250 to 250:140. Head Start, Narrated by Jill Biden

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Head Start, Narrated by Jill Biden

Dr. Jill Biden is a highly regarded educator and former First Lady and Second Lady of the United States of America. Dr. Biden is a strong advocate for education, early learning initiatives, military families, and women’s health. Here, her history of Head Start reminds us that participation improves children’s language, literacy, and social skills.

Head Start helps young children from low-income families.

• President Lyndon B. Johnson started the program in 1965.
• Head Start has helped more than 40 million children.
• It helps children learn and get ready for school.
• It provides healthy food and health care.
• It helps families find housing and jobs.
• Children learn reading and language, and social skills.
• Head Start gives children a better start in life.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 6. What are the ages of your children?
• USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
• USCIS 128:69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
• Read: When is Thanksgiving? 
• Write: Thanksgiving is in November. 

Family Fun:

• Administration for Children and Families: Office of Head Start
• Biden White House: Official Biography of First Lady Dr. Jill Biden
• Epic: Headstart-preschool  digital and book list
• HeadStart.gov: Programs, Locations, and more | Curriculum
• Connecticut Office of Early Childhood: The Story About Head Start on Housing
• Lauren C: History of Head Start
• Monday Mandala: Coloring Pages for Toddlers 
• National Head Start Association: 50 Years of Opportunity: Head Start's History | NHSA in the (language) Classroom playlist | Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian and YouTube Playlist
• National Postal Museum: 29c Dr. Allison Davis single (Head Start theoretician) | 32c Helping Children Learn single
• PBS News Hour: What’s the legacy of Head Start 50 years on?
• USA.gov: Get help with child care costs and learn about Head Start
• USCIS: Families Learning Civics Together Toolkit
• uscitizenpod: Helping Children Learn coloring page

250 to 250:139. Wright Brothers Narrated by Governor Josh Stein

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Wright Brothers Narrated by Governor Josh Stein

Josh Stein is the Governor of North Carolina. A lifelong public servant, he previously served in the state Senate, as Senior Deputy Attorney General for consumer protection, and as Attorney General. Governor Stein celebrates the Wright brothers, whose 12-second flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903 launched the age of aviation. ‪

Orville and Wilbur Wright were brothers from Dayton, Ohio.

• They owned a bicycle shop.
• They believed people could fly in airplanes.
• They studied and tested airplanes for many years.
• On December 17, 1903, they made the first successful powered airplane flight.
• The flight took place near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
• Their airplane flew 120 feet in 12 seconds.
• During World War I, airplanes became more advanced.
• Over time, airplanes became bigger, faster, and safer.
• Airplanes made it easier for people to travel and move goods around the world.

Interview and Civics Quiz:

• I-9 Documents that Establish Identity: Do you have Driver's License or ID card issued by a State? Is your license or ID card REAL ID compliant?
• USCIS 100:64. There were 13 original states.  Name three.
• USCIS 128:118. Name one example of an American innovation.
• Read: What state do you live in?
• Write: I live in California (I live in . . . Alaska, Delaware, New Mexico, New York, Washington).  

Family Fun

• AOPA: Visit the Wright Cycle shop and National Museum - National Aviation Heritage Area
• FAA:    STEM Education Resources | Flight Path to America's 250th playlist
• NPS: Wright Brothers National Memorial
• National Air and Space Museum: The Wright Brothers & The Invention of the Aerial Age
• National Postal Museum: Air Stamps–Pilots and Aviation Pioneers
• PBS: The Wright Stuff | Orville and Wilbur | Flying a 1902 Wright Brothers Glider in Kitty Hawk 
• US Mint: North Carolina "First in Flight" Quarter coloring page
• UVU: Animated History of Aviation

250 to 250:138. Tlingits, Narrated by Rosita Worl

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Tlingits, Narrated by Rosita Worl

Dr. Rosita Worl is a Tlingit American anthropologist, educator, and president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute recognized as an expert in Southeast Alaska Native culture and history. Worl introduces the Tlingit people, "People of the Tides," who have stewarded Southeast Alaska's coasts since time immemorial and fought to defend Indigenous rights.

The Tlingit people live in Alaska and the Yukon.

