Today in History–February 8–the Library of Congress features the controversial silent film, The Birth of a Nation, which premiered on this day in 1915. Although the film advanced the art of cinema, it did so by telling a story with a skewed, racist vision of U.S. history. Protested by many, the film was ultimately a great commercial success. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below. The Birth of a Nation poster Perfect song; Love … [Read more...]
Today in History–June 22–the Library of Congress features the birth of the Progressive Party on this day in 1912. Led by Theodore Roosevelt, the Bull Moose Party promised to increase federal regulation and protect the welfare of ordinary citizens. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access images and oral histories and more resources related to the Battle of Okinawa and World War II. Bull Moose image set Bull Moose Trails (book, … [Read more...]
Today in History–June 18–the Library of Congress features Uncle Sam illustrator James Montgomery Flagg, born on this day in 1877. In addition to the iconic Uncle Sam, Flagg created dozens of posters supporting the war effort during World War I. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Flagg and his work. The Most Famous Poster (American Treasures exhibition) The Bookman (American Treasures … [Read more...]
Today in History–April 17–the Library of Congress features writer Thornton Wilder, born on this day in 1897. This lauded American writer produced award-winning (3 Pulitzer Prizes and 1 National Book Award) plays, novels, essays, and more. Find out more about this literary master by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Wilder and the theater. Thornton Wilder image set Exhibition items: Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-prize … [Read more...]
Help your students make connections to our nation's presidents and tap into the presidential power within themselves. These primary source teaching resources include class projects, lesson plans, games, interactives, and activity ideas (collection connections). If that's not enough, you can access more presidential primary sources and teaching resources at the TPS-Barat website. Let us know what works for you and your students! Abraham Lincoln & Me Primary Source Activity Book: Teacher … [Read more...]
Today in History–February 2–the Library of Congress features the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed on this day in 1848. The treaty ended the United States' war with Mexico and extended the U.S. western boundary to the Pacific ocean. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more about this war between the U.S. and its southern neighbor. Check out the treaties section of Thomas to access modern-day treaties between the United Stated and … [Read more...]
Today in History–November 29–the Library of Congress features the Alcott family. The family patriarch, educator Amos Bronson Alcott was born on this date in 1799. His second of four daughters, author Louisa May Alcott was born in 1832, also on November 29. Learn more about both father and daughter as well as other Alcott family members by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more Alcott sources. Books & articles about the … [Read more...]
Library of Congress Magazine March/April 2013 Features Queen of the Movies Actress, producer, entrepreneur and superstar: Mary Pickford influenced the direction of American cinema from its early days. A Photo Dialogue A unique online partnership has brought historical photos to a broad audience, helped the Library solve curatorial mysteries and sparked thoughtful discussion. Supporting Congress [...]
Curator description: Bernard Brussel-Smith studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the New School for Social Research in New York. During the 1940s and 1950s, Brussel-Smith established himself as America’s foremost wood engraver. In this scene from Hamlet, Polonius, chief minister of the evil King Claudius, gives advice to his [...]
Teaching with the Library of Congress
