Federal Friday is a regularly updated page with information about different federal and state resources. Check it out every Friday to learn more about where to find data, media, reports and other content.
Asia American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Main Government site)
“May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success.”
Asia American Pacific Islander Heritage Month (Census)
“Congress in 1978 passed a resolution creating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week. It expanded the observance to a month (May) in 1992, timed to coincide with two important milestones in Asian/Pacific American history: arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the United States (May 7, 1843) and completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869 (the majority of workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants).”
Download Teaching Guide
Download 5 Minute Challenge: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage in the Collections (Smithsonian)
“Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been central to our nation's story. There are more than 17 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States from a region that covers more than one third of the earth—including the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific. The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center shares Asian Pacific American history, art, and culture through innovative museum experiences online and throughout the U.S. In observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in 2021, the center focused its efforts on combating xenophobia across a range of different formats and media at smithsonianapa.org/stand.”
(Image: "Moon Kwan was a pivotal figure in the development of the Chinese film industry, who began his career in Hollywood during cinema’s formative years. A native of China, Kwan initially moved to San Francisco before relocating to Los Angeles in 1915 to pursue his interest in filmmaking. He found work as a writer and actor but made his principal contribution as an advisor on Chinese culture to director D. W. Griffith during the filming of the silent classic Broken Blossoms (1919)."
Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center
"The Honorable Patsy Takemoto Mink (1927-2002) left an indelible mark on history through her unwavering commitment to equality and social justice. She was a formidable force in American politics, a trailblazer for women’s rights, and a champion for marginalized communities. Born in 1927, in Maui, Hawaii, Mink grew up during a time when racial and gender barriers were pervasive. Despite encountering racial prejudice, she excelled academically, earning a bachelor’s degree in zoology and chemistry from the University of Hawaii and later a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School. Her experiences with discrimination fueled her activism, motivating her to fight for justice on multiple fronts."
Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Congress 1900–2017
"On December 15, 1900, two weeks into the second session of the 56th Congress (1899–1901) of the United States, one of the early Hispanic Members of Congress, Delegate Pedro Perea of New Mexico, escorted a tall man with a handlebar moustache into the well of the U.S. House of Representatives. Facing the marble rostrum, Robert W. Wilcox, the son of a New England sea captain and a Native-Hawaiian mother, took the oath of office as the first Delegate from the Territory of Hawaii. Wilcox, along with his wife, two children, and an aide, had just arrived that morning in Washington, DC, after a long transcontinental train trip. Quickly surrounded by well-wishers, the first Asian Pacific American (APA) Member of Congress and, in fact, the first individual to represent a constituency outside the continental United States, set to work."
We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States
"We Are Here is the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center's first middle-grade anthology. The book and corresponding digital resources in the Smithsonian Learning Lab shares stories of resilience, adversity, and joy. The book includes profiles of AAPI activists, artists, musicians, actors, writers, scientists, and entrepreneurs."
"Ho‘olale i ka ‘ai a ka u‘i" is a Hawaiian proverb that roughly translates to "what the youth can do." This special Youth in Action program was filmed in Hawai‘i and showcases what Native Hawaiian youth are doing to protect their traditions. The program has four segments: voyaging and wayfinding, hula as resistance, heiau (sacred space) restoration, and food sovereignty."
Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month Speech Resources: Fact Sheet (Congressional Research Office)
May 05, 2023 (R43977 - Version: 18)
"This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month celebrations. It contains links to census and demographic information, CRS reports, and presidential proclamations, as well as additional web resources commemorating Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month. The guide also provides a list of educational, cultural, and advocacy organizations focusing on the Asian/Pacific American community."
Chinese Americans in New Mexico - Maxwell Museum of Anthropology
"Chinese immigrants first came to New Mexico in in large numbers in the 1800s looking for jobs, particularly building railroads and mining. Because of harsh laws, including the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and other discrimination, the “first wave” of immigrants were unable to create lasting communities in New Mexico. In the early 1900s, a small but permanent Chinese-American community took root in New Mexico, which later came to include refugees from the Communist takeover of mainland China, along with immigrants from Taiwan. New Mexico’s Chinese Americans are proud to be U.S. citizens, but also remember their ancient heritage."
