CELEBRATING ARCHIVE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
LUNAR NEW YEAR & MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
READ
Explore conversations about gender diversity with the Guilford Free Library Big Hearts Book Club; a storytime for children ages 5 to 8 with accompanying adult. On June 20th the book club will read picture books about matching what you feel on the inside to how you look on the outside, and guest speakers on the gender diverse spectrum will help lead discussion and answer questions, followed by a rainbow-themed craft activity. All registered participants who attend will receive a free children’s book on the topic of gender identity. Register here!
READ
WATCH
Hispanic Heritage celebrations began in 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson first issued a proclamation to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Week. Later, Congress passed a bill to extend the
celebration to last an entire month, which was signed into law in 1988. Today, more than 19 percent of those in the United States have Hispanic roots. Watch this video to learn more.
LEARN
Books, Music, and Recipes on PBS Kids.
NATIONAL LBGTQ+ PRIDE & JUNETEENTH MONTH
READ
Explore conversations about gender diversity with the Guilford Free Library Big Hearts Book Club; a storytime for children ages 5 to 8 with accompanying adult. On June 20th the book club will read picture books about matching what you feel on the inside to how you look on the outside, and guest speakers on the gender diverse spectrum will help lead discussion and answer questions, followed by a rainbow-themed craft activity. All registered participants who attend will receive a free children’s book on the topic of gender identity. Register here!
READ
WATCH
What is PRIDE month and why is it celebrated in June? This quick video answers all of the questions you may have about PRIDE and how to discuss the celebration with children.
VISIT and EXPLORE
Connecticut has great PRIDE celebrations happening throughout the month of June. Check out this local resource to find events for your family to attend.
WATCH
On January 1, 1863, all enslaved persons in the Confederate United States were declared free through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Unfortunately, some 250,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas did not hear this news of freedom until June 19th, 1865; some two and half years later. Check out this wonderful video for a lively explanation about the origins of Juneteenth or join a virtual or in-person Juneteenth festival with CT landmarks.
ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
READ
12 Children's Books to Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (PBS)
For YA readers, The Front Desk series is based on the author's life and offers an honest depiction of what life is like for modern-day immigrants. Use this reading guide to deepen your reader's understanding of key themes.
WATCH
Watch Chinese-American author and illustrator Arree Chung read his book, Mixed, about tolerance and embracing our differences.
VISIT and EXPLORE
Check out 8 Ways to Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month With Kids
Google has put together a list of 8 "cultural bucket list" stories - including sports, art, poetry, and more - worth checking out. (Scroll past the carousel.)
Explore this virtual Asian American Art Museum
Make a plan to visit one of these Asian American National Parks and Memorials
VISIT and EXPLORE
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
READ
for fiction and nonfiction books about inspiring women
VISIT and EXPLORE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
LUNAR NEW YEAR & MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
LEARN
READ
ART
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIONAL PRIDE & JUNETEENTH MONTH
READ
Explore conversations about gender diversity with the Guilford Free Library Big Hearts Book Club; a storytime for children ages 5 to 8 with accompanying adult. On June 20th the book club will read picture books about matching what you feel on the inside to how you look on the outside, and guest speakers on the gender diverse spectrum will help lead discussion and answer questions, followed by a rainbow-themed craft activity. All registered participants who attend will receive a free children’s book on the topic of gender identity. Register here!
READ
Explore conversations about gender diversity with the Guilford Free Library Big Hearts Book Club; a storytime for children ages 5 to 8 with accompanying adult. On June 20th the book club will read picture books about matching what you feel on the inside to how you look on the outside, and guest speakers on the gender diverse spectrum will help lead discussion and answer questions, followed by a rainbow-themed craft activity. All registered participants who attend will receive a free children’s book on the topic of gender identity. Register here!
WATCH
What is PRIDE month and why is it celebrated in June? This quick video answers all of the questions you may have about PRIDE and how to discuss the celebration with children.
VISIT and EXPLORE
Connecticut has great PRIDE celebrations happening throughout the month of June. Check out this local resource to find events for your family to attend.
WATCH
On January 1, 1863, all enslaved persons in the Confederate United States were declared free through the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. Unfortunately, some 250,000 slaves in Galveston, Texas did not hear this news of freedom until June 19th, 1865; some two and half years later. Check out this wonderful video for a lively explanation about the origins of Juneteenth!
