Here’s an advance look at 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 or lesson plan so you can plan ahead.
Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources!
Monday, February 26
TDIGH 1917: First Jazz Record Released
The record’s two songs, “Livery Stable Blues” and “Dixie Jass Band One Step,” (above) became instant hits and introduced millions of people to the new genre of music.
Map: Navigate the geography of jazz with our interactive GeoStory.
Background: We love getting into the swing of things with this terrific glossary of jazz terms from Jazz in America—and the beautifully aligned lessons they support.
Tuesday, February 27

Photograph by Aaron Huey, National Geographic.
TDIGH 1973: Indians Occupy Wounded Knee
Native Americans occupied the town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, for three months to protest the U.S. government’s unjust policies toward Native Americans.
Map: Navigate the long series of battles between Native Americans and the U.S. Army in the 19th century.
Background: Learn about the Wounded Knee Massacre of 1890, the event that protesters recalled 80 years later.
Thursday, March 1

Photograph courtesy U.S. Department of Energy
Nine years after dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the U.S. tested “Castle Bravo”: the most powerful nuclear weapon ever detonated by the U.S.
Map: Where was Castle Bravo launched? Download our map of the Marshall Islands here, and put it in perspective with our MapMaker Interactive map of nuclear test sites here.
Background: Watch this video about the evolution of American public opinion on nuclear weapons. (Stop at 3:10)
Activity: Thousands of films showing U.S. atmospheric nuclear weapons tests are freely, publicly available in an online archive. Use our inquiry-based resource to help students understand what nuclear tests are, where they took place, and how scientists are still evaluating their data.
Thursday, March 1

Painting by T.H. Matteson, courtesy the Peabody Essex Museum
TDIGH 1692: Salem Witch Trials Begin
The Salem witch trials continued for more than a year. Throughout the course of the trials, nearly 200 people were accused of witchcraft, 19 were hanged, and several others died in jail.
Saturday, March 3

TDIGH 1913: Thousands March for Woman Suffrage
While the march increased attention for the suffrage movement, it wasn’t until 1920 that American women gained the right to vote.
Map: Navigate this interactive map of women’s suffrage around the world.
Background: What is woman suffrage, and how did it come to the United States? (via Wyoming!)
Activity: How did a riot lead to the passage of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote?