North America
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“Through travel I first became aware of the outside world; it was through travel that I found my own introspective way into becoming a part of it.”
– Eudora Welty
Explore the history, diverse cultures and traditions of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico and the United States. North American culture reflects both the cultures of its indigenous people- the Native Americans as well as the culture that is influenced by European Colonization.
The United States is the third largest country in the world and one of the most culturally diverse countries of the world. Described as the ‘melting pot‘ of North America , amalgamation of different cultures has given shape to the unique U.S. culture.
Mexico is the most populous state of North America and one of the largest city in the world.
Canada is the largest country of North American region and covering more than half of the continent’s area.
Sandwiched between its Amish countryside and hip food scene, Lancaster Pennsylvania combines the old and new in awe-inspiring ways. Join World Footprints as we explore the area’s rich history, including President James Buchanan’s Wheatland home, and Lancaster’s contemporary offerings.
Hawaii recently passed one of the island’s most strictest vacation rental laws in over 40 years. A bill signed by Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell, aims at limiting the number of bed and breakfast rentals to 1,715. The Honolulu City Council suspects there are close to 10,000 vacation rentals on Oahu with only 770 of them being legally licensed to provide short-term rentals.
Experience a slice of American history as two journalists share their perspectives on Martha’s Vineyard and parts of the American south. Author, Bijan Bayne,has been a summer resident of Martha’s Vineyard since childhood. He says that while most people may know about Martha’s Vineyard because of the Obama family and the movie Jaws, the Vineyard has a rich history within the African American community. Bijan tells us that the island is much more than a playground for the rich and famous and his stories will shatter some stereotypical notions many hold about Martha’s Vineyard. Travel writer Kathleen Walls loves sharing the historical stories she discovers during her travels. Her storytelling is truthful and authentic and she isn’t afraid to share stories about dark episodes in American history like the Trail of Tears or slavery. Kathleen says that often times certain parts of American’s history is overlooked because of shame and [...]
The Grand Canyon is well-known for all its amazing rock formations, but Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park is about to claim the title of the most recent International Dark Sky Park. This is where the land possesses a unique quality of starry nights and night-time environment that has been protected for scientific, educational, natural and cultural or public enjoyment.
Smack in the middle of the booming, luminescent night life of St. Louis' trendy Loop district is a place where you can knock down pins near where President Obama knocks down pies (pizza, that is).
Located within the Shiloh National Military Park, the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center tells the story of the railroads that crossed in Corinth and led to two Civil War battles for control that were some of the bloodiest ever fought.
Vancouver you're on fire!!! On June 13, 1886, the newly incorporated city of Vancouver, British Columbia nearly burned to the ground. Officials attempted to clear brush with a controlled fire between Main and Cambie streets. However, during the controlled burn a strong wind arose off the Pacific Ocean and it fanned the flames out of control. That almost almost burned the entire city to the ground.
People who use medical marijuana who always wanted to visit Hawaii have another reason to do so. The Associated Press reports that Hawaii will allow visitors who have permission to use medical marijuana to register and purchase the drug from the islands’ dispensaries.
The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1922. In 1867, only two years after his assassination, the US Congress authorized the Lincoln Monument Association to build a memorial to Lincoln. However, it was not until 1901 that the site was chosen. Former President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft dedicated the monument upon its completion in a ceremony attended by Robert Todd Lincoln, the surviving child of Lincoln.
On this day in history...Peter Minuit, Director-General of the Dutch New World colony of New Netherland, sought to claim a legitimate title to the land the colony desired to rule and entered into negotiations with the local Native Americans. Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan on May 24, 1626 for 60 guilders and a collection of European handicrafts and ornaments.
As we celebrate this Memorial Day holiday we thought we would share some highlights from previous years coverage of the G.I. Film Festival in Washington, D.C. The GI Film Festival is the first film festival in the nation to exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the service member through the medium of film.
On this day (May 21) in 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross. Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances founded the ARC in Washington, D.C. on May 21, Barton first heard of the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross network while visiting Europe following the Civil War. Returning home, she campaigned for an American Red Cross and for ratification of the Geneva Convention protecting the war-injured, which the United States ratified in 1882