ASIAN AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH
READ
READ
12 Children's Books to Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (PBS)
For YA readers, The Front Desk series is based on the author's life and offers an honest depiction of what life is like for modern-day immigrants. Use this reading guide to deepen your reader's understanding of key themes.
12 Children's Books to Celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage (PBS)
For YA readers, The Front Desk series is based on the author's life and offers an honest depiction of what life is like for modern-day immigrants. Use this reading guide to deepen your reader's understanding of key themes.
WATCH
Watch Chinese-American author and illustrator Arree Chung read his book, Mixed, about tolerance and embracing our differences.
VISIT and EXPLORE
Head to the Westport YMCA on May 7th for their AAPI festival, featuring performers, food, and fun.
Check out 8 Ways to Celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month With Kids
Google has put together a list of 8 "cultural bucket list" stories - including sports, art, poetry, and more - worth checking out. (Scroll past the carousel.)
Explore this virtual Asian American Art Museum
Make a plan to visit one of these Asian American National Parks and Memorials
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
LEARN
READ
VISIT and EXPLORE
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
READ
for fiction and nonfiction books about inspiring women
VISIT and EXPLORE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
LUNAR NEW YEAR
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
LEARN
READ
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
LEARN
READ
ART
VISIT and EXPLORE
NATIONAL PRIDE MONTH
LEARN
LEARN
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
LEARN
The Story Behind Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
A collaborative project of several governmental museums and research organizations, this site highlights various artwork, videos, events, historical documents and other content that pays tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month - All About the Holidays from PBS Learning Media
2 min. video introduction for kids
How to Explain Pride Month to Your Child
An Age-by-Age Guide to Talking to Your Kids About Gender
"...children who are raised understanding a variety of gender options aren’t more likely to express a trans or gender-independent identity, they are more likely to develop personal resilience and confidence around their own choices—and the choices of others..."
READ
LISTEN
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
How to Explain Pride Month to Your Child
An Age-by-Age Guide to Talking to Your Kids About Gender
"...children who are raised understanding a variety of gender options aren’t more likely to express a trans or gender-independent identity, they are more likely to develop personal resilience and confidence around their own choices—and the choices of others..."
READ
LISTEN
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
READ
VISIT and EXPLORE
AUTISM ACCEPTANCE MONTH
READ
10 Children's Books that accurately portray what it is like to be autistic
Greta Thunberg Likens Autism to Superpower
WATCH
VISIT and EXPLORE
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
ABOUT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY ON MARCH 8TH
International Women's Day (IWD)
Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.
UNITED NATIONS: History of IWD
READ
LISTEN
LISTEN
Sarah Kay, Spoken Word Poet:
Story Time with Women in the Arts: listen to books for kids authored or illustrated by women
VISIT and EXPLORE
THE EMPOWERMENT PROJECT
Ordinary Women Doing Extraordinary Things is the incredible journey of 5 female filmmakers driving across America to encourage, empower, and inspire the next generation of strong women to go after their career ambitions.
WATCH
PBS Kids All About the Holidays - short video about history of Women’s History Month
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
LEARN
WHY WE NEED BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Analyzing and celebrating Black history helps students think critically about present-day social issues.
by Coshandra Dillard
READ
THE UNSUNG HEROS OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT ARE BLACK WOMEN YOU HAVE NEVER HEARD OF
History remembers the male leaders who fought for human rights, but it was women who made so many victories possible.
LISTEN
BESSIE COLEMAN: AVIATION HISTORY - BLACK HISTORY MONTH
I Can't Believe That Happened: A History Podcast for Kids
VISIT and EXPLORE
Celebrate Black History Month Around Connecticut
Plan a day or weekend engaging with the many landmarks and museums that honor Black history throughout the state. During Black History Month especially, prioritize ways to honor black accomplishments and joy - visit the Connecticut 29th Regiment Monument in New Haven, or make plans to visit the first boarding school for African American women in Canterbury when it reopens.
WATCH
Learn About Some of the Incredible Black Women Being Honored Today
Like Ida B. Wells (now a Barbie doll) and Maya Angelou (soon to be on quarters). Watch Maya Angelou read her poem, "On the Pulse of the Morning" which is interpreted to speak about how humans can make this earth a better place for everyone.
