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.
It is summer and the weather is heating up! Below you will find resources on staying cool, and information on the climate.
How hot is this summer? According the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) May 2025 was Earth’s warmest May on record. The full report and more data is available at the NOAA.
What can you do when it is this hot? Make smores with this solar oven from NASA Climate Kids.
If it is too hot and your smores catch on fire, this handy infographic from Smokey Bear has some good advice on How to Maintain & Extinguish Your Campfire.
“High temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.”
Let's hope to avoid Calor extremo Extreme Heat
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Calor extremo, “En condiciones de calor extremo, su cuerpo trabaja más duro para mantener una temperatura normal, lo que puede provocar la muerte. El calor extremo es responsable de la mayor cantidad de muertes anuales entre todos los peligros relacionados con el clima.” |
Extreme Heat, “In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.” |
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Historical Data and Conditions
“By looking back at historical data, communities can get a better understanding of the drought and extreme weather threats to be prepared for. The resources below help document and quantify historical drought conditions in order to help inform planning. Three historical drought datasets can be explored side by side: the U.S. Drought Monitor (weekly, 2000–present); Standardized Precipitation Index (monthly, 1895–present); and June-July-August Palmer Modified Drought Index values from tree-ring reconstructions and instrumental data (yearly, 0–2017).”
New Mexico Weather
“Welcome to the home of the ZiaMet Weather Station Network. ZiaMet is a service of the NM Climate Center. This website also features CoCoRaHS precipitation data for New Mexico. Below are the most current observations for ZiaMet weather stations at NMSU locations across the state, the current CoCoRaHS precipitation map, and the US Drought Monitor map for New Mexico.”
U.S. Drought Monitor
“The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is a map released every Thursday, showing parts of the U.S. that are in drought. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4). It is produced jointly by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). More information about the USDM is available here, and a tutorial is available here.”
New Mexico State Engineer Water Conservation Program
“Water Conservation Program coordinates water conservation activities for the State of New Mexico. The program goals are to increase awareness regarding the value of our water resources; provide assistance to entities initiating water conservation plans and programs and, to assist in the development of state government policies which will encourage the implementation of water conservation measures in various water use sectors.”
Want More infographics? Go to Extreme Heat.
JuneteenthNext week we observe Juneteenth. The main page New Mexico Office of African American Affairs includes a Community Corner with events taking place in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and other locations. This office also has a Data Hub with information on demographics, health, education and economics of New Mexico’s African American community. (Image: Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900 held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin. Credit: Austin History Center.)
Other resources:
Juneteenth Fact Sheet (Congressional Research Service)
Juneteenth became a federal holiday on June 17, 2021. All 50 states and the District of Columbia recognize Juneteenth as a holiday or observance, and at least 28 states and the District of Columbia have designated
Juneteenth as a permanent paid and/or legal holiday through legislation or executive action.
Freedom’s Journey (1619–2123) by Col. Dwayne K. Wagner, U.S. Army, Retired Edited by Amanda Cherry and Heather Karambelas. Video and timeline.
Collections within the John Donald Robb Archive of Southwestern Music & Folklore at the Center for Southwest Research (CSWR), University Libraries, UNM
MSS 835 BC - Shirley Ann Griffin-Martin Recordings of Albuquerque African American Music and Programs, 1985-1988. 12 CDs. African American music and programs from Albuquerque in the 1980s, including popular music, speeches from several Juneteenth events, church gospel songs, sermons and a UNM Black History Month program.
Check out the Smithsonian’s Juneteenth website to learn more about the history of Juneteenth, share your Juneteenth story, and find activities for children and youth.
June is also African American Music Appreciation Month!
Learn more about African American Music with the June issue of The Black Track from the Office of African American Affairs.
Watch the 2024 NEA Jazz Masters Tribute Concert!
"The National Archives celebrates America's favorite pastime! Baseball has played a major role throughout American history. Explore records in the National Archives Catalog related to everything from racial integration in baseball and the Negro leagues to World Series races, Presidential first pitches, and patents that have improved the game."