• Their name means “people of the tides.”
• They get food from the sea.
• Russians came in 1741. Spanish people came in 1775.
• Many Tlinglit suffered and died from diseases and violence, yet the Tlinglit people resisted and survived.
• Later, the United States took their land.
• In 1912, they helped start the Alaskan Native Brotherhood to work for Native people’s rights.
• Today, the U.S. government recognizes Tlingit and Haida tribes.
• They have lived there for thousands of years.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 4. What is you current mailing address (Safe Mailing Address, if possible)?
• USCIS 100:59. / 128:74.   Who lived in America before the Europeans arrived?
• USCIS 100:87. / 128:117. Name one American Indian tribe in the United States.
• Read: Who lived here first?  |  What is the largest state? 
• Write: American Indians lived here first.  |  Alaska is the largest state. 

Family Fun:

• 850 Nations: Tlingit: The Lords of the Mist | The People of the Tides
• AJ+: What People Get Wrong About Alaska Natives Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
• American Indian Magazine: Restoring Balance: A Two-Decade Effort Shepherds Dozens of Tlingit Objects Home
• NMAI: Tlingit
• National Postal Museum: 15c Pacific Northwest Indian Masks block of four | Forever Skateboard Art: Tlingit Athabascan Salmon Design by Crystal Worl single
• Huna Heritage Foundation: Step into History: The Alaska Native Brotherhood & Sisterhood
• NPS: Sitka NHP | Junior Ranger Activity Book   | Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall National Historic Landmark
• Sealaska Heritage Institute: Sharing our Stories: Voices on the Land playlist
• Smarthistory: The story of the Oyster Man, a Tlingit totem pole | Indigenous Americas playlist (includes several videos about Tlingit and Haida art)
• Tlingit and Haida: Goverance
• Tlingit Language: Early Learning Activity and Coloring Pages

250 to 250:137. Norman Rockwell, Narrated by Kahlil Greene

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Norman Rockwell, Narrated by Kahlil Greene

Kahlil Greene, the “Gen-Z Historian,” is a well-known digital educator, Peabody Award winner, and two-time Emmy nominee with an audience of over 50 million views across TikTok, Instagram, and author of “History Can’t Hide” on Substack. Greene profiles illustrator Norman Rockwell, whose beloved images of everyday American life evolved to confront war, civil rights, and the nation's conscience. 

Norman Rockwell was a famous American artist.

• He painted pictures of everyday life.
• His pictures showed families, friends, and communities.
• In 1943, he painted The Four Freedoms.
• These paintings helped raise money during World War II.
• Later, he painted pictures about civil rights and equality.
• He supported equal rights for all Americans.
• He believed people had the right to know what their government was doing.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 6. What is your child's current legal name, date of birth, and place of birt?
• USCIS 100:06. One is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
• USCIS 100:80. / 128:105. Who was President during the Great Depression and World War II?
• USCIS 100:83. / 128:109. During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
• Read: Who has freedom of speech?
• Write: People who live in America have freedom of speech.

Family Fun:

• Google Arts and Culture:  Norman Rockwell in the age of the Civil Rights Movement
• Learn from Masters: Norman Rockwell: A collection of 337 paintings (HD)
• National Postal Museum: American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell | Norman Rockwell's Art | Rockwell's Four Freedoms
• New York Times: Updating Norman Rockwell’s ‘Four Freedoms’ for a Modern, Diverse America
• Norman Rockwell Museum: Imagining Freedom (virtual exhibition: cost $5)   | Prints (gallery) | YouTube channel | U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at Norman Rockwell Museum
• Roosevelt House: Reimagining the Four Freedoms
• Shawn Greiner: Norman Rockwell's Political Art
• Smart History: Rosie, the Riveter
• Smithsonian Magazine: A 21st-Century Reimagining of Norman Rockwell’s “Four Freedoms”
• Stories Behind Art: More Than Nostalgia: The Hidden Depths of Norman Rockwell’s Art!
• uscitizenpod: Rockwell's Four Freedoms coloring page

250 to 250:136. Edward R. Murrow, Narrated by Scott MacFarlane

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Edward R. Murrow, Narrated by Scott MacFarlane

Scott MacFarlane is Anchor of Scott MacFarlane Reports and Chief Washington Correspondent for MeidasTouch Network. MacFarlane has earned 20 Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards and the Anna Quindlen Award for excellence in journalism from the Child Welfare League of America. Edward R. Murrow was a radio and television newscaster whose unflinching reports set the standard for American broadcast journalism.

Edward R. Murrow was a famous radio and TV news reporter.

