NATIONAL MASSACHUSETTS DAY

August 16, 2026August 10, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 2 Comments

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)

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

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot Kindle Edition

by Harlow Giles Unger (Author)

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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 OYSTER DAY

August 4, 2026August 1, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 10 Comments

Get slurping on August 5th with National Oyster Day! Oysters are enjoyed as a seafood in many parts of the world.

Did you know there are over 100 different species of oysters? Interestingly, oysters tend to take on the characteristics of the water in which they live. Because of this, they’re typically named after the body of water in which they grow.

While many people enjoy fresh oysters raw, the shellfish can also be savored in multiple other ways. As a side dish, oysters add immense flavor to Thanksgiving dressing. They also make delicious stews, soups, and chowders. Other recipes will bake, grill or broil the oysters with or without the shell.

These mollusks provide valuable nutrients whether eaten cooked or raw. Since oysters supply a high amount of vitamins B12 and A, they may benefit heart, skin, and brain health. These vitamins also support lung and kidney function. Additionally, oysters benefit the environment since their valves are capable of cleansing an ecosystem of pollutants.

Here are some other exciting oyster facts:

The Chesapeake Bay produces more oysters in the world than any other body of water.
The world loves oysters! We consume almost two billion pounds of oysters each year around the world.
Illustrating how the body of water influences the flavor of the oysters, the east and west coast U.S. oysters taste very different from each other. On the east coast, oysters tend to be smaller, milder and saltier. However, west coast oysters take on a creamy texture and a sweet flavor.
Only one out of every 10,000 oysters will produce a pearl.

Want more seafood delicacies try some of these…National Seafood Month, National Fried Scallops Day, National Shrimp Day, National Baked Scallops Day, National Crab Meat Day, Clams on the Half Shell Day, National Shrimp Scampi Day, National Lobster Day, National Go Fishing Day, National Catfish Day, National Catfish Month, National Caviar Day, French Fried Shrimp Day, National Oyster Day, Oysters Rockefeller Day, National Seafood Bisque Day, Lobster Newburgh Day, National Deep Fried Clams Day, Crab Stuffed Flounder Day, National Sardines Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #NATIONALOYSTERDAY

Make or order a dish that uses oyster as one of its main ingredients. You can celebrate in other ways, too.

Read up on oysters. We suggest The Essential Oyster: A Salty Appreciation of Taste and Texture by Rowan Jacobsen or Appreciating Oysters: An Eater’s Guide to Craft Oysters from Tide to Table by Dana Deskiewicz.
Watch the documentary The Oyster Divers by Erin DeJesus.
Explore the world of cooking with oysters.

Use #NationalOysterDay to post on social media.

Chicken of the Sea Smoked Oysters in Oil, Canned Oysters, Great for Recipes#NationalOysterDay — Chicken of the Sea Smoked Oysters in Oil, Canned Oysters, Great for Recipes

Otter Kingdom Premium Smoked Oysters in Pure Olive Oil, 3-Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)#NationalOysterDay — Chicken of the Sea Smoked Oysters in Oil, Canned Oysters, Great for Recipes

NATIONAL GO FISHING DAY

June 17, 2026May 31, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Go Fishing Day on June 18th each year encourages us to drop a line – in the nearest stream, pond, lake, or river. Taking a break from our daily routine to bait a hook and catch some fish can be a relaxing endeavor.

In addition to providing food, fishing is a recreational pastime for many. Recreational fishing includes conventions, rules, licensing restrictions, and laws that limit the way in which fish may be caught. A rod, reel, line, and hooks with any one of the different forms of bait or lures, are the most common form of recreational fishing.

The practice of catching (or attempting to catch) fish with a hook is known as angling. Catch and release (returning the fish to the water to continue its life) is often the expectation or requirement by law. For others, this is a preferred form of fishing.

Hobbyists with knowledge of habitat, foraging behavior, and migration hone their fishing techniques for a successful fishing adventure. Some fishermen continue to follow fishing folklore by claiming the sun and the moon influence fish feeding patterns.

The earliest known English essay on recreational fishing was published in 1496.

Here in Florida fishing is also a sport. If just relaxing with some friends while attempting to catch fish is not fulfilling enough, try any one of the anglers events, and contests including deep sea. Marlin and Mullet are big ones here. Where else can you attend a Mullet Toss?

Teach the family. My brother and his wife enjoy it so much they now have a spot on a lake. They are diligently teaching the grandkids how it’s done. Make it part of your Family Fun Month this August.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, recreational fishing began to gain popularity. In 1653, Izaak Walton published a book titled, The Compleat Angler or Contemplative Man’s Recreation. Walton’s book is the definitive work championing the position of the angler who loves fishing just for the sake of it.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalGoFishingDay

Grab your rod and reel, some bait, and go fishing! Take a selfie while wearing this fishing t-shirt. Make sure to share it with your co-workers stuck back at the office.

Share your whopper using #NationalGoFishingDay on social media.

NATIONAL SHRIMP DAY

May 9, 2026April 24, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

Each year on May 10th, National Shrimp Day recognizes America’s favorite seafood. Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood, and this is the day to celebrate this delicious seafood.

We use the word “prawn” loosely to describe any large shrimp, sometimes known as “jumbo shrimp.” Some countries use the word “prawn” exclusively for all shrimp.

Preparing the shrimp for consumption usually involves removing the head, shell, tail, and “sand vein.” There are many ways to cook shrimp. Standard methods of preparation include baking, boiling, broiling, sauteing, frying, and grilling. Cooking time is delicate for shrimp, and they are at their best when not overcooked.