Library of Congress- Conducting Baseball Research
“For the beginning baseball researcher, there are several excellent starting points for becoming acquainted with research strategies, resources, and publications in the field of baseball. These starting points are listed below. Explore the sub-pages of this section to learn more about how to start researching baseball history at the Library. The pages include an overview of visiting the Library for research purposes; a breakdown of baseball-related materials held in specific Library divisions, reading rooms, and research centers; how to search the Library's online catalog for baseball-related materials; and a list of important subscription databases available at the Library for baseball research.”
Baseball, the Color Line, and Jackie Robinson
Baseball Cards, 1887-1914, Card Sets in Chronological Order
Toni Stone: First Woman to Play Big-League Baseball.
Where ever you play ball, play it safe!
Nine innings of brain safety in baseball : heads up baseball for coaches and parents.
Baseball Across a Changing Nation - Teacher's Guide
"Baseball has been part of the culture of the United States since the earliest days of the nation, and the ways in which the game has changed through the centuries provide opportunities to explore changes in U.S. society."
Baseball: America's Home Run (Smithsonian)
Baseball Hidden Image activity
Students and teachers alike can learn more about Baseball: America’s Home Run through a variety of educational opportunities and classroom resources that meet national standards of learning for PreK-12 learners.
Picture this! Baseball Postage Stamps
"Of the more than sixty baseball stamps issued by the United States since 1939, the vast majority commemorate individual players. Many of these postal portraits feature specially commissioned artwork designed to mimic the look and feel of classic baseball cards and recall players whose achievements on and off the field made them household names."
The most recent baseball stamp is the 2024 Hank Aaron.
FOR LOVE OF THE GAME: Baseball's Impact on the Navy
"When the game of baseball was introduced into the Navy in the late 1800s, it was considered "rational recreation" - a way to keep sailors out of trouble, active and happy. What it became over the following decades was a phenomenon that U.S. sailors - many of whom were major league pros - helped spread around the world."
Even the National Weather Service uses some baseball terms- have you ever seen hail the size of baseballs? If you are unsure there is a chart to help you measure.
Not a government document, but a great read:
Contenders : two Native baseball players, one World Series
"The true story of John Meyers and Charles Bender, who in 1911 became the first two Native American pro baseball players to face off in a World Series, teaches important lessons about resilience, doing what you love in the face of injustice, and the fight for Native American representation in sports"
Get ready for June with a bit of Pride!
Stonewall 
National Monument was founded in 2016. This is a newer park and is the only one dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. Located in Christopher Park, part of New York City's Historic Greenwich Village, “the monument sits across the street from The Stonewall Inn, a National Historic Landmark known for its involvement in the beginning of the modern struggle for civil rights of gay and lesbian Americans. The Stonewall Inn exists as a private establishment and working bar.”
What you will find here:
Fence Exhibit
"The photographs below are displayed on the fence around Stonewall National Monument and they visually tell the story of the LGB rights movement."
Virtual Distance Learning Programs
Join a Stonewall National Monument park ranger for a virtual program exploring the dramatic history of the 1969 Stonewall Uprising and its lasting impact on the LGB civil rights movement, as well as the complexities of caring for and interpreting a historic site with a story still actively unfolding.
Teaching with Historic Places
History Unerased 
Pride Guide: An Interactive Workbook
“In 2016, the NPS published LGBTQ America: A Theme Study of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History, a theme study to explore the legacy and history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people and places. This Pride Guide provides a brief summary of each chapter of the theme study along with discussion questions and activities.”
Explore more at Stonewall National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)
The Library of Congress has a great research guide that "serves as an introduction into the excellent collection of LGBTQ+ resources available at the Library of Congress. In addition to high profile collections like the Frank Kameny Papers, the Library also owns a number of LGBTQ+ periodicals and primary source materials. The Library provides on-site access to a number of relevant databases and electronic resources in LGBTQ+ Studies as well."
