Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Preacher Tries Farming

Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Preacher Tries Farming

The page shown above comes from a transcript of a 1930s oral history interview with George Strester who remembers a memorable Thanksgiving time when his father, a preacher, tried farming in Nebraska in 1873. Click the links below to browse through some related images, then read Strester’s whole story. Describe how the images enhanced your understanding…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Carpet-bagger

Guided Primary Source Analysis: The Carpet-bagger

Read this brief description of carpetbaggers and scalawags from History.com. Next review this Encyclopedia of Virginia entry on Benjamin F. Butler, being sure to read at least the introductory paragraph as well as the first paragraph under the New Orleans header. Now look closely at the cover of this sheet music. Describe the perspective of carpetbaggers that you think…

Today in History: The Rough Riders

Today in History: The Rough Riders

Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features the rough riders. On this day in 1898 these voluntary cavalrymen, led by Theodore Roosevelt, helped to secure a U.S. victory in the Battle of Santiago, the decisive battle of the short-lived Spanish-American War. The rough riders stormed Kettle Hill, then joined in the capture of the San Juan Hill complex in…

Learning from the Source: Digital Stories of Our Heroes

Learning from the Source: Digital Stories of Our Heroes

Engage students with a real-world activity that has them learning about U.S. history while adding to the collective American memory. This project allows students to learn and use interview and digital presentation skills to discover, elicit, and relate the stories of local veterans and others who contributed during times of conflict. To complete this project,…

Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

Today in History–December 7–the Library of Congress features the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on this day in 1941. A hurried Navy dispatch sent out the news: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. More than 2,300 Americans were killed, 160 aircraft were destroyed, and 12 ships sank. The next day the United States declared…

Today in History: Brigham Young & the Mormon Pioneers

Today in History: Brigham Young & the Mormon Pioneers

Today in History–July 24–the Library of Congress features Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers, who arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah on this day in 1847. The weary group was happy to find their “promised land” after traveling some 1,000 miles from the Mormon settlement in Nauvoo, Illinois. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…

Today in History: Vermont
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Today in History: Vermont

Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features Vermont, which revised its constitution on this day in 1793 and became the first state to prohibit slavery. Learn more about the “Green Mountain” state known for its independent-minded citizens by visiting the Today in History section, then following the links below to access more primary sources. Vermont stories from America’s Library Vermont primary source set with Teacher’s Guide…

Today in History: Atlantic City

Today in History: Atlantic City

Today in History–June 26–the Library of Congress features Atlantic City, New Jersey. On this day in 1879, the first stretch of the Atlantic City boardwalk opened, paving the way for this shoreline spot to become a premier resort destination. Learn more about the boardwalk by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources related to…

Today in History: Defeat on Okinawa

Today in History: Defeat on Okinawa

Today in History–June 21–the Library of Congress features the U.S. defeat of Japanese troops on Okinawa Island on this day in 1945. One of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War II, the battle for Okinawa claimed somewhere around 12,000 American and 110,000 Japanese lives. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below…

Today in History: Arkansas

Today in History: Arkansas

Today in History–June 15–the Library of Congress features Arkansas, which became the 25th state on this day in 1836. Over the years, this state has adopted many different nicknames, including the “Bear State”, the “Wonder State”, the “Land of Opportunity”, and, most recently, the “Natural State”. Learn more about Arkansas by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more…