Analyzing Primary Sources: Tools & Guides

Analyzing Primary Sources: Tools & Guides

Primary sources, as described by the Library of Congress, “are the raw materials of history — original documents and objects that were created at the time under study. They are different from secondary sources, accounts that retell, analyze, or interpret events, usually at a distance of time or place. Bringing young people into close contact with…

Today in History: New York City’s Finest

Today in History: New York City’s Finest

Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about “New York City’s Finest” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police…

Today in History: Spanish American War

Today in History: Spanish American War

Today in History–April 25–the Library of Congress features the Spanish American War, declared on this date in 1898. Learn more about this short, decisive war by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to learn even more from primary sources. The World of 1898: The Spanish American War Spanish American War primary source set, includes teacher…

Today in History: U.S.S. Maine Sunk

Today in History: U.S.S. Maine Sunk

Today in History–February 15–the Library of Congress features the Spanish-American War, sparked on this date in 1898 when an explosion sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. Two months later, President William McKinley announced a state of war with Spain on April 25, 1898. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…

Primary Source Learning: Teaching Ideas for Different Primary Source Types

Primary Source Learning: Teaching Ideas for Different Primary Source Types

The Fall Issue of the TPS Quarterly is out and the featured article–“Beyond Typescript and Photographs: Using Primary Sources in Different Formats”–provides teaching ideas for using different primary source types in learning activities. Read the article to get tips on using handwritten manuscripts; posters, prints, and drawings; motion pictures; oral histories; historic sheet music and sound recordings; and…

Today in History: Thomas A. Edison

Today in History: Thomas A. Edison

Today in History–August 12–the Library of Congress features scientist and inventor Thomas A. Edison, who is credited with completing the model of the first phonograph on this day in 1877.  Find out more about the “wizard of Menlo Park” by visiting the Today in History section, where you’ll also find links to other Library sound collections. Then click the links below…