The Right to Rest

Why do we have this day called Labor Day? In modern times, we sometimes come to equate it with the end of summer, the last day to wear white, Labor Day sales, or just another Monday off.  But Labor Day has a long and rich history. Established as a federal holiday in 1894, the first Monday of September has been set apart to celebrate and value the role of workers in our society, providing a day off to rest and to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor. As the country pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers, let some of the items in Santa Clara County District's collection help you reflect on those contributions.

Working Words

From the Folks Who Brought You the Weekend

Labor Rising

Where We Worked

Working

State of the Union

A Short History of the U.S. Working Class

Working in America

Who Built America?

Shifting Fortunes

Sweat and Blood