Excavation for the Empire State Building began on January 22, 1930, and the skyscraper was completed just 410 days later in 1931, becoming an enduring symbol of New York City and American ambition. Standing 1,454 feet tall with 103 stories, the Art Deco landmark was once the tallest building in the world for nearly 40 years and remains one of the most recognized structures on earth. Built through determination, careful planning, and teamwork, the Empire State Building reminds us that when we follow correct principles and remain obedient to the Lord, we can gain a higher, eternal perspective beyond what is visible from the ground.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/empire-statebuilding-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched on January 21, 1954, in Groton, Connecticut, and forever changed naval history. Built under the leadership of Captain Hyman G. Rickover, the submarine could remain submerged indefinitely, travel faster underwater than any previous submarine, and shattered speed and distance records, including a historic voyage beneath the North Pole in 1958. Powered by nuclear energy rather than air-dependent engines, the Nautilus symbolized innovation, endurance, and unseen strength, much like the guidance we can receive through the Holy Ghost when we seek direction, comfort, and strength in our lives.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/uss-nautilus-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

U.S. Presidential Inauguration Day was moved to January 20 by the Twentieth Amendment, with the first January inauguration held in 1937 during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s second term, ensuring a smoother and timelier transition of power. The inauguration centers on sacred oaths to uphold the Constitution, followed by an address that often acknowledges God’s guidance and the nation’s reliance on moral responsibility. These traditions highlight the importance of covenants, accountability, and faith in public service, reminding us of the solemn duty leaders and citizens share in preserving liberty and righteousness in His Story today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/inaugurations-20amendment-5

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Martin Luther King Jr., born January 15, 1929, was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who championed racial equality through nonviolent action grounded in Christian principles of love and justice. Rising to national prominence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott and delivering his historic “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963, King taught that peace, understanding, and love are stronger than hatred and oppression. His life and sacrifice remind us that true change comes through faith, moral courage, and peaceful persuasion, and his legacy continues to call us to live out those principles in His Story today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/mlkday-8

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Daniel Webster, born on January 18, 1782, in New Hampshire, became one of America’s greatest orators and statesmen, dedicating his life to defending the Constitution, preserving the Union, and upholding moral principles in public life. Serving in Congress, the Senate, and as Secretary of State, Webster spoke forcefully against slavery, opposed unjust policies like Indian removal, and helped negotiate the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which clarified the U.S.–Canada border. Remembered for his eloquence and deep sense of accountability to God, Webster’s life emphasized unity, liberty, and the responsibility to safeguard freedom for future generations.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/daniel-webster-5

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston and became one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers through his work as a statesman, diplomat, writer, and inventor. Despite limited formal education, Franklin’s curiosity and discipline led him to help draft the Declaration of Independence, assist with the U.S. Constitution, and negotiate the 1783 Treaty of Paris that ended the Revolutionary War. Known for his scientific experiments with electricity and practical inventions such as bifocals, the lightning rod, and the Franklin stove, he also shaped public thought through Poor Richard’s Almanack. Franklin’s life shows how creativity, hard work, and a commitment to learning can bless a nation and continue to inspire us in His Story today.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/benjamin-franklin-7

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

On January 16, 1786, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom was adopted, ending the Church of England’s status as the only recognized religion in Virginia and guaranteeing citizens the right to practice their faith freely without persecution. Originally drafted in 1777, the statute later became a foundation for the First Amendment, which James Madison crafted to protect essential freedoms such as religion, speech, and assembly. Celebrated each year as National Religious Freedom Day, January 16 honors the enduring principle that religious liberty protects individual conscience, upholds human dignity, and strengthens a diverse society.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/religious-freedom-6

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.

On January 15, 1892, James Naismith published the original 13 rules of basketball, formalizing a game he invented to promote teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness. What began with peach baskets in a small gymnasium quickly grew into one of the world’s most popular sports, uniting players and fans across cultures and generations. Naismith’s simple idea became a global phenomenon, reminding us in His Story that creativity, effort, and doing our best in all things can lead to lasting influence—both on and off the court.

Read the full article here: https://familyschool.org/spotlight/rules-basketball-5

This episode was created using Notebook LM voice-overs and original research by Rosemary Pollock, historian and published author, who holds an MA in U.S. History and an MA in U.S. History with a focus on the History of Science and Medicine.

Produced by Isaac Okawa with American Heritage Worldwide.