National Pet Day was April 11th, but we are keeping the theme for this Federal Friday. Below are some articles about presidential pets, animals in the military, a mystery Guinea Pig, and other animals.
[Source: U.S. Census Bureau]
Owney the Dog (National Postal Museum) Warning: this story has a sad ending.
“Owney was a scruffy mutt who became a regular fixture at the Albany, New York, post office in 1888. His owner was likely a postal clerk who let the dog walk him to work. Owney was attracted to the texture or scent of the mailbags and when his master moved away, Owney stayed with his new mail clerk friends.”
Cats in the Postal Service
“The Postal Service budgeted for cats acting as mousers in 1909. This article here covers Postmaster-General Hitchock’s allocation of $135 for “cat meat”. They were recognized employees across the country, and I imagine, received “purrfect” performance reviews.”
"Cats were first officially appointed by the Post Office to catch rodents in September 1868 (although there had undoubtedly been cats in post offices before). Three cats worked on probation at the Money Order Office in London, with an allowance of one shilling a week. They were given 6 months by the Secretary of the Post Office to reduce the mouse problem or they would be cut."
(Image ”Post Office Cat Takes Time Out” Evening Star. (Washington, D.C.), August 8, 1926.)
Fala: The Most Famous Dog in America (Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library)
“But while FDR owned a number of dogs during his lifetime, without question the best-known was Fala, the Scottish terrier he was given in August 1940.”
“While cats were likely used to control the mice population in the early years of the White House, Abraham Lincoln was the first President believed to have a feline as a pet at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When taking up residence in Washington, the Lincolns left their dog Fido in Springfield, Illinois, prompting Secretary of State William Seward to give them two cats, Tabby and Dixie, in August 1861.”
(Image:Socks Clinton lounges at podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, 1993. (National Archives Identifier 236748090))
“The Roosevelt children's family of pets included a small bear named Jonathan Edwards; a lizard named Bill; guinea pigs named Admiral Dewey, Dr. Johnson, Bishop Doane, Fighting Bob Evans, and Father O'Grady; Maude the pig; Josiah the badger; Eli Yale the blue macaw; Baron Spreckle the hen; a one-legged rooster; a hyena; a barn owl; Peter the rabbit; and Algonquin the pony.”
When Rebecca the Raccoon Ruled the White House
“Calvin Coolidge does not exactly enjoy a historical reputation for being a freewheeling sort of guy. He was a staid, serious president; gray flannel might have been a daring sartorial choice. But it has to be said that not even the boisterous Teddy Roosevelt — who let his kids bring snakes into government meetings — had a pet raccoon that ran around the White House knocking over plants, unscrewing jar lids, cavorting in the bathtub and generally living la vida loca.”
Togo (Togo National Park Service)
“Though Balto often gets the credit for saving the town of Nome, it was Togo, a Siberian Husky, who led his team across the most dangerous leg of the journey.”
(Image Leonhard Seppala with sled dogs (L to R) Togo, Karinsky, Jafet, Pete, unknown dog, Fritz (ca. 1924) Carrie M. McLain Memorial Museum Catalogue No. 82-37-1)
Canine Mascots of the Civil War (National Park Service)
“Dogs are man’s best friend. For Civil War soldiers, dogs were also their mascots, messmates, and companions. Dogs provided at least one friendly face after battle and a comfortable reminder of home for soldiers living in squalid camp conditions.”
A Cat in the Cannon? (NOAA)
“A black cat was sitting on the breech of one of the guns, howling one of those hoarse and solemn tunes which no one can appreciate who is not filled with the superstitions which I had been taught by the sailors, who are always afraid to kill a cat. I would almost as soon have touched a ghost, but I caught her, and placing her in another gun, replaced the wad and tampion; but I could still hear that distressing yowl.”
The Curious Case of the Galivanting Guinea Pig (CIA)
“On more than one occasion, we’ve discovered tiny kittens romping around (which are always adopted by adoring CIA employees), but perhaps the most unusual case involves the guinea pig in the parking garage.”
