Here’s an advance look at a some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead.
Tuesday, August 23
TDIGH: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
In 1998 the United Nations created this day to honor those enslaved through the transatlantic slave trade and celebrate its abolition.
Background: Human geography of Africa and the effects of the slave trade
Activity: Read a slave sale ad and discuss lasting negative effects of slavery in America
Wednesday, August 24
Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, destroying the Roman town of Pompeii. Though it hasn’t erupted since 1944, Vesuvius is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
Map: Volcanic eruptions around the world
Background: Volcanoes
Activity: What do you know about volcanic eruptions?
Thursday, August 25
TDIGH: National Park Service Created
This year marks the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, created by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson.
Map: The most popular national parks in the U.S.
Background: Explore our collection of resources on national parks
Saturday, August 27
Visigoths from eastern Europe defeated and looted the city of Rome in 410, contributing to the collapse of the Roman Empire in 476.
Visual: Color in pages from Ancient Rome
Background: Learn more about Rome
Activity: Go over the dates, similarities and differences of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
Sunday, August 28
TDIGH: ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech at the 1963 March on Washington was a defining moment in the civil rights movement and is considered the greatest speech of the 20th century.
Audio: Watch a clip of the speech
Background: Brief bio of MLK
Activity: Look at photos from the March on Washington and read the “Fast Facts” section.