If you have not yet checked out the Library of Congress magazine, they have a great article LGBTQ+ in the Library (starts on page 12).
LGBTQ+ Issues in Records at the National Archives
"The National Archives and Records Administration engages, educates, and inspires multiple audiences to discover and explore the records of the American people. We hold extensive records created or received by the U.S. Government on issues of sexual identity and rights."
DocsTeach: Primary Sources related to LGBTQ+
DocsTeach: The Long Struggle for LGBTQ+ Civil Rights
DocsTeach: 'We Are Badly in Need of a Breath of Fresh Air': A Letter to President Kennedy About LGBTQ+ Rights
LGBT Youth Resources (Health) The health needs of LGBT youth can differ from their heterosexual peers. On this page, find resources from the CDC, other government agencies, and community organizations for LGBT youth, their friends, educators, parents, and family members to support positive environments."
Bullying and LGBT Youth "Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) youth and those perceived as LGBT are at an increased risk of being bullied. There are important and unique considerations for strategies to prevent and address bullying of LGBT youth."
Find Pride events throughout the state.
*Some sites may be missing or links broken. Links were updated on 5/30/2025
“Memorial Day, initially referred to as Decoration Day, was observed by many communities after the Civil War, when the nation suffered more than 620,000 military deaths, roughly 2 percent of the total population at the time. John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of Republic, chose May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of Union troops across the nation. From this beginning, Memorial Day is now designated as an annual day of remembrance to honor all those who have died in service to the United States during peace and war. Veterans Day, November 11, celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.”
The History of Taps
“Of all the military bugle calls, none is so easily recognized or more apt to render emotion than the call Taps. The melody is both eloquent and haunting and the history of its origin is interesting and somewhat clouded in controversy. In the British Army, a similar call known as Last Post has been sounded over soldiers' graves since 1885, but the use of Taps is unique with the United States military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying and memorial services.”
100 Years of “Poppy Day” in the United Kingdom
“The tradition originated in America after Moina Michael was inspired by a poem written by John McCrae titled “In Flanders Fields” to buy artificial poppies to sell to raise money for servicemen in need. This practice was adopted by both the American Legion Auxiliary and the RBL in 1921, although the dates that poppies are worn varies in both countries. In the United States, the traditional date to wear these poppies is the Friday before Memorial Day. In the UK, they are worn to mark Armistice Day on November 11, which is the day the Armistice agreement was signed, marking the end of fighting and the start of peace negotiations when it entered into force at 11 a.m. that day.” (Image, Library of Congress)
Memorial Day Speech Resources: Fact Sheet
"Memorial Day is a day of reflection and remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials and placing wreaths. They may also participate in a Memorial Day parade or hold a family gathering, such as a barbeque. Memorial Day also unofficially marks the beginning of summer. This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to celebrating Memorial Day.
By John McCrae
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly.
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Make a Poppy: Crafts and Remembrance for Veterans Day
"Ever since the early days of this commemoration over 100 years ago, it has been a custom to wear and display commemorative poppies. By 1921, selling decorative poppies to raise funds for war veterans began in the United States and in Britain. This Library of Congress Law Library post shares more about “Poppy Day”."
The first national celebration of the holiday took place May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery. "Arlington National Cemetery represents the American people for past, present and future generations by laying to rest those few who have served our nation with dignity and honor, while immersing guests in the cemetery's living history."
New Mexico
There are many New Mexican memorials to those who served, for a full list see here.
Angel Fire Vietnam Veterans Memorial
"The Chapel was the first major memorial created to honor the veterans of the Vietnam War. It was recognized the United States Congress as a “memorial of national significance” and served as inspiration for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C."
Bataan Memorial, Taos Plaza, Taos, NM
"Dedicated to the men of Taos County members of Battery H 200th Coast Artillery who died in the Battle of Bataan or its aftermath 1942."
