NATIONAL MARYLAND DAY

On August 24, we usher in the 7th state to join the Union with National Maryland Day.  Maryland’s coastal location brings with it a deeply rooted maritime heritage that includes an ocean battle defending the city of Baltimore at Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812. One witness to the action became so inspired, Francis Scott Key penned the words that later became our National Anthem.

The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812: The History of the Battle that Inspired the National Anthem Kindle Edition

by Charles River Editors  (Author) 
The Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812: The History of the Battle that Inspired the National Anthem

by Charles River Editors  (Author) 
Chesapeake Bay

Just over 200 years before these traditions flourished, Captian John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and the Nanticoke River. He kept a record of his travels, documenting the Native American people. Smith wrote about their cultures, the abundant animal, and plant life. Since this vast watershed is the largest estuary in the United States, the complex ecosystem thrives with diverse plant and wildlife.

Captain John Smith: A Select Edition of His Writings (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) Kindle Edition
by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor) 
Captain John Smith: A Select Edition of His Writings (Published by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture and the University of North Carolina Press) Kindle Edition

by Karen Ordahl Kupperman (Editor) 


Boardwalk

Spending a weekend or a vacation at Ocean City with friends or family is a highlight of any Maryland trip.  The boardwalk and beaches provide plenty of relaxation, adventure, and fun in the sun. The Eastern Shore offers scenic views, site seeing, peaceful accommodations, festivals and events for everyone.

Civil War History

Head west to Antitiem and Maryland will take you into another era.  Here, the battlefields and Antietam National Cemetery hold a solemn reminder of the bloodiest singled day battle of the Civil War that occurred on September 17, 1862. Five days later, President Lincoln issued a Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. Although Maryland was a southern state as defined by the Mason-Dixon line, it never seceded from the Union. While many families throughout the war fought on opposing sides, for Maryland families, it was a reoccurring theme.

Industry

Being located close to Washington D.C. makes Maryland ideal for aerospace, defense, and federal cybersecurity jobs. The state’s fishing industry thrives and is the largest producer of blue crabs in the state. The Oldline State is also home to McCormick & Company, Perdue Farms, Lockheed Martin, Black & Decker and Underarmor.

Official Maryland

State Capital – Annapolis
State Nickname – The Old Line State
State Motto – Fatti maschs parole femine
State Bird – Baltimore Oriole
State Flower – Black-eyed Susan
State Folk Dance – Square Dance
State Fish – Rockfish
State Dessert – Smith Island Cake
State Fossil – Ecphora gardnerae
State Tree – White Oak
State Song – Maryland, My Maryland
State Gemstone – Patuxent River Stone
State Insect – Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly

NOTABLE PEOPLE

Johns Hopkins – Philanthropist – (May 19, 1795 – December 24, 1873)

The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City Kindle Edition

by Antero Pietila  (Author)
The Ghosts of Johns Hopkins: The Life and Legacy that Shaped an American City Kindle Edition

by Antero Pietila  (Author)


Harriet Tubman – Activist – (1822 – March 10, 1913)

Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom Paperback – January 5, 2005

by Catherine Clinton  (Author)
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom Paperback – January 5, 2005

by Catherine Clinton  (Author)

Harriet
Harriet



Frederick Douglass – Journalist – Activist – ( unknown – February 20, 1895)

Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Kindle Edition
by David W. Blight  (Author) 
Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom Kindle Edition

by David W. Blight  (Author) 


American Experience: The Abolitionists
American Experience: The Abolitionists


Upton Sinclair – Author – (September 20, 1878 – November 25, 1968)

Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century Kindle Edition

by Kevin Mattson  (Author) 
Upton Sinclair and the Other American Century Kindle Edition

by Kevin Mattson  (Author) 


Babe Ruth – Professional Athlete – (February 6, 1895 – August 16, 1948)

The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth Paperback – May 1, 2007

by Leigh Montville  (Author)
The Big Bam: The Life and Times of Babe Ruth

by Leigh Montville  (Author)
Babe Ruth Story
Babe Ruth Story


Thurgood Marshall – Supreme Court Justice – (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993)

Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series) Kindle Edition

by Mark V. Tushnet  (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword) 
Thurgood Marshall: His Speeches, Writings, Arguments, Opinions, and Reminiscences (The Library of Black America series)

by Mark V. Tushnet  (Editor), Randall Kennedy (Foreword) 
Thurgood Marshall: America's First African American Supreme Court Justice
Thurgood Marshall: America’s First African American Supreme Court Justice


Barbara Mikulski – U.S. Representative – (July 20, 1936 – )

Barbara Mikulski
Barbara Mikulski

Mike Roe – Television host – (March 18, 1962 – )

The Way I Heard It Kindle Edition
by Mike Rowe  (Author)
The Way I Heard It Kindle Edition

by Mike Rowe  (Author)



Maryland Flavor

Milk
Cream of Crab Soup
Fisher’s popcorn
Stuffed Ham
Crab dip
Berger Cookies
Steamed Crab
Crab Cakes
Thrashers Fries

Marylanders know their crab. It’s a big deal. Crab cakes, crab dip, steamed crab or a good old fashioned crab boil. However, they serve it up, they serve it deliciously and with pride. They know their seafood, but they know their crab. Don’t forget the Old Bay, either.

Follow that with Thrashers Fries and Fisher’s Popcorn from Ocean City’s boardwalk. It’s a required stop.

Fisher's Popcorn Caramel Popcorn, Gluten Free, 5 Simple Ingredients, Handmade, No Preservatives, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Zero Trans Fat, 20oz Tub

by Fisher's Popcorn
Fisher’s Popcorn Caramel Popcorn, Gluten Free, 5 Simple Ingredients, Handmade, No Preservatives, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, Zero Trans Fat, 20oz Tub

by Fisher’s Popcorn

Stuffed ham gains a favored place on the table in Maryland. Seasoned cabbage, kale, and onions are stuffed into a boneless ham, boiled and served cold.

For dessert, Marylanders like peach pot pie and the official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Peach pot pie is similar to a cobbler with a sweet biscuit crust. As August 24th is also Peach Pie Day, it could be that this is how the tradition got started. The eight layers of the Smith Island Cake features fudge and moist yellow cake.

But, let’s remember crabs, in whole or part, are outstanding in Maryland.

Hidden Treasures

National Capital Radio & Television Museum – Bowie

John Paul Jones’ Crypt – Annapolis

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave – Baltimore

College Park Airport and Aviation Museum – College Park

Underground Railroad Experience Trail – Ashton-Sandy Spring

Gathland State Park – Frederick County

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalMarylandDay

This beautiful state spans mountains and oceans, countryside and metropolis.  Celebrate Maryland’s people and their history on August 24. Use #NationalMarylandDay to share on social media.

Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial
Try Amazon Prime 30-Day Free Trial

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.

Explore More States

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

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.

Back to School Kindergarten

Well it’s almost here. The school year is coming soon. Pencils, computer, books, clothes, shoes, a new backpack, and lots of expectations. Prepare the students in your life heading back to the books with all the supplies they need. I’ve compiled everything your student needs by grades. Easy, all in one spot with links to make your shopping a breeze. With Amazon its delivered to your door.

Don’t forget tax-free shopping days. Click here to find them in your state.

Kindergarten

Crayons. Crayola Jumbo Crayons, Assorted Colors, Great Toddler Crayons, 16Count

by Crayola

Amazon’sChoice

Price:$5.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members

Pencil box

Washable markers

Erasers

No 2 pencils

Pencil sharpener

Colored pencils

Glue sticks

Plastic folders

Tissues

Assorted construction paper

Blunt tipped scissors

Wide rule notebook or pad

Lunchbox

Backpack

Ziplock bags – Girls – Boys see your local schools requirements for size and quantity

Please send a change of clothes for your child. In case of an emergency please include underclothes and socks.