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...]
Today in History–February 14–the Library of Congress features St. Valentines 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 fabulous primary sources. Interested in holidays? Check out the holiday primary source set … [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...]
Today in History–July 25–the Library of Congress features Macbeth, "The Play That Electrified Harlem". The closing night performance of Macbeth, produced by John Houseman and directed by Orson Welles for the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), was staged on July 25, 1936 and featured an all African-American cast. Find out more about this production by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more … [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
