holidays

holidays

Leap Years Through History

Leap Years Through History

, Jesse Whitton, Library Resources
Every four years, we have a leap year that adds an extra day to our calendar on February 29th. This helps keep our calendar in sync with the time it takes for the Earth to orbit around the sun, which is about 365.25 days. Even though we may not notice this extra day, some interesting events have taken place in history on Leap Day. The date was February 29, 1940. All the stars in Hollywood were gathering at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in the Ambassador Hotel to witness the 12th Academy Award ceremony. After petitioning to even be allowed to enter the segregated Cocoanut Grove, Hattie McDaniel, the sole African American present, took her place at a table along a … Continued
The Sinking of Saint Mary

The Sinking of Saint Mary

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth
In 1453, Christian-controlled Constantinople (now called Istanbul) fell to the Ottoman Empire, and the major trade routes to India and China were closed to Europe.  Demand for Eastern goods like silk and spices did not decrease, though, and explorers looked for alternate routes.  In 1492, one of those explorers, Christopher Columbus, convinced the government of Spain to sponsor his attempt to find a Western route, across the Atlantic Ocean.  Instead, on October 12th, he encountered the Caribbean, mistaking it for the East Indies, and met the indigenous Taíno people. Columbus initially traded for gold, spices, and slaves (called ‘naborías’ by the Taíno); but found no silks or any other expected Chinese or Indian luxury goods.  His first voyage concluded towards … Continued
The Peoples of the First Thanksgiving

The Peoples of the First Thanksgiving

, Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, Uncategorized
Thanksgiving commemorates one of the most durable early alliances crafted between indigenous American tribes and European settlers.  Intertribal Chief Massasoit of the Wampanoag (Pokanoket) and Governor William Bradford of the Plymouth settlers adopted this historic peace treaty in 1621.  By 1620, Massasoit’s confederation was imperiled by the larger and stronger Narragansett tribe; and had suffered significant losses from an unknown disease (almost certainly Smallpox).  At the same time, the Plymouth colony had lost half of their members due to starvation and new diseases, as well.  Both consulted their religious advisors, interpreting the deaths as a supernatural punishment, but neither saw clear spiritual signs as to a course of action. Massasoit sent Samoset to feel out the intentions of the pilgrims, … Continued
Get Loud, Get Proud with these LGBTQ+ Resources!

Get Loud, Get Proud with these LGBTQ+ Resources!

, Jesse Whitton, Library Resources, outreach
Pride Month, a significant cultural and social event that is celebrated in June, serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition. We at the IU East Campus Library support all members of the LGBTQ+ community and offer resources on LGBTQ+ issues and topics. The IU East Library LGBTQ resource guide provides informative resources for LGBTQ students, families, and allies through links to various education-based, youth-specific, and political organizations resources. This guide also includes links to local resources on the IU East campus, including counseling services, resources on sexual discrimination and violence, and health.  Three years before the Stonewall Riots, an early moment in the gay liberation movement occurred on April 21, 1966, in New … Continued
Slavery Still in the Shadows

Slavery Still in the Shadows

, , , Library Resources, Matt Dilworth, outreach
Juneteenth is a momentous day, commemorating American slave emancipation in 1865.  It was made a national holiday in 2021, although many states observed it before that.  As a ‘second Independence day’, Juneteenth is often celebrated with food and festivals, rodeos and reenactments, and voter registration drives. In the century and a half since the first Juneteenth, slavery has become illegal in every country of the world.  Many countries are part of international treaties dedicated to criminalizing and ferreting out slavery wherever it appears.  But despite all that, it still happens in the shadows.  Estimates vary widely, but there are tens of millions of people enslaved around the globe today. Modern slavery can take many forms, and is not always about … Continued