Fans across the globe celebrate Star Trek Day on September 8 to remember the timeless legacy Star Trek has made on society and pop culture.
On September 8, 1966, a television series pilot known as Star Trek was introduced on American television. Aiming for an adult audience, this was the was the first time a scientific fiction series would explore morality through scientific narratives. Most movies or television shows would contain science but would often create conflict of suffering and injustice to solve problems. However, Star Trek was different. The series would put actors in the forefront making scientific arguments, while providing peaceful solutions to problems without using violence.
What was the first episode of Star Trek? In a galaxy far, far away “The Man Trap” aired as the pilot episode for Star Trek: The Original Series. Creator Gene Roddenberry’s vision to successfully deliver a storyline of intergalactic drama full of diversity, acceptance and hope became a reality on todays date. Though the series intention was to be a fictional story, Star Trek would become a futuristic franchise, showcasing humans living in harmony with space and Earth.
The original cast of the Star Trek series was one of the most diverse looking characters ever seen on television at the time. The main crew consisted of:
Ship Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner)
First Officer and Science Officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy)
Chief Medical Officer: Leonard H. “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelly)
For 57 years, Star Trek has been captivating audiences across the world. Now considered one of the most successful franchise, the legacy of the original series continues to greet millions of fans.
For more information visit the Star Trek Day website.
LIFT OFF
Watch the original Star Trek pilot series.
Host a Star Trek Marathon with your friends and family.
Dress up in your favorite Star Trek character and host a Treki party.
Learn Klingon (the official Star Trek language).
Find a Star Trek convention and attend.
Introduce Star Trek to a new generation.
Post your Star Trek moments on social media and tag #StarTrekDay.
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)
Labor Day on first Monday of every September recognizes the men and women who labor to build this country. Through a time-honored tradition with roots in the coordinated efforts of the labor movement of the 1800s, we salute the American workforce.
Since the founding of the United States, the country has relied on its workforce for its infrastructure. From its streets and buildings to its transportation and security, the nation runs on labor. The labor of what we create, build and harvest fuels our education and inspires our dreams.
This National Day also signals the official end of summer. Those who work hard, need time to play, too. With the school year starting and summer winding down, the long weekend beckons. They use the extra day earned to spend with families and catch some R&R. Some will explore cities while others will seek outdoor adventure. No matter where it’s spent, it’s well earned.
So if enjoying a last mini vacation, football game, parade, or barbeque, remember all the hard work the American worker has put into the lives we currently enjoy. Take a moment to remember all those teachers, doctors, road crews, miners, steel and auto industry, manufacturing, blue-collar, white-collar and everything in between that have given to the American economy and our way of life.
HISTORY OF LABOR DAY
On September 5, 1882, Labor Day first honored workers in New York City. The observance later moved to the first Monday in September in 1884. However, the observance wasn’t officially recognized by any government entity until 1885 when a municipal ordinance was passed. Interestingly, Oregon recognized the day in 1887 before New York state’s bill passed. As more states recognized the observance, its popularity grew. Then, in 1894, Congress declared the day to be a national observance.
HOW TO OBSERVE LABOR DAY
Many families spend Labor Day weekend on vacation. They pack the campgrounds full or explore tourist towns for one last hurrah! As you celebrate this day, consider and appreciate your hard work and how it has added to the well-being and prosperity of our country. If you must see them, be extra nice to those who don’t get the holidays some of us do. Medical, nurses and health care, all first responders, a lot of retail workers and any others who still have to work today. Use #LaborDay to post on social media.
During September, National Americana Month brings the nation together to reflect on elements of life in the United States that have knitted us together and made us Americans.
All across the country, images of Americana appear in shop windows up and down small town streets. Whether it’s parades on Independence Day or concerts and county fairs all summer long, we each have developed traditions and a sense of nostalgia that forms a part of who we are as an American.
Religion, politics, language and histories collide and become heavily woven as cultures become rooted in the United States. The evidence is found in the art, literature and music of Americana.
Through every decade since the word Americana was coined in 1841, folk music has influenced a broad range of musical styles in the United States. Often the voice of oppression and rebellion, lyrics not only become a battle cry or anthem, but an oral history frequently repeated. Its ability to inspire and influence other genres of music continues today.
Our idea of Americana may be found in the very food we eat or in a turn of phrase. It may be an adventure on Route 66. Along the way, perhaps engaging in a friendly debate about baseball, hoops or an election while stopping at a roadside stand to savor dishes that have become uniquely American.
Other views of Americana are of the coastal sort. Take your pick. Historical or theatrical, poetic, scientific, uptown, downtown, city slicker or country bumpkin, Americana comes in all shapes and sizes. The question for National Americana Month is, what does it mean to you?
HISTORY
The Williamson County CVB founded National Americana Month to inspire everyone to celebrate what Americana means to them. Americana, much like art, inspires people in different ways. To some it is nostalgia. For others it is music, food or culture. For some, it’s celebrating who you are as an American. National Americana Month was founded in Franklin, TN, home to the Americana Music Association, the Americana Music Triangle, and Music City Roots.
Indulge in the nostalgic, the quintessentially American music, flavors, art and events you love most.
Franklin, Tennesse will be ground zero for National Americana Month! All month long, enjoy live music, BBQ, tournaments and more! Go to www.visitfranklin.com/americana for the complete schedule of events.
Can’t make it to Franklin? Americana is everywhere in the United States! Explore all month long and share using #NationalAmericanaMonth on social media.
Fall is here, and it’s getting colder, so it’s time to break out the headgear. It’s Fall Hat Month! During Fall Hat Month, switch out of the cool-weather head protection and into stylish felt and fabric styles.
Hats were probably one of the first items of clothing found among primitive humankind. In ancient times, hats were considered a symbol of rank and status. Sculptures of Egypt, drawings of ancient China, and coins of early Greece and Rome depicted prominent individuals wearing hats, which was more than likely an indication of where they were on the hierarchy.
By the seventeenth century, hats had become a worldly attire. Interestingly, hats were available in the new world, but supplies like beaver were exported to Europe due to popularity. Strangely, wearing a straw hat after September 15 in 1920 America would get you mugged.
Hats have played an impressive role in human history. Presumably, U.S. President William Henry Harrison died shortly after his inaugural address because he refused to wear a cap on that cold, nasty day. A month later he was dead of pneumonia. Though it’s inaccurate hats prevent you from losing most of your body heat through your head, they are still a good idea to wear in cold or stormy weather. It never hurts to have an extra layer of protection during the winter months!
Hats have been enjoyed since the beginning of time, even making their way into songs. Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Gene Vincent (“Be Bop A-Lula”) named his backup band the “Blue Caps” after the blue flat caps President Dwight Eisenhower wore while golfing. The most notably known hat is referred to as “Newsboy caps,” which has enjoyed a resurgence in the U.S. and Europe. This hat style is now popular for both men and women. Avid hat wearers call them “cabbie hats,” or more formally, “flat caps.”
Headwear Information Bureau originally sponsored Fall Hat Month reminding the public that as the seasons change, felt and fabric hats better protect our heads for the weather. They also fit the styles for the season.
