NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

September 21, 2026August 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

September 22 focuses on raising awareness and sharing education about all 50 states and their capitals on National States and Capitals Day.

As children, we learn about the 50 states and their capitals in the U.S. But as we get older, we tend to forget those important cities and their role in crafting policy and influencing the economy. And, while everybody knows their own state capital, many do not even remember the capital of the state next door. Today, let’s take the time to remind ourselves how important every state and capital is to our nation.

Learning about States and Capitals

Remember those paper maps we were given to learn about states and capitals? Our worksheet had blank states with star indicating where the capital was supposed to be. The agony of naming each state and capital was definitely stressful! We spent time memorizing names, where the state was and naming each capital. Not to mention spelling everything correctly. Some of us were lucky to have a teacher that would play a game to help us remember.

Typically, we learn about states and capitals between the grades 3-6, starting with the state we live in. From there, we learn our country has 50 states and 50 capitals within each state. All 50 capitals have a unique history, which means there are 50 reasons why a specific city or town was chosen to be a state capital. In addition, we eventually learn how governments operate and the vital roll each state plays in our national government.

Looking for an adventure? Take a road trip for your next vacation. Chances are you’ll find a lot more than 50 reasons to enjoy the scenery. Whether visiting family and friends or another specific spot, do some road tripping to some scenic vistas and appreciate the history, flavor and cultures along the way.

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Are state capitals found in the largest cities of each states? No. The first state capitals were built according the where the majority of the population lived in a state, or near a main access hub. For example, in North Dakota the state capital is Bismarck, but was once the capital of the Dakota Territory. The Northern Pacific Railroad was built to transfer goods from eastern U.S. to the west, making Bismarck the prime location for state government. Bismarck became the official state capital only after the territory was split into 2 states–North and South Dakota.

Huh?

The letter Q is the only letter NOT found in any of the state names
Sweet Home, Alabama is a real place.
It’s illegal to bury people in San Francisco, California.
New Jersey has a volcano.
South Carolina has a place called Monkey Island, that has over 4,000 rhesus monkeys.
The state bird for Wisconsin is a plastic flamingo.
There are more chickens in Delaware than there are people.
The Empire State Building in New York has it’s own zip code.

State Capitals in Small Cities

Juneau, Alaska, population est. 32,300.
Dover, Delaware, population est. 39,400.
Frankfort, Kentucky, population est. 28,600.
Augusta, Maine, population est. 18,900.
Annapolis, Maryland, population est. 40,800.
Jefferson City, Missouri, population est. 43,230.
Helena, Montana, population est. 32,100.
Concord, New Hampshire, population est. 4,000.
Pierre, South Dakota, population est. 14,100.
Montpelier, Vermont, population est. 8,100.

BEHIND NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

Dick & Jane Educational Snacks receives credit for the idea to celebrate National States and Capitals Day on September 22. Not only does it raise awareness about the importance of knowing all 50 states and capitals, it reminds people to have fun while learning.

LEARN YOUR STATES AND CAPITALS

Divide learning about states into regions to learn each region before moving on to the next.
Check out a book from the library each week on a specific state to learn facts. Return the book and pick another state until all states have been covered.
Learn fun facts about states. What famous people are from there? What kind of tourist attractions might be fun to visit?
Fix a puzzle with all 50 states and capitals.
Draw a map of the United States with the states and fill in the capitals, too.
Use Dick & Jane Educational Snacks to help your kids learn about states and capitals.
Tag your videos learning states and capitals on social media #NationalStatesandCapitalsDay.

State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay — State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map

Dick & Jane Educational Snacks | STATES & CAPITALS - 120 bags featuring all 50 states from Alabama to Wyoming
#NationalStatesandCapitalsDay — State Quarter Collection Book Folder Map

Feelings of Fall Movies

September 14, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

As the air turns crisp and leaves transition into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, it’s the perfect time to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and immerse yourself in movies that capture the essence of fall. Our “Feelings of Fall” movie list brings you a delightful assortment of films that evoke the cozy and nostalgic atmosphere of the season. From heartwarming stories set against the backdrop of autumn landscapes to thrilling football games that celebrate the spirit of school pride, these movies offer a perfect escape into the world of fall festivities.

In addition to cozy scenes and football excitement, our selection includes school-themed movies that bring back memories of new beginnings, friendships, and the excitement of a new academic year. And with fall also being a significant time for elections, we’ve included films that delve into the political arena, capturing the drama, humor, and intensity of election campaigns. Whether you’re in the mood for a sentimental journey or a thrilling adventure, our curated list of fall-themed movies promises to bring warmth and joy to your autumn days.

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY

September 12, 2026August 20, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On the Sunday following Labor Day, National Grandparents Day, honors the love only grandparents can provide.