• He started working for CBS in 1935.
• During World War II, he reported from London during German bombing attacks.
• His reports helped Americans understand the war.
• After the war, he created a TV news show called See It Now.
• In 1954, he reported on Senator Joseph McCarthy.
• McCarthy accused many Americans of being communists.
• Murrow criticized McCarthy for using fear against people.
• His reports helped Americans question McCarthy's actions.
• Murrow believed reporters should tell the truth, even about powerful people.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:05. Have you ever been a member of, or connected with, any Communist or totalitarian party anywhere in the world?
• USCIS 100:06. One is one right or freedom from the First Amendment?
• USCIS 100:83. / 128:109. During the Cold War, what was one main concern of the United States?
• Read: Name one right in the Bill of Rights. 
• Write: Freedom of speech is a right. 

Family Fun:

• Bill of Rights Institute: Edward R. Murrow: In His Own Words lesson plan
• CBS: Harvest of Shame (Murrow's 1960 documentary abdout the condition of farmeworkera)
• CFR: Edward R. Murrow Press Fellowship
• CNN: Who was Edward R. Murrow?
• News Active 3: Good Night and Good Luck...The Story of Edward R. Murrow (1975)
• Magnolia Pictures: Good Night, and Good Luck: Live From Broadway trailer
• Newseum: 'Edward R. Murrow' Video Lesson
• Parker Beverly: NHD Documentary 2019 - Voice of America: Edward R. Murrow
• Retro Report: The Cold War on TV: Joseph McCarthy vs. Edward R. Murrow | Retro Report
• TED-ed: What is McCarthyism? And how did it happen? - Ellen Schrecker
• Tim Weiskel: Edward R. Murrow playlist
• Today in Civil Liberties History: March 9, 1954: Edward R. Murrow Exposes Sen. Joe McCarthy
• uscitizenpod: Edward R. Murrow coloring page
• VOA Learning English News: Edward R Murrow, 1908-1965: Famous Radio/Television Reporter | video

 

250 to 250:135. I.M. Pei, Narrated by Billie Tsien

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: I.M. Pei, Narrated by Billie Tsien

Billie Tsien is a renowned Chinese-American architect, co-founder of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects, National Medal of Arts recipient, and lead designer behind the Obama Presidential Center. Tsien profiles architect I.M. Pei, whose bold geometric designs—from the National Gallery's East Wing to the Louvre pyramid—helped define American modernism.

I. M. Pei was a famous American architect.

• He was born in China and moved to the United States to study architecture.
• He designed modern buildings using simple shapes and lines.
• In 1955, he started his own architecture company.
• He designed homes, office buildings, museums, and government buildings.
• His famous buildings include the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston and Dallas City Hall in Texas.
• He designed the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
• He also designed the famous glass pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
• His buildings helped change the look of modern cities.
• Pei believed that buildings reflect how people live.
• He said, "Architecture is the very mirror of life."

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 4:01. What is your current physical (home) address?
• USCIS 100:53. / 128:67.  What is one promise (two promises) you make when you become a United States citizen?
• USCIS 128:68.   How can people become United States citizens?
• USCIS 128:118. Name one example of an American innovation.
• Read: What U.S. city has the most people? 
• Write: New York is the U.S. city with the most people. 

Family Fun:

• The 60 Minutes Interview: I.M. Pei
• AIISF Immigrant Voices: I.M. Pei’s Angel Island Beginnings
• Archistudent: I. M. Pei: The Architect Who Changed Modern Architecture Forever
• CNBC: Renowned architect I.M. Pei dies at 102, leaves rich legacy of modern design
• China Daily Global: Remembering I.M. Pei in his New York home
• Christie's: I.M. Pei's Home: Art as a Lived Experience
• Biography: I.M. Pei
• I.M. Pei Foundation: Documentary about I.M. Pei's architecture, philosophy and his impact on the world
• Immigrant Hall of Fame: I.M. Pei
• JM Architecture: The Story of I.M. Pei
• NPA: Who Is I. M. Pei? 10 Things to Know
• NPG: In Memoriam: I.M. Pei
• PBS American Masters: I.M. Pei | full documentary
• Showcase: Immortal Designs of I.M. Pei
• Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: July 4, 2006 at Monticello (Naturalization ceremony) with I.M. Pei
• US Moderninst: I.M. Pei
• uscitizenpod: I.M. Pei coloring page

250 to 250:134. Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, Narrated by Ben Wikler

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, Narrated by Ben Wikler

Ben Wikler‬ is an American political organizer and New York Times best-selling author who served as the chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin from July 2019 to July 2025. Ben’s latest book This Is The Plan: How to End America's Meltdown and Save Democracy is now available. Wikler profiles Robert "Fighting Bob" La Follette, the Wisconsin reformer who battled corporate power and drove some of the Progressive Movement's greatest victories.

Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette wanted the government to help all Americans.

• He worked to protect workers from powerful businesses.
• He was the governor of Wisconsin and a U.S. senator.
• He supported workers’ rights and women’s right to vote.
• He wanted fair taxes and fair elections.
• He believed the government should be open and honest.
• He promoted the Wisconsin Idea, which brought government leaders, workers, and university experts together to solve problems.
• His ideas helped create new laws, including Social Security and the New Deal.

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 4:02. Is your current physical address the same as your current mailing address?
• USCIS 100:20. / 128:23. Who is one of your state’s U.S. Senators now?
• USCIS 100:23. / 128:29. Name your U.S. Representative.
• USCIS 100:43. / 128:61. Who is the Governor of your state now?
• Read: How many senators do we have? 
• Write: We have 100 senators.   

Family Fun: 

• Dissent: La Follette’s Wisconsin Idea
• JDog Productions, LLC: "Fighting Bob" LaFollette profile
• LOC: La Follette's autobiography; a personal narrative of political experiences
• Lund Travel Adventures: Robert La Follette National Statuary Collection part 97 of 100
• NGA: Gov. Robert M. La Follette
• PBS Wisconsin Education: Belle Case La Follette: Ballots and Bloomers
• The Progressive: The Birth of the Wisconsin Idea
• US Capitol Historical Society: Lessons From the Gilded Age: What Can Be Applied Today? with Dr. Nancy Unger
• US House: LA FOLLETTE, Robert Marion
• US Senate: Robert La Follette: A Featured Biography
• UW: Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs
• uscitizenpod: Robert La Follette coloring page

250 to 250:133. Treaty of Portsmouth, Narrated by John Palfrey

Heather Cox Richardson and 250 to 250: Treaty of Portsmouth, Narrated by John Palfrey

John Palfrey, recognized as one of the Best Leaders in America by U.S. News & World Report, is an American educator, legal scholar, and author who serves as the president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. He is the great-grandson of President Theodore Roosevelt, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for brokering the Treaty of Portsmouth.

From 1904 to 1905, Russia and Japan fought a war over land in East Asia.

• In 1905, President Theodore Roosevelt helped the two countries meet for peace talks.
• Russia and Japan signed the Treaty of Portsmouth to end the war.
• In 1906, Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize.
• He was the first American to win this prize.
• Some people disagreed with the award because Roosevelt had supported a war in the Philippines.
• The Nobel committee gave Roosevelt the Peace Prize because he helped end the war.
  

POP Interview and Civics Quiz:

• N-400 Part 9:10. Have you EVER received any weapons training, paramilitary training, or other military-type training?
• USCIS 100:41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government.  What is one power of the federal government?
• USCIS 128:58. Name one power that is only for the federal government.
• Read: What are the colors of the flag?
• Write: The colors of the flag are red, white, and blue.  

Family Fun:

• DNA Info: Natural History Museum Unveils $2.5M Restored Teddy Roosevelt Murals | mural photo
• History: Russo-Japanese War
• LOC: Scenes and Incidents, Russo-Japanese Peace Conference, Portsmouth, N.H.
• MHS: President Theodore Roosevelt and the 1905 Treaty of Portsmouth
• Mr. Beat: (The Philippine-American War) The War Your American History Teachers Probably Didn't Tell You About
• National Postal Museum: Gifts of Friendship (dual issue)
• PBS/Ken Burns: Theodore Roosevelt Wins Nobel Peace Prize | lesson plan
• Portsmouth Peace Treaty: Theodore Roosevelt's Nobel Peace Prize | Memorial Cherry Trees
• State: The Treaty of Portsmouth and the Russo-Japanese War, 1904–1905
• uscitizenpod: Portsmouth Treaty 1 | Portsmouth 2 (with TR) | Portsmouth 3 (mural) coloring pages
• VOA News: Washington's Cherry Trees a Symbol of Harmony Between US, Japan