The Mail in Nebraska

It was announced this week that nearly 90 United State Postal Offices in the state of Nebraska may be closed next year as a way of saving money.  For many small towns in Nebraska the post office helps to establish its identity.  The debate over whether or not that identity is worth the cost is sure to begin.  However, not too many generations ago not every town had its own post office.  Check out this link from the Nebraska State Historical Society on how Nebraskans first got their mail.

Wait A Minute Mr. Postman...

All 135 Shuttle Missions in 8 Minutes!



Atlantis



Space Shuttle: The Complete Missions – all 135...

Wild Wild West Day

It is Wild Wild West Day at the Durham!  Celebrate the National Day of the Cowboy in downtown Omaha.

Wild West

National History Day

Do you like history or research?  Are you interested in projects such as websites, film, plays or exhibits?  National History Day may be for you.  Check out the following link and see Mr. Myers to learn more about this contest.

National History Day

Book Nook - Non-Fiction

My favorite recent read was Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson.  It is a day to day account of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and the subsequent search for his murderer.  This story has always fascinated me – I even wrote my senior thesis at Creighton about it many years ago.  Many Americans do not realize the political motivations of John Wilkes Booth or that several people were convicted, tried and punished for the assignation – including four executions.  The story brings to life that fateful day and the national obsession with capturing its first ever presidential assassin.  As a history teacher I love that Swanson chose to write a companion book titled Chasing Lincoln's Killer.  My boys each consumed this book in two days.  This abridged version is meant for young adults and can be found in our media center.  I am not usually a fan of abridgments but for many long, thick history books can be daunting. Swanson makes this history accessible to everyone.  I highly recommend checking it out today!

WHAT DO I NEED?

It is that time of year: back to school sales and the constant question of what is needed for class.  Each Team Thunder teacher has a different list of suggested supplies.  For American History the physical supply is simple - three ring notebook, paper, pen or pencil.  I can supply much of this for you as we collected all of the extras from last year.  More information for each course will be available at the Open House.