (February 15, 1820 – March 13, 1906)

Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz  (Author) 
Susan B. Anthony (Illustrated) Kindle Edition

by Alma Lutz  (Author) 


Theodore Seuss Geisel – Author – (March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991)

Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination Kindle Edition

by Brian Jay Jones  (Author) 
Becoming Dr. Seuss: Theodor Geisel and the Making of an American Imagination

by Brian Jay Jones  (Author) 
Dr. Seuss's Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss  (Author)
Dr. Seuss’s Beginner Book Collection (Cat in the Hat, One Fish Two Fish, Green Eggs and Ham, Hop on Pop, Fox in Socks) Hardcover – Box set, September 22, 2009

by Dr. Seuss  (Author)
Dr. Seuss's Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss  (Author), Random House (Illustrator)
Dr. Seuss’s Second Beginner Book Collection (Beginner Books(R)) Hardcover – Illustrated, September 27, 2011

by Dr. Seuss  (Author), Random House (Illustrator)

John F. Kennedy -President – (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

John F Kennedy
John F Kennedy

George H. W. Bush – President – (June 12, 1924 -)

George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more
George W. Bush: The American Presidents Series: The 43rd President, 2001-2009 Kindle Edition

by James Mann (Author), Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. (Editor), & 1 more


Donna Summer – Singer/Songwriter – (December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012)

Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author)  Format: Kindle
Ordinary Girl: The Journey Kindle Edition

by Marc Eliot (Author), Donna Summer (Author)  Format: Kindle

Last Dance one of my favorites.
Last Dance
One of my favorites.

Emeril Lagasse – (October 15, 1959 -)

Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1
Eat the World with Emeril Lagasse

Season 1
Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril's) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse  (Author)  
Sizzling Skillets and Other One-Pot Wonders (Emeril’s) Kindle Edition

by Emeril Lagasse  (Author)  


Martha Ballard – Midwife – (1735 – May 1812)

A Midwife's Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition
by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  (Author) 
Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812 Kindle Edition

by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich  (Author) 




Hidden Treasures

Salem Witch House – Salem  Hammond Castle Museum – Glouster  Franklin Park’s Overlook Shelter Ruins – Boston (See National Connecticut Day Notable People, Frederick Olmsted for more information).  Fort Standish – Hull  Dr. Seuss Museum – Springfield

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY

National Mustard Day on the first Saturday in August recognizes a versatile condiment. Used in many different cuisines, mustard comes from the seeds of the mustard plant.

Depending on the kind of mustard, flavors and color will vary. For example, white or yellow mustard comes from a mustard known as Sinapis hirta. Brown or Indian mustard come from Brassica juncea. And black mustard comes from Brassica nigra. 

The mustard seed may be used whole, ground, cracked or bruised in cooking, too. When mixed with liquids such as water, lemon juice or broth, mustard produces different textures and flavors. At times, cooks use the paste as a sauce or even a marinade. Try mixing mustard with other seasonings to create a dry rub for roasts, chicken or chops.

Since some mustards are zestier than others, the spice pairs well with meats and cheeses. Pile up slices of ham, turkey, and Munster between your favorite crusty bread. Next, add some creamy mustard and fresh veggies. That’s how you build a sandwich with zing. The same can be done with salads, hamburgers and hot dogs, too. 

Once you’ve mastered the sandwich move on to dressings, glazes, and soups. Around the world, the spice is used in many forms beyond the seed. For example, in India, the entire plant is used from the sprouts to the mature greens. Expressing the oil of the seed is beneficial for both cooking and medicinal uses. Try a Mediterranean recipe by making creamy tahini or aioli and make your dishes sing. Similar recipes can be found in northern and southeastern Europe, too.

And don’t forget Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Because of mustard’s diversity, cooks reach for the spice and condiment more often than almost any other spice in the world. 

NATIONAL MUSTARD DAY HISTORY

The Mustard Museum began sponsoring National Mustard Day in 1991. In 2010, the event moved to the current home of the Museum in Downtown Middleton, Wisconsin. With more than 6,000 enthusiastic mustard lovers in attendance annually, this event has raised thousands of dollars for local charity.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALMUSTARDDAY

If you’re in Middleton, Wisconsin, head down to the Mustard Museum for a festive day of mustard sampling and events. Everywhere else, try tasting a variety of mustards at home or in a local spice store. Find one that makes your tongue happy and add it to your cooking. An even easier way to celebrate is by inviting friends over for a cookout of hot dogs and burgers. Top one off with your favorite kind of mustard and enjoy!

Experiment and try new recipes with mustard as the spotlight ingredient. Post photos on social media using #NationalMustardDay.

Alternating in August

August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.

Patriotic Movie List

American patriotic movies celebrate the spirit, history, and values of the United States, often highlighting themes of courage, freedom, and national pride. These films span various genres, from war epics like Saving Private Ryan and American Sniper to inspiring dramas like Forrest Gump and National Treasure, all showcasing resilience and the American dream. Whether depicting real-life heroes, pivotal historical moments, or fictional tales of patriotism, these movies stir emotions and reinforce a sense of unity and pride in the nation’s ideals. This list explores some of the most iconic and uplifting films that honor the heart and soul of America.