F.D.C. Willard: How a feline physicist took on atomic science (LANL)
“In 1975, F.D.C. Willard co-authored a paper about atomic behavior, “Two-, Three-, and Four-Atom Exchange Effects in bcc3 He.” The Physical Review of Letters published the paper. Willard, a Siamese cat, shared the writing credit with human Jack H. Hetherington, a physicist and mathematician at Michigan State University. The paper was prodigious accomplishment, as F.D.C. Willard was only seven years old at the time of publication.”
“Earth Day is a global celebration on April 22 each year encouraging education and stewardship of the planet's natural resources. Whether in a backyard, neighborhood green space, or a magnificent national park, the National Park Service provides opportunities for everyone to discover and enjoy the physical and psychological benefits that come with spending time outdoors.”
April 19: First day of National Park Week
What will you discover? A new place, a new interesting fact, a new activity... To kick off National Park Week and encourage you make that new discovery, entrance fees are waived on April 19th!
Environmental Protection Agency
“Follow along as EPA celebrates Earth Day by sharing actions, information, and updates about how YOU can celebrate Earth Day. Learn how EPA protects the environment and builds a brighter, healthier future for all.”
Making Earth Day Every Day Infographic
Meandering River Flip Book
Best suited for ages 8+
“Use the link above to make a flip book showing the change over time of two different rivers which we can observe using Landsat and other remote sensing instruments.”
Earth Day Posters
A Guide to Climate Change for Kids
“Have you heard your parents or people in videos talking about climate change? Ever wondered what it is and why we care about it so much? NASA scientists have been studying Earth’s climate for more than 40 years. We used what we’ve learned in that time to answer some of your biggest questions below!”
The people who bring you the National Weather Service also has great resources for Earth Day.
Planet NOAA Podcast Episode 3: Earth Day is every day
Earth Day art to color, download, and share
"Show your love for the planet with coloring pages, posters, and graphics for Earth Day. "
“Each day, our National Labs discover new innovations that are making renewable energy more affordable and accessible for all Americans. That is why this Earth Day, we are sharing a playlist. with you to highlight some of their incredible work. These videos are a great way for you to learn about the Department of Energy’s environmental management and remediation efforts. We hope that this inspires you to join our mission. Whether that be through purchasing an electric vehicle or installing solar panels, or even taking the jump to begin your clean energy career, there is room for you in the clean energy economy. ”
Eggs are still pricey- but potatoes are cheep and you can dye them with food coloring.
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index Average Price Data
As we come to the end of National Library Week, let’s explore some National Libraries and see what they offer. Below are some descriptions of collections, free online resources, and traveling exhibits.
Did you know there are five National Libraries? The Library of Congress is one, the others are listed below.
*Did you know the End of Term Archive is in the middle of harvesting the ERIC database? They have currently collected 24000 PDF files discoverable via Full Text Search (going on 500,000+... should be done later today) from Wayback Machine archives of ERIC.
“Content types found in ROSA P include textual works, datasets, still image works, moving image works, other multimedia, and maps. These resources have value to federal, state, and local transportation decision makers, transportation analysts, and researchers.”
U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to Launch “You Are Here” with Anthology of Nature Poems, Poetry Installations in National Parks“You Are Here,” Ada Limón’s signature project as the nation’s 24th Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, will launch during National Poetry Month in April with a celebration at the Library of Congress and will continue throughout the year with installations of poetry as public art in national parks across the country.
“You Are Here” is comprised of two major initiatives, a new anthology of nature poems and a series of visits to national parks, as well as a call for the public to participate. The new anthology, “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” will be published by Milkweed Editions in association with the Library of Congress on April 2. It features a foreword by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, an introduction by Limón, and 50 original poems by living American poets, including former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo; Pulitzer Prize winners Jericho Brown, Carl Phillips and Diane Suess; and PEN/Voelcker Award winners Victoria Chang and Rigoberto González.
Read: You Are Here" Poetry in the Natural World
Click here for more information.
Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature
The Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature at the Library of Congress dates back to 1943, and contains nearly 2,000 recordings of poets and writers participating in literary events at the Library’s Capitol Hill campus as well as sessions at the Library’s Recording Laboratory. Explore the full collection.
The PALABRA Archive
The PALABRA Archive at the Library of Congress dates back to 1943, and contains nearly 800 recordings of poets and prose writers participating in sessions at the Library’s Recording Laboratory and at other locations around Spain and Latin America. To date, writers from 32 countries are represented in this collection. Explore the full collection.
Poetry of America
Poetry of America contains field recordings by a wide range of award-winning contemporary poets. Each poet reads a singular American poem of his or her choosing, and also speaks to how the poem connects to, deepens, or re-imagines our sense of American identity.
Poetry for Health and memory
This National Endowment for the Arts funded project Spotlight on the Alzheimer's Poetry Project, uses poetry to help people with memory loss.
The National Library of Medicine has some treasures such as Dentologia: a poem on the diseases of the teeth, and their proper remedies (1833).
Poetry in Nature Activity (Arcadia National Park)
"Students will be able to explore and observe their outdoor space using all their senses in order to create an original work of poetry."
Poetry 180 (LOC)
"Poetry 180 is designed to make it easy for students to hear or read a poem on each of the 180 days of the school year. I have selected the poems you will find here with high school students in mind. They are intended to be listened to, and I suggest that all members of the school community be included as readers. A great time for the readings would be following the end of daily announcements over the public address system."
“The selections within this listing represent frequently taught poets and poems in AP English Literature and Composition.”
Twenty-One More Poems for AP English
"Fog" by Carl Sandburg (Grades 3-5)
Mary Pipher’s “I Am From” in Art Application & Poetic Expression for Identity Exploration
Activity: Writing Short Poems (U.S. Department of State, American English)
Introduction to Modernist Poetry, Grades 9-12 (National Endowment for the Humanities)
"Understanding the context of literary modernism (specifically, modernist poetry) is important for students before they analyze modernist texts themselves. To that end, this lesson enables students to explore and consider the forces that prompted such a “fundamental change” in human nature."
The Poet's Voice: Langston Hughes and You
"What qualities make a writer's voice forceful, distinctive, and memorable?"
Did you know the NM State Library has the Poetry Center?
Check out this NMSL guide: New Mexico Poets
On April 12th there is a celebration of the Camel Corps at the Coronado Historic Site. Because you can find government information on any topic this week we are diving into the world of camels:
The U.S. Army Camel Corps at El Morro
“Inscriptions reading "Beale," "Breckinridge," and “Long” recall a novel 1850s experiment by the U.S. Army. Major Henry C. Wayne had long tried to solve the problem of lack of water on the route from the Mississippi River to California through the desert Southwest. In 1855, Major Wayne and others went to Europe and Africa to study the habits of camels in captivity. Eventually buying 33 camels in Egypt and Turkey, and taking on three Arab handlers, they sailed back to Texas and began training.”
WAGON ROAD FROM FORT DEFIANCE TO THE COLORADO RIVER
Read the report! “The camels are doing better to-day, and arrived shortly after the wagons. I am very much encouraged to see how eagerly they seek the bushes for food instead of grass, which certainly indicates their ability to subsist much easier than horses and mules in countries where forage is scarce.”
Whatever Happened to the Wild Camels of the American West? (Smithsonian Magazine)
“Initially seen as the Army’s answer to how to settle the frontier, the camels eventually became a literal beast of burden, with no home on the range.”
“During the ice age, camels, related more to modern llamas, once lived only in North America. However, the ancient camels or camelops looked more like their modern cousins. They stood around the same height as a modern camel, with similar long necks, faces, and short tails. Camelops may have had a hump, but fatty humps do not preserve well alongside bones.”
Fossil skull of Protolabis angustidens, an ancient camel
How much water does a camel’s hump hold? (Library of Congress)
Fun camel facts from the Library of Congress
Kids Environment Kids Health- Alice the Camel
A song and information about staying hydrated. There is also “the curriculum People and Place: Curriculum Resources on Human-Environmental Interactions provides case studies from around the world of people surviving in extreme climates in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Designed for the sixth‐grade level, the activities can be modified for older or younger students.”
