Presidents Day

Illustration of man placing hand on book in front of U.S. Capitol (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Why these 35 words matter to every American

Presidents Day is February 20. Learn why every U.S. president must take the oath of office upon assuming the presidency.
Left photo: Ronald Reagan sitting in chair next to radio equipment (© AP Images) Center photo: Jimmy Carter holding crops at his peanut farm (© PhotoQuest/Getty Images) Right photo: Gerald Ford wearing park ranger uniform in front of park office (Courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library)

U.S. presidents come from many professions

Many U.S. presidents previously held elective office, but not all. And some once held unusual jobs, which started them on their way.
Man holding painting in storage room with packed shelves (Allan Goodrich/JFK Library)

Presidential libraries help humanize former U.S. leaders

History often transforms presidents into mythical figures, but U.S. presidential libraries help us understand these leaders and the eras they shaped.
Four heads carved into mountainside (© AP Images)

Presidents memorialized

Around the United States, numerous memorials — some famous, some obscure — honor those people who served as U.S. president.
Color illustration of White House (Shutterstock)

Test your knowledge of U.S. presidents [quiz]

Every February, Americans honor their presidents. Take our quiz to see how much you know about U.S. presidents. Share your results!
Compilation with photos of John Quincy Adams and Abraham Lincoln (Smithsonian Institution)

Images of U.S. presidents offer a peek at the past

Learn about some of the pictures on display in the American Presidents exhibition at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in Washington.
People eating at tables in large room with airplane and helicopter on display (© Bob Riha Jr/WireImage/Getty Images)

Presidential libraries are more than books and paper

Modern U.S. presidents' records and artifacts are preserved for public access in presidential libraries. But these aren't your average libraries.
Color illustration of White House (Shutterstock)

How much do you know about U.S. presidents? [quiz]

The U.S. has a holiday known as Presidents Day. What do you know about U.S. presidents? Test your knowledge with our interactive quiz!