![Norwegian carriage [Norway]](http://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/norway-110x110.jpg)
Today in History–May 17–the Library of Congress features Norwegian Constitution Day, celebrated on this date in commemoration of the 1814 adoption of Norway's constitution. Learn more about this Northern European country and Norwegian Americans by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below to access related primary sources. Norway primary source set from the World Digital Library Norway maps Norway images Books & other texts about Norway "Norway's … [Read more...]
Collective action can lead to change. "The basic functional requirements of a social movement," according to Herbert W. Simons, Emeritus Professor of Communication, Temple University, "are an ability to mobilize human and material resources, to exert external influence, and to mount resistance to counter-pressures." [1] In this primary source learning activity, students will examine the tactics supporters of the woman suffrage movement used in their long quest to gain the right to vote, … [Read more...]
Today in History–May 2–the Library of Congress features explorer Robert E. Peary, born on this date in 1856. Trained as a civil engineer, Peary first traveled to Nicaragua in 1884 to survey a route for a canal. In 1886, Peary ventured north and began his polar expeditions in Greenland, where he and his assistant Matt Henson learned arctic survival skills from the Inuit. Shortly before Peary announced his success in reaching the North Pole in 1909, Dr. Frederick A. Cook (a companion from … [Read more...]
Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about the period 1929-1945. At the depths of the great depression, which followed the stock market crash in October 1929, over one-quarter of the American workforce was out of work. But President Franklin D. Roosevelt instituted a variety of "New Deal" programs and told U.S. citizens that there was nothing to fear but fear itself. Although the United States tried to stay out of World War II, eventually, the wartime economy would … [Read more...]
Today in History–April 18–TPS-Barat Primary Source Nexus features legendary lawyer Clarence Darrow, born on this day in 1857. Darrow first gained notoriety as a labor lawyer defending union leaders in Chicago. He later went on to become one of the most well-known and well-respected criminal defense attorneys in the United States. Darrow is particularly remembered for his roles in the Haywood Trial, the Leopold and Loeb murder trial, and the Scopes "monkey" trial. Learn more about this … [Read more...]
Today in History–March 25–the Library of Congress features Maryland. On this date the state celebrates the 1634 arrival of the first colonists to the land chartered to Cecil Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore. One of the original 13 colonies, today Maryland is known as the "free" state. Learn more about this state on the Eastern seaboard by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to … [Read more...]
![Penn[sylvania] on the picket line-- 1917](http://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/womenresources-110x110.jpg)
Lesson Plans & Activity Ideas Ladies, Contraband, and Spies Learning from the Source: Chicago Meatpackers & the Unions Primary Source Investigation: Suffrage Primary Source Learning: Women in the White House Stand Up and Sing Suffragists and Their Tactics Voices for Votes: Suffrage Strategies Who's That Lady? Woman suffrage source set & teaching guide Women Struggle and Triumph Women, Their Rights, and Nothing Else Collection Connections: Miller … [Read more...]
Today in History–March 4–the Library of Congress features Idaho. On this date in 1863 President Lincoln signed an act creating Idaho Territory. The area burgeoned and was admitted to the Union as a state in 1890. Learn more about this gem of a state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to Idaho. Idaho stories from America’s Library Idaho primary source set Idaho maps Idaho books & other … [Read more...]
Have students use the primary sources in this set to tell a story about the period 1900-1929. The Progressive Era was one of economic growth and prosperity but also one in which many worked to make American society a better and safer place through environmental, business and government reforms. The story about this time of growth and reform may be in digital or print form. It could be nonfiction, fiction, poetry, or even a song. Click on each thumbnail image below to access the full size primary … [Read more...]
Today in History–February 25–the Library of Congress features the British surrender of Fort Sackville at Vincennes, Indiana on this date in 1779. Despite a 1763 prohibition against western settlement, colonists continued to travel to Indiana and other areas west of the Appalachians. Learn more about the defense of Fort Sackville by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to thousands of primary sources related to the state of … [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
