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 9

TDIGH: International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples
The United Nations created this day in 1994 to promote and protect the rights of people who can trace their culture back to the same location through their known history.
Map: Explore our Language Diversity Index
Background: Read about Australia’s indigenous people
Activity: Discuss the treatment of Native Americans in the United States
Friday, August 12
TDIGH: Largest T. Rex Discovered
In 1990 a paleontologist discovered the bones of the largest and oldest Tyrannosaurus rex ever recorded.
Map: See which dinosaurs lived in North America
Background: What is paleontology?
Activity: Explore the NG Kids Dinosaur page
Saturday, August 13
TDIGH: Cultural Revolution in China
Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong launched the “Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution” in 1966 to strengthen his leadership. The revolution lasted ten years and resulted in the deaths of more than a million people.
Map: Illustrated “Peoples of China” map
Background: Information about China
Activity: Research and discuss other cultural revolutions and repressive regimes.

TDIGH: Construction Begins on Berlin Wall
In 1961 East Germany began building a wall through the city of Berlin to prevent people from fleeing Soviet-occupied East Berlin to reach Allied-occupied West Berlin.
Visual: Look at photos of other borders around the world
Background: Information about U.S.-Soviet relations and the Cold War
Activity: Drawing Political Borders
Sunday, August 14
TDIGH: Social Security Goes into Effect
Following the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created Social Security to help prevent poverty, especially for the most vulnerable Americans.
Visual: Infographic comparing the Great Depression and the Great Recession
Background: How did the Great Depression begin?
Activity: Which New Deal programs do we still benefit from today?