Chaves County War Memorial, Roswell, NM
"Memorial Wall Dedicated To All Citizens Of Chaves County Who Served And Died Defending Our Freedom."
New Mexico Veterans Memorial
The City of Albuquerque built the New Mexico Veterans Memorial with open space, landscapes, sculptures, museum and meeting space to celebrate our loved ones who have sacrificed to make our country and the world a better place.
"Are you looking for ways to raise awareness about mental health in your community? You can use these shareable resources to spread the word. We encourage you to use the hashtag #shareNIMH in your social media posts to connect with people and organizations with similar goals."
Encuentre recursos en español / Find Spanish-language resources"El NIMH también ofrece imágenes digitales para compartir, folletos y hojas informativas en español.
NIMH offers Spanish-language digital shareables, brochures, and fact sheets."
"NIMH statistics pages include statistics on the prevalence, treatment, and costs of mental illness for the population of the United States, in addition to information about possible consequences of mental illnesses, such as suicide and disability."
"El NIMH ofrece panfletos y hojas de datos sobre trastornos de la salud mental y temas relacionados para pacientes y sus familias, profesionales de la salud y el público en general. Se pueden pedir materiales impresos gratuitos. Los panfletos y las hojas de datos también se ofrecen en formatos digitales y están disponibles en inglés y español."
"Download, read, and order free NIMH brochures and fact sheets about mental disorders and related topics. Publications are also available in Spanish."
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
"During May, help NIMH raise awareness about borderline personality disorder by sharing informational materials based on the latest research. Share science. Share hope."
"Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood and aging."
NMHealth- Mental Health Program
The Department of Health conducts ongoing surveillance for indicators of mental health among students and adults in every county of New Mexico. Implementation of suicide prevention strategies statewide is a significant focus of the Department of Health’s Office of School and Adolescent Health. Youth suicide prevention and intervention activities were initially funded by the New Mexico Legislature in June 2005. The Human Services Department recently modernized the New Mexico Medicaid system by integrating physical and behavioral health services in the Centennial Care program, which will help treat an individual in a more holistic manner.
Mental illness can be treated and prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended several strategies for Improving Mental Health and Addressing Mental Illness to implement in the treatment setting and in legislation that promote recovery. The United States Preventive Services Task Force also recommends screening youth and adults for depression in the primary care setting when staff-assisted depression care supports are in place.
Today's post is dedicated to mothers. Below you will find the information on the history of Mother's Day, craft projects, lessons, and statistics to celebrate the day.
The Mother of Mother’s Day (Library of Congress) Anna M. Jarvis, 1864-1948, half length portrait, facing slightly right. Prints and Photographs Division
“Jarvis continued to campaign for a national holiday. Her efforts culminated in legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Woodrow Wilson on May 9, 1914, that declared flags be flown “on the second Sunday in May as a public expression of our love and reverence for the mothers of our country.” The first national celebration was held on May 10, 1914.”
Say it with flowers (Library of Congress) (Image: Suggestion for a Mother’s Day Newspaper advertisement- May 5, 1917 The Florists’ Exchange, p. 1045.)
“In observance of Mother’s Day many of us in the United States will be buying and sending flowers to the mothers in our lives. You might not know it, but this tradition of sending flowers started back in the early 1900’s before ‘Mother’s Day’ was proclaimed.”
Schack's book of prepared materials for making paper flowers, (Library of Congress)
This guide from 1916 has instructions for making paper flowers for “Department Stores, Home Workers, Convents, and all others who manufacture Artificial Flowers.” The intention was for the reader to purchase the pieces to make the flowers but a crafty person can use the petal patterns provided. This is a great project for recycling book pages.
Paper Flower Garland (El Pueblo de Los Angeles)
“Decorate the house for special occasions, while staying safe at home. This cultural tradition is a wonderful way to have fun and add some color to any room.”