365 Ultimate Shrimp Recipes: Not Just a Shrimp Cookbook!#NationalShrimpDay — 365 Ultimate Shrimp Recipes: Not Just a Shrimp Cookbook!

Shrimp 365: Enjoy 365 Days With Amazing Shrimp Recipes In Your Own Shrimp Cookbook! (Shrimp Food Dish, Bbq Shrimp Recipe, Pumpkin Shrimp Food, Shrimp Recipe Book, Vegan Shrimp Food) [Book 1]#NationalShrimpDay — 365 Ultimate Shrimp Recipes: Not Just a Shrimp Cookbook!

A healthy food, shrimp, is low in calories and high in omega-3, calcium, iodine, and protein levels. Shrimp is also known to be considered good for the circulatory system.

Popular North America Shrimp Dishes:

Seafood Gumbo: A stew or soup that probably originated in southern Louisiana during the 18th century. Seafood gumbo typically consists of a strongly-flavored stock, shrimp and crab meat (sometimes oysters), a thickener, and seasoning vegetables. Cooks categorize Gumbo by the type of thickener used: okra, the Choctaw spice, file powder (dried and ground sassafras leaves), or roux, the French base made of flour and fat.
Shrimp Cocktail: The Golden Gate served shrimp cocktails before any other restaurant. Their menu listed shrimp cocktails for .50 cents in 1959. It is now a Las Vegas cliché. Called the “Original Shrimp Cocktail” on the menu, it is a favorite among tourists and the locals. The original Shrimp Cocktail consists of a regular-sized sundae glass filled with small salad shrimp and topped with a dollop of cocktail sauce.
Shrimp DeJonghe: A specialty of Chicago, it is a casserole of the whole, peeled shrimp blanketed in soft, garlic, sherry-laced bread crumbs. Restaurants often serve it as an appetizer or a main course. It originated in the late 19th or early 20th century at the DeJonghe’s Hotel and Restaurant.
Shrimp Scampi: This dish has its own day on April 29, and it is cooked in butter, garlic, lemon juice, and white wine.

Shrimp and other shellfish are among the most common food allergens.

Explore More Seafood…

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalShrimpDay

Celebrate this fantastic food day by making your favorite shrimp dish. Need some ideas? As Bubba Blue from the movie Forest Gump would say, “Shrimp cocktail, shrimp scampi, fried shrimp, broiled shrimp, spicy shrimp…” Be sure to share your favorite shrimp dish using #NationalShrimpDay.

New York Steak & Seafood Gourmet Dinner for 2 - Jumbo Shrimp Appetizer for 2, Surf N' Turf Main Course of 2 6oz Fillet Mignons and 2 4oz Lobster Tails, 4 Potato Pancakes, 2 New York Mini Cheesecakes#NationalShrimpDay — New York Steak & Seafood Gourmet Dinner for 2 – Jumbo Shrimp Appetizer for 2, Surf N’ Turf Main Course of 2 6oz Fillet Mignons and 2 4oz Lobster Tails, 4 Potato Pancakes, 2 New York Mini Cheesecakes

Cameron's Seafood Fresh Jumbo Cocktail Shrimp - 2 pounds#NationalShrimpDay — New York Steak & Seafood Gourmet Dinner for 2 – Jumbo Shrimp Appetizer for 2, Surf N’ Turf Main Course of 2 6oz Fillet Mignons and 2 4oz Lobster Tails, 4 Potato Pancakes, 2 New York Mini Cheesecakes

NATIONAL LOBSTER NEWBURG DAY

March 24, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 4 Comments

National Lobster Newburg day on March 25th ushers in a celebration worthy of a sea captain. An American seafood dish, Lobster Newburg includes lobster, butter, cream, cognac, sherry, eggs, and cayenne pepper.

Delmonico’s of New York debut Lobster Newburg in 1876. A sea captain by the name of Ben Wenburg developed the elegant and rich dish. After he demonstrated the recipe to restaurant manager Charles Delmonico, Chef Charles Ranhofer made refinements and they added the creation to the restaurant’s menu as Lobster a la Wenburg. It wasn’t long before the dish grew in popularity.

However, an argument between Wenburg and manager Charles Delmonico caused the dish to be removed from the menu. After many requests from patrons, Delmonico’s returned the dish with a new name. The entree came to be known as Lobster Newburg.

When Delmonico’s first opened in 1930, Brothers Giovanni and Peter transformed a small café into New York’s first customary restaurant with cloth-covered tables and printed menus. Similar to the café’s transformation, Lobster Newburg came about right around the time lobster was transforming from a poor man’s food to a delicacy. See before the mid-1800s, people considered lobster to be fish bait or food for prisoners. It was an undesirable food. But right around the time Captian Wenburg invented the dish, tourism by train and ship was taking off. Couple that with improved canning options (including lobster), people were experiencing the seafood for the first time.

As dishes like Lobster Newburg, lobster tails, lobster bisque, and others found their way on to restaurant menus, the nation’s love of the crustacean grew.

Explore More Seafood…

HOW TO OBSERVE #LobsterNewburgDay

There are so many ways to celebrate this day. Of course, enjoy a dish of Lobster Newburg. But you can also do some exploring.

Check out the history of Delmonico’s.
Learn more about the types of lobsters in the sea.
Explore the history of the lobster industry.
Who was Captian Wenburg?

Use #LobsterNewburgDay to post on social media.

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