Senator John Heinz History Center’s Post

Airlines Taking Off to Sustainability! ✈️ Explore how the aviation sector is making strides in eco-friendly practices

Tourism 2.0: The Next Chapter 🌍 Embark on a journey through the emerging trends shaping the future of global tourism

Behind the Scenes: The Making of Low Carbon Electric Transport ⚡ Delve into the evolution of sustainable transport in the travel sector

Did you know Butler Beach in St. Augustine, FL, was the first beach for African Americans between Daytona Beach and Fernandina Beach? Read about the incredible history of Butler Beach and its namesake, Frank B. Butler, in our latest blog. #StAugustine #Blackhistorymonth

Native American Heritage Month recognizes the cultures, traditions and histories of Native peoples while also helping to bring awareness to the challenges and disparities they face today and in the past. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3zmkwT4

Today we acknowledge National Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day that honors the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors in North America. Educating yourself on these histories is one way to honor the day. Learn more about IPD here: https://buff.ly/3aqCwyH

Some interesting facts about St. Patrick’s Day: St. Patrick’s Origin: Despite being the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick was actually born in Britain. He was captured into slavery and taken to Ireland, where he later returned as a Christian missionary. No Snakes in Ireland: The story of St. Patrick driving snakes out of Ireland is a myth. In reality, Ireland has never had any native snake species to begin with. Leprechauns and Fairies: The leprechaun, often associated with St. Patrick’s Day, is derived from Celtic folklore. These ‘small-bodied fellows’ were believed to be fairies and were known for their shoemaking skills. “The Luck of the Irish” is a phrase that originally emerged in America during the gold and silver rush eras, when Irish miners were often successful in their endeavors. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not an old Irish saying but an American one, and it was initially used in a somewhat derogatory way to attribute the Irish miners’ successes to luck rather than their hard work. Over time, the phrase has taken on a more positive connotation, celebrating the Irish for their perceived good fortune and resilience, especially in the face of adversity. Today, it’s commonly used to express good luck and is often associated with St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Learn more about Smithsonian events and resources in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!

Today we honor and recognize the First Peoples of America, Hawaii, and Alaska. Make it a day of reflection of our history in the United States, the role Native people have played in it, and the impacts that history has had on native people and communities. Start by learning about indigenous lands by exploring Native Maps https://native-land.ca/

Today, we celebrate the rich history, cultures, and contributions. It's a day to honor the resilience, wisdom, and traditions passed down through generations. Let's stand together in recognition and respect for the Indigenous Peoples' heritage and ongoing contributions to our global tapestry. To celebrate, here are some fun facts: Growing Recognition: Indigenous People's Day has gained recognition and momentum in recent years. Many cities and states across the United States have officially replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous People's Day to honor the rich and diverse heritage of Native American communities. Global Observance: The concept of recognizing and celebrating Indigenous Peoples' contributions and cultures is not limited to the United States. Several countries, including Canada and various Latin American nations, also have their own versions of Indigenous Peoples' Day or similar holidays to honor their Indigenous populations.