Celebrate the Bible

The Bible and Prayer in Schools

The Christian Holy Bible played a significant role in schools and education. This influence dates back to the earliest days of settlements in North America. Until the 1960’s, school days usually started with a reading of Holy Scripture. They also included a recitation of the Lord’s Prayer.

If you would like to view the photos associated with this episode, please visit my WordPress page at: https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/02/22/the-bible-and-prayer-in-schools/

America's First Bible for the Blind 1848

Samuel Gridley Howe, the first director of the Perkins Institution for the Blind, advocated for the education of blind students in 19th-century America. He developed the Boston Line Type, an embossed reading system, and supported the establishment of schools for the blind. Howe's legacy includes the first Bible printed in America for visually impaired individuals.

If you would like to view the photos, please go to my WordPress site at:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/02/15/first-bible-for-the-visually-impaired-in-america/

All Aboard! The American Freedom Train

In April 1975, the American Freedom Train, a symbol of America's railroad history, traveled 17,000 miles through 76 cities, showcasing American heritage and significant artifacts, including historic Bibles. It engaged over ten million visitors, commemorating the nation's bicentennial. The upcoming 2026 Semiquincentennial will celebrate its 50th anniversary.

If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please go to my WordPress blog:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/02/09/the-american-freedom-train/

Delaware New Testament Podcast

Delaware was one of the last colonies to establish its printing press, with James Adams noted as its first significant printer. Confusion exists regarding the first Delaware New Testament, attributed to either Adams in 1781 or Samuel Adams in 1791. The text remains exceedingly rare, surpassing even the Gutenberg Bible in scarcity.

If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please go to my WordPress page:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/02/02/who-printed-delawares-first-new-testament/

Tyndale's First American New Testament

William Tyndale was a pioneer in English Bible translation, producing the New Testament in 1526. Despite facing legal threats and persecution, his work laid the foundation for future translations. The first American printing occurred in 1837, highlighting Tyndale's enduring impact on making scripture accessible. Only a few original copies of his work survive today.

If you would like to view to the photos associated with this broadcast, please go to my WordPress page at:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/01/26/tyndale-new-testament-in-america/

 

Scopes Monkey Trial Centennial

The Scopes Monkey Trial, marked by its 100th anniversary in 2025, was a significant event in American history, being the first trial broadcast live on radio. It revolved around John Scopes' alleged violation of Tennessee's Butler Act, which prohibited teaching evolution in schools. The trial raised issues of religion and education but focused on legal matters rather than the debate between Creationism and Darwinism.

To view historical photographs, memorabilia, and ephemera related to the trial, please go to my WordPress web page, episode #7:

Scopes Monkey Trial Web Page

Jane Aitken: Pioneer American Printer

Jane Aitken, the first American woman to print the Bible, succeeded her father’s print shop in Philadelphia after his death. Notably, she printed the Thomson Bible, marking significant achievements in early American biblical history.

To view the photos associated with this podcast, please go to my WordPress page at:

Jane Aitken: Pioneer American Printer

America's First Hot-Pressed Bible 1798

The first bible to be hot-pressed in America occurred in 1798. It was printed by John Thompson in Philadelphia, PA.

If you would like to view the photos associated with this podcast, please go here:

America's First Hot-Pressed Bible 1798

Famous Women of the Bible 1898

For this episode (3 min) we will examine a bible-based advertisement from the year 1898.

If you would like to see the antique illustrations, please go to my WordPress Page at:

Famous Women of the Bible

Hilton Hotel BibleGraph

The 1949 BibleGraph wheel offered to guests of the Hilton Hotel chain.

If you'd like to see the web page and photos associated with this podcast:

HILTON HOTEL BIBLEGRAPH