Stories of America’s Past
Welcome to America Comes Alive!, a site I created to share little-known stories of regular people who made a difference and changed the course of history. Look around and see what inspires you! — Kate Kelly
Election Day Firsts
The history of elections in the United States is constantly evolving, but here are are some notable firsts: First Packaged Candidate William Henry Harrison was the first “packaged” candidate. He … Election Day Firsts Read More »
First Latino to Earn Medal of Honor Fought In Civil War
Corporal Joseph H. De Castro, 20, distinguished himself at Gettysburg during Pickett’s Charge. He was the first Latino to earn the country’s highest military decoration for valor in combat, the … First Latino to Earn Medal of Honor Fought In Civil War Read More »
The Vice-Presidential Pick
In the presidential election, how important is the vice-presidential pick and the subsequent debate? Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and pundits are speculating about how … The Vice-Presidential Pick Read More »
Abraham Lincoln’s Dog, Fido
In the 1850s, the Lincoln family acquired a yellow mixed-breed dog they named Fido. Fido often accompanied Lincoln to his Springfield law office or around town on errands. Fido also … Abraham Lincoln’s Dog, Fido Read More »
Congressman John Lewis Leaves Lessons
John Lewis was a remarkable man, a Congressman from Georgia and a long-time, front-line civil rights leader. His moral leadership will be missed now that he’s gone. Since he was … Congressman John Lewis Leaves Lessons Read More »
Ida Rosenthal: Pioneered Bra Industry with Maidenform
Ida Rosenthal emigrated from Russia in the early 1900s and supported her family as a dressmaker. As she responded to the marketplace, she and a partner soon crafted dresses with … Ida Rosenthal: Pioneered Bra Industry with Maidenform Read More »
On
This
Day
On October 31, 1993, actor River Phoenix, only 23 years old, died of a drug overdose outside the Viper Room on Hollywood’s fabled Sunset Strip. When Phoenix collapsed on the street, he was soon surrounded by people in costume, given the fact that it was Halloween. Phoenix was a magnet for the press. Those who were with him may have delayed in calling for help, trying to avoid letting Phoenix became a tabloid headline again.
Heroes & Trailblazers
The Vice-Presidential Pick
In the presidential election, how important is the vice-presidential pick and the subsequent debate? Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and…
The Story Behind the Presidential Debates
The history of modern-day presidential debates is actually quite a short one. While the names Lincoln and Douglas frequently come to mind when one thinks…
Dovey Johnson Roundtree: Pioneering Civil Rights Attorney
Dovey Johnson Roundtree (1914-2018) was a pioneering civil rights activist, attorney, and a minister in the AME Church. She accomplished all this with a family…
Political Conventions: A Look Way Back
The national conventions of both political parties in 2020 will be historic. Because of the pandemic, speeches will be given primarily via Zoom with very…
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Recent Stories
Election Day Firsts
The history of elections in the United States is constantly evolving, but here are are some notable firsts: First Packaged Candidate William Henry Harrison was…
First Latino to Earn Medal of Honor Fought In Civil War
Corporal Joseph H. De Castro, 20, distinguished himself at Gettysburg during Pickett’s Charge. He was the first Latino to earn the country’s highest military decoration…
The Vice-Presidential Pick
In the presidential election, how important is the vice-presidential pick and the subsequent debate? Joe Biden has selected Kamala Harris as his running mate, and…
The Story Behind the Presidential Debates
The history of modern-day presidential debates is actually quite a short one. While the names Lincoln and Douglas frequently come to mind when one thinks…
Dovey Johnson Roundtree: Pioneering Civil Rights Attorney
Dovey Johnson Roundtree (1914-2018) was a pioneering civil rights activist, attorney, and a minister in the AME Church. She accomplished all this with a family…
Political Conventions: A Look Way Back
The national conventions of both political parties in 2020 will be historic. Because of the pandemic, speeches will be given primarily via Zoom with very…
Part of the inspiration for this site comes from this remark: “People do not want to hear about simple things. They want to hear about great things – simply told.”
Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams (1860-1935)