Grandparents and their grandchildren share a special bond. These hugging, caring and patient people in the lives of children offer more than a generous dose of love. Grandparents provide an abundance of wisdom. They also offer guidance and stability.

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When grandchildren need a story, grandparents tell the best. A grandparent’s wealth of family history and lore offers lessons of their own. Through humorous stories and some serious ones, grandparents gently point grandchildren in the right direction.

In 2004, the National Grandparents Day Council of Chula Vista, California announced a song for the day. A Song for Grandma and Grandpa by Johnny Prill became the official song of the United States National Grandparents Day holiday. The Council presented Prill with the National Songwriter’s Award for his song, too.

The forget-me-not is the official flower for National Grandparents Day.

As the number of grandparents grows from 65 million in 2011 to 80 million in 2020, expect the observance to increase in significance, too.

NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY HISTORY

Celebrated in the United States since 1978, the United States Senate and President Jimmy Carter nationally recognized Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia as the founder of National Grandparents Day. McQuade made it her goal to educate the youth in the community about the significant contributions that seniors have made throughout history. It was also her hope to have the youth “adopt” a grandparent, not just for one day or a year, but rather for a lifetime.

The Joint Resolution

In February of 1977, Senator Randolph along with the concurrence of other senators introduced a joint resolution to the Senate. The resolution requested the president to “issue annually a proclamation designating the first Sunday of September after Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day.” After Congress passed the resolution, on August 3, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation. The statute cites the day’s purpose: “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

Other Claims

Others claim the origin of this holiday resides with the efforts of Hermine Beckett Hanna of North Syracuse, New York. She recognized seniors and their importance as early as 1961. New York Congressman James T. Walsh awarded her efforts on February 21, 1990, in front of the United States House of Representatives. He also thanked Hermine Beckett Hanna “for her important role in the establishment of Grandparents Day.”

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandparentsDay

While we have our grandparents in our lives, it is important to cherish them. Spend time with your grandparents. Learn about their life and ask questions to keep the stories coming. Do the things they enjoy doing. Sometimes, they only want to spend time with you.

How else can you celebrate the day?

Pick up the phone! Surprise your grandparents with a much-awaited phone conversation.
Take your grandparents on an adventure. Plan a day doing their favorite things – one of which is probably spending time with you.
Write a letter to your grandparents. Share with them the things you’ve been doing. They will read your letter over and over.
Learn something from a grandparent. Have you always wanted to know how to make Grandma’s pecan pie or catch a whopper from the river? Grandma or Grandpa will probably show you how. You only need to ask.
Help them out. Clean out a flower bed. Take out the trash. Mow the lawn. Paint a room. Fix the internet. Run an errand. The list goes on.
Take a photo. Sometimes we forget to capture moments with the people we love the most. Take a photo with your grandparent and make sure they get a copy.
Speaking of photos, spend some time looking through old photos with your grandparents. Ask them questions about the people in them and record the information.
Adopt a grandparent. As surprising as it may seem, there are some of our older generations who have no grandchildren. However, they still have love and wisdom to share.

If you no longer have living grandparents, share a fond memory of them. Remember something each of them taught you or one of the fun things you used to do. You can also write down your memories to share with future generations.

Use #NationalGrandparentsDay to post on social media.

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NATIONAL NEW HAMPSHIRE DAY

September 6, 2026August 21, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National New Hampshire Day on September 7th recognizes the 9th state to join the Union. The Granite State epitomizes New England in many ways. From its breathtaking landscapes to its fascinating history and people.

State Symbols

State Capital – Concord
State Nickname – The Granite State
State Motto – Live free or die
State Bird – Purple Finch
State Flower – Purple lilac
State Animal – White – tailed deer
State Folk Dance –
State Fish – Brook Trout
State Dessert –
State Fossil –
State Mineral- Beryl
State Tree – White Birch
State Fruit – Pumpkin
State Song –
State Gemstone – Smokey Quartz
State Rock – Granite
State Insect – Ladybug

Quotable Quotes

If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “not yet begun to fight” originated, just look to one of New Hampshire’s notable naval officers, John Paul Jones.

“Live Free or Die” is the state’s motto. Another revoluationary hero, John Stark earns the credit for it. In a written toast in honor of the anniversary of the Battle of Bennington, Stark’s full quote reads: “Live free or die, death is not the greatest of evils.” While he may not be the first to share the sentiment to live free or die, his toast summed up the country’s dedication to independence.

Settlers

New Hampshire’s history holds more than noble quotes. Many firsts fill its timeline. In 1719, Scotch-Irish settlers brought the first potatoes to North America. The settlers planted them in the settlement of Nutfield, now known as Londonderry.