Spring is here, are you thinking of plants and gardens? There are resources to help find plants suited for your climate, and ideas for children, casual planters, and master gardeners.
“You can plant a home garden in your yard or in a small space like a windowsill or balcony. If you participate in SNAP, your SNAP dollars can be used to buy seeds for gardens. VegU can show how to grow, buy and cook fresh fruits and vegetables.”
National Agriculture Library
“Plant what your family enjoys cooking and eating! Learn about vegetable gardening through NAL collection items and selected external links to information.”
Soak Up the Rain: Rain Gardens
"A rain garden is a depressed area in the landscape that collects rain water from a roof, driveway or street and allows it to soak into the ground. Planted with grasses and flowering perennials, rain gardens can be a cost effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from your property. Rain gardens can also help filter out pollutants in runoff and provide food and shelter for butterflies, song birds and other wildlife."
Read the Label First Protect Your Garden
“This brochure will help you understand how to protect your family and the environment when using pesticides on your lawn and garden.”
Bee a Good Neighbor Remember Pollinators When Preparing Your Spring Garden
“This document contains instructions on protecting pollinators in your garden.”
New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service (NMSU)
Each state has a Cooperative Extension Service that studies agriculture and that state’s unique climates. They can provide advice, suggest plants, and help you determine why that one plant looks funny. They even have an app, Southwest Plant Selector, to help you select plants!
“A collection of NMSU's Extension and research resources to help you learn how to use your resources to create the ideal garden or landscape environment perfectly suited to your lifestyle.”
“Weekly column, written by Marisa Thompson, Extension horticulture specialist, that addresses garden and landscape questions.”
“Services include analysis of plant material for plant pathogens and environmental stresses as well as suggesting appropriate control measures when available.”
“Master Gardeners assist their local Cooperative Extension Service office in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents.”
Check out their instructional videos on YouTube
Growing Healthy Kids: Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Curriculum
“Growing Healthy Kids (GHK) is a garden-themed, direct education curriculum aimed to integrate nutrition education with gardening to promote healthy eating and healthy choices among children, best aligned for students in 2nd and 3rd grade.”
Gardening with Kids: You Can Grow It!
“Getting kids to eat more fruits and veggies can be challenging, but research shows that when kids help grow fruits and vegetables, they are more likely to eat more produce and try different kinds, too. Not only that, but gardening also provides a host of learning experiences that are good for little growing minds and bodies.”
“You can grow a surprise garden from the seeds you pick up on your sneakers on a muddy walk!”
Bertie the Busy Bee Coloring Book
"IN TIMES OF WAR the country’s food supply for civilians may be smaller even though total production is greatly increased. The burdens of World War II are already creating serious food-production, distribution, and preservation problems. Labor and machinery shortages interfere with production; overloaded railroads and restricted motor transport interfere with distribution; and inadequate supplies of labor, steel, and tin demand that civilians depend less on foods canned in tin.”
Saturday, May 3, 2025,
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,
National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.
Get ready to be captivated by the beats of Taiko drums and the grace and beauty of traditional Asian dances. Enjoy the fun of origami and the exquisite beauty of Japanese floral arrangements. Embrace the rich heritage and diversity of the Asian American Pacific Islander community. Join us for a day of discovery and appreciation as we honor and celebrate these extraordinary cultures.
Cultural performances and music, bright Japanese floral arrangements, intricate Chinese art activities, and much more will fill the day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History. The Sandia National Laboratories Asian Leadership Outreach Committee and museum partner to host the 28th Annual Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Day, celebrating the cultural traditions, ancestry, native languages, and unique experiences represented among ethnic groups from Asia and the Pacific.
Visitors can taste traditional Asian food samples provided by Talin Market. Umami Moto Food Truck will also sell Asian-inspired cuisine.
The event is included with paid Museum admission.
The Office of the First Cat
Ancient Camels of White Sands