Hello, dear educators,

I am still reeling from the energy of NCSS. Did you go? Did you stop by our booth? Did I give you a hug? I feel like I hugged everyone.

I am so constantly in awe of history and civics educators doing some of the most important and challenging work in America. So many teachers and administrators we talked with shared their challenges and needs in the face of very difficult conversations in their classrooms and communities. I am so grateful to all of you and the commitment you have to your practice and your students.

This is the season of gratitude, and while parts of the traditional Thanksgiving narrative need serious review and reteaching, when Abraham Lincoln consolidated the holiday in 1863 his expressed desire was to unify America. Lee Cooper said recently in his excellent article on Lincoln and Thanksgiving, "With a national Thanksgiving, Lincoln created a secular sabbath, a day apart for the country to find gratitude and grace “in the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity.” In addition to giving us turkey trots and leftovers, Thanksgiving remains an annual reminder that quiet helps to clarify deeper purpose. This is particularly true when popular faith is tested and when we, too, find ourselves consumed by the tumult of the momentous events of our time."

The entire team here at the Bill of Rights Institute wishes you a restful holiday, and we are profoundly grateful that you are part of our community.

Very Sincerely,
Rachel Davison Humphries
Director, Outreach