Inauguration Day Activities

Activities & Resources

Presidential Inaugurations: I Do Solemnly Swear
Students in grades 3-5 discover how the Presidential Inauguration has changed over time and presents historical figures with archival materials.

The Inauguration of George Washington
Students analyze George Washington's diary entry for April 16, 1789, the day he left Mount Vernon for his inauguration in New York City. Grades 6-8

Inaugural Quiz
Test your knowledge of past presidential inaugurations with this 10-question online quiz. Grades 6-12

“I Do Solemnly Swear…”
A special online Library of Congress presentation with more than forty photographs, manuscripts, campaign posters, letters, broadsides, and inaugural speeches representing eighteen presidents. Grades K-12

“I Do Solemnly Swear...” Presidential Inaugurations
This collection of 400 items at the Library of Congress includes diaries and letters of presidents and of those who witnessed inaugurations, handwritten drafts of inaugural addresses, broadsides, inaugural tickets and programs, prints, photographs, and sheet music. These items are related to inaugurations from George Washington's first in 1789 to Barack Obama's first inauguration in 2009. Grades K-12

Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States
Find complete text of all 56 presidential addresses from all 44 Presidents. Grades 9-12

Historical Inauguration Speeches – YouTube
Watch videos of 12 speeches from 1933 (FDR) to 2021 (Joe Biden). Grades 9-12

PBS Learning Media: Presidential Inaugurations
PBS Learning Media's collection of videos and primary sources that place you back in time at several inaugurations of U.S. presidents.

Inaugural Addresses: Comparing and Contrasting Inaugural Addresses ( PDF, 229 KB, 2 pgs.)
Students compare the priorities, goals, and intentions in four inaugural addresses. Grades 9-12

Lesson Plan: 2025 Inauguration Viewing Guides and Activities
CSPAN Classroom offers activities for students to help them understand events occurring on Inauguration Day and interpret the inaugural address that will be given by Donald Trump. Students can use one of several viewing guides to analyze the speech. Activities and handouts include a note-taking chart, guiding questions, topical analysis, an evaluative rubric, and a BINGO game.

Video: America 101: What Happens on Inauguration Day?
History Channel presents a two-minute synopsis of the history and events of inauguration day.

Video: The Very First Inauguration
CBS News' four-minute recap of George Washington's swearing in, the nation's "inaugural inaugural."

Background Information

Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies Website
Since 1901, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies (JCCIC) has been responsible for the planning and execution of the Inaugural Ceremonies of the President-elect and Vice President-elect of the United States at the Capitol. Learn more about history behind the day's events and what's being planned for January's inauguration at their website.