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A Little History
Schedule of Events
Homeschool Resources
Homeschool Activities
Our Plan

A Little History

The first presidential inaugurations were far from the large, widely publicized events we see today. Without social media or live television broadcasts, these ceremonies were much simpler. George Washington took the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York City, while John Adams’ inauguration occurred in the House of Representatives Chamber at Congress Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C., marking a shift in tradition. Over time, inaugurations have become grand occasions filled with history, celebration, and ceremonial pomp. Despite their evolution, they have consistently symbolized the peaceful transfer of power, with traditions and events that unite the nation on this momentous day.

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Inauguration Day takes place every four years on January 20 (sometimes the 21st). This year, the date coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a rare occurrence that has happened only twice before—during the second-term inaugurations of Presidents Clinton and Obama. Donald Trump’s presidency will officially commence at noon on Monday.

Schedule of Events

The day’s events traditionally begin at the White House, where the incoming President and Vice President meet with the outgoing administration. The schedule proceeds as follows:

• Procession from the White House to the Capitol
• Swearing-in ceremonies
• Inaugural address
  • George Washington delivered the shortest inaugural address in U.S. history, speaking just 135 words during his second inauguration in 1793. In contrast, William Henry Harrison holds the record for the longest inaugural address, delivering a speech that lasted nearly two hours and contained 8,445 words.
• Honorary departure of the outgoing President and Vice President

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has been planning inaugurations since 1901. Their website is amazing and has information about each inaugural event. It seems that many take place in pretty cold weather. Each President is sworn in using the same oath as others before him:

“I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God.” Article II, Section I of the U.S. Constitution

The next events occur after the President is sworn in:

• Signing Ceremony
• Inaugural Luncheon (hosted by the JCCIC)
• Pass-In Review of Military Troops
• Procession back to the White House

Homeschool Resources

As a homeschool mom, I want to help my kids enjoy the historic pomp and circumstance of the day. It is a time to look forward to the future while appreciating the past and its traditions that unite us as Americans. I’ll remind my kids that we are at this point in time experiencing history in real time, and hopefully they will remember this day for many years. (Just in case, I’m gonna take pictures, and they’ll be thrilled…) Here are some resources and activities to try on Inauguration Day:

Websites for Research:

• Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies-(mentioned above) awesome website about the history of the inauguration, the building of the Capitol platform, events, and more.
• Architect of the Capitol-explore the Capitol building and read about the details of the inauguration, as well as key historic details
• National Park Service– this website is a literal rabbit hole of historic information and amazing pictures
• Religious Activities at Presidential Inaugurations by David Barton (detailed website focusing on Christian practices during the inauguration
• The Writings of George Washington, Vol. I– Washington’s writings from 1748-1757

Videos:

• Everything You Need to Know About Presidential Inaugurations by Pursuit of History- 4 minute video with basic facts of the inauguration with interest details of different presidents; great for all ages but graphics would also keep the attention of younger kids
• Presidential Power: Crash Course Government and Politics #11– explore beyond Inauguration Day to the powers the President has and the branches of government (for older kids)
• Presidential Inauguration | Social Studies Shorts- interesting moments from past inaugurations
• The Presidential Inauguration: An American Tradition– video about the history of the ceremonies and how the current traditions came about

Other:

• Free Inauguration Day 2025 Worksheets-Ed Helper (grades K-6)
• Let’s Get Real-A Free Study of the Inauguration-9 pages for lower elememtary kids with information, questions, and a map
• Inauguration Day: Interactive Notebook Activity- list of interesting facts (4 pages)-all ages
• Inauguration Day Printables
• Build a miniature of the Capitol Building. (Papertoys, Paper Model, this one uses popsicle sticks and modeling clay)
• Inauguration Day Worksheets– 15 pages for variety of ages
• Wordsearch (Printable) for ages 8 and up

Books:

• A Parade for George Washington by Adler- cute book about the adventure of George Washington and the trip to his inauguration
• Beautiful Feet Books President Topics– so many good books
• Prelude to Independence: The Life of George Washington (Volume 1) Study the life of George Washington before he became president. War in the Colonies: The Life of George Washington, Volume 2 (1732 – 1778)
• History of US, book 4– this book is an awesome resource book for early American history, starting at Washington’s inauguration and continuing on toward the Civil War (208 pages)

Homeschool Activities

1. Create Your Own Inaugural Address

Have your child write and deliver their own inaugural speech. Encourage them to include goals, values, and ideas they would focus on as a leader. Discuss the importance of an inaugural address and how it sets the tone for a presidency.

2. Inauguration Day Timeline

Research and create a timeline of significant inaugural moments in U.S. history. Highlight key events, such as George Washington’s first inauguration, the first televised ceremony, and notable speeches.

3. Mock Inauguration Ceremony

Organize a mock inauguration at home. Assign roles (President, Vice President, Chief Justice) and have your child recite the Oath of Office. Use a dictionary or family Bible to mimic the tradition of swearing in.

4. Crafts and Hands-On Activities

Design a Presidential Seal: Let your child create their own version of a presidential seal using markers, colored pencils, or digital design tools.
Build a Miniature Capitol: Use LEGO, craft sticks, or paper to create a model of the U.S. Capitol building.

5. Explore the Oath of Office

Read the Oath of Office from the U.S. Constitution (Article II, Section 1, Clause 8). Discuss its meaning and why it’s significant.

6. Analyzing Historical Presidential Inaugural Addresses

Watch excerpts from famous inaugural addresses and discuss how they reflect the challenges of their time. Follow the directions on this website.

7. Inaugural Day Word Search or Crossword

Create a word search or crossword puzzle with key terms like “inauguration,” “Capitol,” “oath,” “speech,” and “President.”

8. Learn About Peaceful Transitions of Power

Discuss the concept of the peaceful transfer of power and why it’s a cornerstone of democracy. Compare it to leadership transitions in other countries or historical periods.

9. Watch a Historical Inauguration

View clips of past inaugurations, such as Washington’s reenactment or Kennedy’s televised ceremony. Discuss how the ceremonies have changed over time. (See videos above)

10. Flag and Decorate

Make mini American flags or decorations in red, white, and blue. Use these to decorate your homeschool space for the day.

These activities will provide a mix of history, creativity, and critical thinking while making Inauguration Day memorable and educational!

Our Plan

Our plan for Inauguration Day is to start by diving into some history—watching videos and reading books about past inaugurations and their significance. We’ll follow up with a few hands-on activities, like creating a timeline or designing a presidential seal. Then, we’ll take some time to settle in and watch the live ceremony together, discussing its traditions as we go. To make the day extra special, we’re taking a break from regular lessons and might even bake a cake decorated like an American flag to celebrate the occasion. It’s a wonderful way to combine learning, creativity, and family time while honoring this historic event.