All Blog Posts

CDP Printable Classroom Awards: The Importance of Student Recognition
March 6, 2025
Student recognition goes far beyond simply offering a pat on the back, and its importance cannot be understated. It plays a crucial role in nurturing a student's drive for excellence…

Who Was Robert Blake? The Mystery of a Black Medal of Honor Recipient
History is sometimes frustratingly blank when looking for answers. What do we do when records are few and far between? By Laura Jowdy, Senior Director of Archives, Historical Collections and…

William H. Sickles: The Power of Surprise
February 28, 2025
The Civil War had only days remaining. On March 31, 1865, the battle-weary troops of both sides gathered along the banks of a small non-descript creek in Virginia named Gravelly…

What is Medal of Honor Day, and Why Does it Matter?
February 19, 2025
Every year, on March 25, we come together to honor the brave men and women who have received the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States.…

From Failing to Hall of Fame: Recipients Reveal Their Imperfect Paths
February 13, 2025
When Medal of Honor Recipient Patrick Henry Brady began attending the annual conventions of the Medal of Honor Society nearly a half-century ago, the roughly 300 heroes seemed more devoted…

Free Lessons About Black Medal of Honor Recipients
February 11, 2025
Black History Month is a time to honor the sacrifices made by Black individuals and the profound impact they have had on our nation – shaping what it is today…

The Sound of Freedom: Teach Students the Impact of Music During War
As music educators, you understand the power of music to move, inspire, and connect. But have you considered its profound impact during times of war? More than just entertainment, war…

Black History Month Resources for Educators
February 7, 2025
Each February, Black History Month provides a vital opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contributions of African Americans who have shaped our nation's history. Among these contributions are the powerful legacies…

Philip Goettel: The Flag Wasn’t Enough
January 30, 2025
Throughout October and November 1863 a series of encounters took place between Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia and the Union’s Army of the Cumberland. Those encounters would become…

Two “New” Medal of Honor Recipients: William Simon Harris and James W. McIntyre
January 29, 2025
January 2025 saw the addition of 9 Medal of Honor awards to the official Medal of Honor Roll. On January 3, President Joseph R. Biden awarded the Medal of Honor…