Before Paul Revere had his famous ride, he first made another all-important journey. In 1774, Revere rode the 55 miles from Boston to Portsmouth to warn the citizens of an impending seizure of Fort William and Mary. The village stormed the fort and took control of the ammunitions before the British arrived.

Politics and More

New Hampshire became the first state to established an independent government. The state also created the first written constitution.

In 1828, when ownership changed hands at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company, the new owner reduced the wages of only the femail textile mill workers. On top of already difficult work and long days, the owners placed even stricter requirements on its employees. Frustated, on December 30th, about 400 of the female workers walked out. It became the nation’s first all female strike. The strike failed and resulted in many of the striking workers returning to work at even lower wages.

The state also holds its primaries before any other state. Early on during election time, the country focuses its attention on New Hampshire. Another phrase often attributed to New Hampshire: “As New Hampshire goes, so goes the nation.”

Known for its fall foliage, New Hampshire’s impressive colors bring visitors every autumn. From mountains to the seaside, the state offers year-round adventure.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewHampshireDay

Celebrate New Hampshire’s historic places, panoramic scenery and captivating personalities. Explore all New Hampshire offers! Use #NationalNewHampshireDay to share on social media.

NEW HAMPSHIRE FLAVOR

With apples as the leading fruit crop in the state, it should be no surprise that the people of New Hampshire specialize in baking and cooking with them. That includes their cider donuts! Not that anyone would refuse a donut, but these taste like fall!

Apple Cider, whether spiked or not, is a special treat in New Hampshire. A hot mug of autumn’s spiced orchard produce will warm you right up!

If you need a stronger drink to warm the cockles of your heart, try New Hampshire’s honey mead which is often fermented with the season’s fresh fruits. Also called honey wine, mead may be the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage.

Being a coastal state, seafood like lobster is a top choice but don’t over look fresh water favorites like fried lake bass. With the mountain hikes to take in all the scenery in New Hampshire, it’s easy to work up an appetite to sample all this goodness!

Notable People

John Langdon – Patriot – (June 26, 1741 – September 18, 1819)

Daniel Webster – U.S. Senator – (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852)

Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time Hardcover – Illustrated, February 1, 1997

by Robert V. Remini (Author) — Daniel Webster: The Man and His Time Hardcover – Illustrated

by Robert V. Remini (Author)

Sarah Josepha Hale – Writer Poet (October 24, 1788 – April 30, 1879)

Franklin Pierce – U.S. President (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869)

Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857 Kindle Edition

by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Author), & 3 more — Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents Series: The 14th President, 1853-1857

by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr. (Author), & 3 more

Horace Greeley – Journalist – (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872)

Horace Greeley: Print, Politics, and the Failure of American Nationhood Kindle Edition

by James M. Lundberg (Author)

Mary Baker Eddy – Author – (July 16, 1821 – December 3, 1910)

Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series) Paperback – September 24, 1999

by Gill Gillian (Author), Gillian Gill (Author) — Mary Baker Eddy (Radcliffe Biography Series)

by Gill Gillian (Author), Gillian Gill (Author)

H. H. Holmes – Murderer – (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896)

H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil Kindle Edition

by Adam Selzer (Author) — H. H. Holmes: The True History of the White City Devil

by Adam Selzer (Author)

Harlan Stone – Supreme Court Justice – (October 11, 1872 – April 22, 1946)

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_F._Stone — Harlan Stone Supreme Court Justice

Alan Shepard – Astronaut – (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998)

Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America's Apollo Moon Landings Kindle Edition

by Alan Shepard (Author), Deke Slayton (Author), Jay Barbree (Author), Neil Armstrong (Introduction), Howard Benedict (Contributor) Format: Kindle Edition — Moon Shot: The Inside Story of America’s Apollo Moon Landings Kindle Edition

by Alan Shepard (Author), Deke Slayton (Author), Jay Barbree (Author), Neil Armstrong (Introduction), Howard Benedict (Contributor) Format: Kindle Edition

NASA Video Collection: Alan Shepard - 1st US Man in Space — NASA Video Collection: Alan Shepard – 1st US Man in Space

John Irving – Author – (March 2, 1942 – )

Mandy Moore – Actress – (April 10, 1984 -)

Mandy Moore (Real-Life Reader Biography) Library Binding – June 1, 2001

by John Bankston (Author) — Mandy Moore (Real-Life Reader Biography)

by John Bankston (Author)

This Is Us: Seasons 1-3 DVD 3-Pack (Complete First Second Third Season)

Mandy Moore (Actor), Milo Ventimiglia (Actor)

Hannah Kearney – Olympian – (February 26, 1986 -)

Hidden Treasures

Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site – Derry

Madame Sherri Forest and Castle – Chesterfield

Thompson Falls – Pinkhams Grant

Hampton Historical Society and Tuck Museum Complex – Hampton (History of the only woman convicted of witchcraft in the state of New Hampshire as well as other fascinating information.)

U.S.S. Albacore – Portsmouth

NATIONAL READ A BOOK DAY

September 5, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6th. On August 9th, we all celebrated National Book Lovers Day. While these bookish days may seem similar, National Read a Book Day invites us ALL to grab a book we might enjoy and spend the day reading.

Don’t keep it to yourself. Share the experience! Read aloud either to children or to grandparents. Read to your pets or to your stuffed animals and plants.

Reading improves memory and concentration as well as reduces stress. Older adults who spend time reading show a slower cognitive decline and tend to participate in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetime. Books are an inexpensive entertainment, educational tool and time machine too!

A Great way to enjoy reading even more are these:

International Book Giving Day
Library Shelfie Day
Library Lovers Day
National Tolkien Reading Day
National Tell A Fairytale Day
World Book Day
Books to Read
Read Across America
National Read A Book Day
National Library Lovers Month
Read an Ebook Day
World Poetry Day
National Write Your Story Day
Children’s Book Day
D.E.A.R. Drop Everything and Read
National Talk Like Shakespeare Day
Paperback Book Day
National Coloring Book Day
National Library Card Sign Up Month

Featured Books

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott – Set during the Civil War, Little Women follows the life of the March family. Loosely based on Alcott’s life, she cast herself as talented the Jo March.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens – David Copperfield tells the story of a young boy’s life as he struggles to become a writer. From an abusive start and many trials, the author relays the memories of his life.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – The 7th book in the Harry Potter series brings Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger back to Hogwarts for a final standoff with Voldemort and his Deatheaters.

Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George – This is the story of nine-year-old Miyax and her transition from an Inuit culture to an American one in San Francisco.

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls – Loved by generations, this classic story tells of the bond between a boy and his dog in the Ozarks.

The Three Muskateers by Alexander Dumas When young d’Artagnan travels to Paris to join the ranks of the Musketeers, he soon finds himself challenged to three duels with Athos, Porthos and Aramis. However, the foursome is abruptly attacked by the evil Cardinal Richelieu’s guards, and d’Artagnan fights alongside them, proving his skills with a sword and his honour. The three Musketeers enfold d’Artagnan into their ranks, and what follows is a swashbuckling tale full of intrigue, friendship and revenge.

HOW TO OBSERVE #ReadABookDay

Sit back, relax and read a book. Whether you prefer to escape into the world of fiction or learn something new, celebrate with your favorite books. Visit the library or the local book store. Pick up a new book or read an old favorite. Explore the past in history books and memoirs or dive into the mean of terrific poetry. Read aloud to a child or give them a new book. Share the stories you’re reading using #ReadABookDay to post on social media.

If you need any suggestions or just looking for something new these are some of my favorite authors.

Julia Quinn
Diana Galbaldon
Suzanne Brockmann
Sherrilyn McQueen (a.k.a Kenyon)
Lisa Kleypas
J.M. Madden
Suzanne Enoch

James Patterson
Patricia Cornwell
David Balducci
Janet Evanovich

Steven King
John Grisham
Dean Koontz
J D Robb
Michael Connelly
Agatha Christie
Tolkien
George R. R. Martin
Harper Lee

Jen's Perspective Blog

Love, laugh, live! Life to the fullest.

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Learning about States and Capitals

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Huh?

State Capitals in Small Cities

BEHIND NATIONAL STATES AND CAPITALS DAY

LEARN YOUR STATES AND CAPITALS

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NATIONAL GRANDPARENTS DAY HISTORY

The Joint Resolution

Other Claims

Explore More…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGrandparentsDay

How else can you celebrate the day?

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State Symbols

Quotable Quotes

Settlers

Politics and More

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalNewHampshireDay

NEW HAMPSHIRE FLAVOR

Notable People

John Langdon – Patriot – (June 26, 1741 – September 18, 1819)

Daniel Webster – U.S. Senator – (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852)

Sarah Josepha Hale – Writer Poet (October 24, 1788 – April 30, 1879)

Franklin Pierce – U.S. President (November 23, 1804 – October 8, 1869)

Horace Greeley – Journalist – (February 3, 1811 – November 29, 1872)

Mary Baker Eddy – Author – (July 16, 1821 – December 3, 1910)

H. H. Holmes – Murderer – (May 16, 1861 – May 7, 1896)

Harlan Stone – Supreme Court Justice – (October 11, 1872 – April 22, 1946)

Alan Shepard – Astronaut – (November 18, 1923 – July 21, 1998)

John Irving – Author – (March 2, 1942 – )

Mandy Moore – Actress – (April 10, 1984 -)

Hannah Kearney – Olympian – (February 26, 1986 -)

Hidden Treasures

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Featured Books

HOW TO OBSERVE #ReadABookDay

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