Primary Source Spotlight: Holidays

Primary Source Spotlight: Holidays

Celebrate U.S. holidays with these primary source collections! And don’t miss these holiday blog posts from Teaching with the Library of Congress. January New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day third Monday in January January/February Lunar New Years begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar February Valentine’s Day March St….

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Celebrating America

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Celebrating America

What do you see in this image? Jot down notes about what you see. What do you think about the details you noticed? How does this source make you feel? What questions do you have? Read the article from America’s Library, Independence Day: Americans Celebrate the Birth of Their Nation, then answer the question at…

Today in History: Independence Day

Today in History: Independence Day

Today in History–July 4–the Library of Congress features Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1776. The first anniversary was a spontaneous celebration, as John Adams recounted in a letter to his daughter Abigail. After the War of 1812, Independence Day celebrations became more common. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section,…

Today in History: Valentine’s Day

Today in History: Valentine’s Day

Today in History–February 14–the Library of Congress features St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated yearly by many on this date. Did you know that the romantic emphasis on this holiday may have stemmed from the medieval belief that birds select their mates on February 14. Learn more about this lovely holiday by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below to access some…

Today in History: Halloween

Today in History: Halloween

Today in History–October 31–the Library of Congress features Halloween. On this day many Americans celebrate spookiness and becoming someone else by dressing in costumes. To learn more about the origins of this fun-filled holiday and ideas for finding unique Halloween primary sources, visit the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Halloween, ghosts,…