Credentials of Jeannette Rankin, the First Congresswoman
In 1916 – four years before before the 19th Amendment granted women across the country the right to vote – Jeannette
Past Documents
George Washington’s First Inaugural Address, 1789
On April 30, 1789, George Washington placed his hand upon a Bible and took the oath as the first President
President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Day of Infamy” Speech
At 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers and torpedo planes attacked the U.S. Pacific fleet anchored at Pearl
National Museum of African American History and Culture Act
Following decades of work to promote and feature the contributions of African Americans, the Act to establish the Smithsonian’s National
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010
During World War II, the U.S. Armed Forces established a policy that discharged homosexuals regardless of their behavior. In 1981, the Defense Department prohibited gay and lesbian military members from serving in its ranks with a policy that stated, “Homosexuality is incompatible with military service.” In the decade following, 17,000 service members were discharged from their duties for being homosexual.