Mother poems for Mothers' Day ... (Library of Congress)
A book of poems published in 1923, written by Clara Ellen Cooper Burton.
National Archives: Spotlight: The Pilgrimages of Gold Star Mothers and Widows
“After WWI, the American Gold Star Mothers’ Association began to lobby for federally funded pilgrimages to visit the graves of their sons and husbands who were buried overseas. A newspaper article from 1928 discussed the possibility of the pilgrimages by saying, ‘This is a trip that many of the bereaved have longed for and would have taken but for the hard obstacle of cost. The expense which the government is to bear will be small compared with the satisfaction of sentiment afforded by these visits.’” (Image: Library of Congress, Poppy wreath by Mothers of World War, Mother's Day at Arlington, 5/10/25, LC-F8- 35848)
Sacagawea, The Ultimate Working Mother
"The image of Sacagawea as a mother is such an enduring part of her story that she is pictured with her son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, on the face of the U.S. Golden Dollar coin first minted in 2000. In February 1805, after a labor that Meriwether Lewis described as “tedious and the pain violent,” Sacagawea gave birth to her first child, who was affectionately nicknamed Pompey by Captain William Clark. For the next year-and-a-half, Sacagawea would carry her child, tied to her back, on one of the most famous journeys in American history."
"Mary “Mother” Jones had a long and storied career as a fearless union organizer among miners. She immigrated to North America as a child after her family fled the devastation of the Irish Potato Famine in 1847. Her early life was marked by tragedy. When she was 30 years old and living in Memphis, Tennessee, she lost her husband and four children to a yellow fever epidemic that swept through the city."
Dr. Margaret "Mom" Chung
"Dr. Margaret “Mom” Chung was the first Chinese American woman to become a physician. She founded one of the first Western medical clinics in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the 1920s. During World War II, she and her widespread network of “adopted sons,” most of them American soldiers, sailors, and airmen who called her “Mom,” became famous. " (Image: Dr. Margaret Chung with a Lockheed P-38 Lightning model and photos of some of her recruits. Public domain.)
The Real Lives of People in Dorothea Lange's Portraits- Migrant Mother
" Florence Owen Thompson was traveling with her family from elsewhere in California. The family had set up a camp on the side of the road while her husband and son went into town to resolve some car troubles. When they returned, she mentioned a photographer had taken some photos."
Dr. Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer | "Mother of Hubble"
"After three decades in orbit and thousands of discoveries, it is hard to believe that the Hubble Space Telescope was ever a contentious idea. However, in the mid-20th century, a budget-starved NASA and a post-World War II government were hesitant to follow the ambitious ideal of a giant new telescope. One woman, nicknamed the “Mother of Hubble,” pushed the first major space-based telescope from hopeful speculation to pioneering reality."
"Ella Josephine Baker was tireless in her pursuit of justice. From the 1930s on, Baker participated in over 30 organizations and campaigns, though her most documented and lasting impact stems from her role in the modern Civil Rights Movement. ... Individuals like Diane Nash, John Lewis, and Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael) revered her as their “political mother.”
Mother’s Day Fun Facts (U.S. Census)
“View these fun facts and discover interesting data associated with mothers. Teachers can use the teaching guide for ideas on how to incorporate the data into a classroom activity.”
Weather History Report: Mother's Day
See what the weather is has been like on Mother’s Days past.
Mother's Day in the U.S.A. (Department of State)
Class activities for English learners.
Happy Mother’s Day to Moms of All Species (U.S. Geological Service)
See some adorable animals and learn more about seals, cranes, and other creatures.
Since 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14, Americans have commemorated the adoption of the Stars and Stripes in many ways–displaying the flag in the front of their homes, parades, and other patriotic observances.
The Birth of Old Glory from Painting by Moran. Percy Moran, artist; photomechanical print, [Red Oak, Iowa]: Thomas D. Murphy, Co., c1917. Prints & Photograph Division
Mother Jones