Today in History–November 30–the Library of Congress features Mark Twain, born on this date in 1835 as Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Learn more about this master American writer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Twain resources. You might also be interested in this previous PSN post: Mining the Library for Gilded Age Teaching Resources & Strategies. Stories about Mark Twain (America's Library) Mark Twain image set Books … [Read more...]
Today in History–October 11–the Library of Congress features photographer Dorothea Lange, who died on this day in 1965. Best known for her "Migrant Mother" photo, Lange began her career as a studio photographer. During the Depression she took her camera to the street, photographing the homeless. These images led to her employment with the federal Resettlement Administration (RA), and its successor agency, the Farm Security Administration (FSA). Learn more about this Lange by visiting … [Read more...]
Today in History–October 2–the Library of Congress features Thurgood Marshall, sworn in as Supreme Court Justice on this day in 1967; he was the first African American to serve. President Lyndon B. Johnson said of Marshall's appointment, "the right thing to do, the right time to do it, the right man and the right place." Prior to becoming a judge, Marshall was a top civil rights lawyer, most famous for his greatest victory in 1954 with the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. … [Read more...]
The September 25, 2012 Today in History post featured William Faulkner, creator of the fictional Yoknapatawpha County which was based upon and inspired by Lafayette County, Mississippi. Find out all about the real state of Mississippi through a review of thousands of primary sources available online from the Library of Congress. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources for Washington, D.C., Kiska Island & Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, San Francisco & … [Read more...]
Today in History–September 21–the Library of Congress features New Mexico. On this day in 1595, Don Juan de Oñate's petition and contract for the conquest of New Mexico was presented to Luís de Velasco, the viceroy of Nueva Vizcaya. The petition was ultimately granted and Oñate's expedition set out in 1598. A brutal leader, Oñate was later stripped of his position, fined, and banned in perpetuity from New Mexico. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow … [Read more...]
Today in History–September 17–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Constitution. After much debate and compromise, the members of the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the Constitution on this day in 1787. It would take just over nine months to ratify this document that would become the supreme law of the land. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and by delving into this extensive list of U.S. Constitution primary sources and teaching … [Read more...]
Exhibitions Creating the United States Constitution Creating the United States Constitution Interactive (Microsoft Silverlight®) Creating the Bill of Rights Creating the Declaration of Independence Declaring Independence, Drafting the Documents Benjamin Franklin in His Own Words American Treasures: A Rare Civics Lesson American Treasures: The Federalist American Treasures: A Looking Glass for 1787 American Treasures: Draft of the Virginia Constitution American … [Read more...]
Today in History–August 24–the Library of Congress features Delaware, the territory of which was deeded to William Penn by order of the Duke of York on this day in 1682. Penn wanted the territory to insure ocean access to the state he founded, Pennsylvania. It would take more than a century for this carved out section of land to become a state. Learn more about Delaware by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources. Interested in … [Read more...]
![Vermont [Pictorial envelope]](http://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/vermont-110x110.jpg)
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 follow the links below to access more primary source related to Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources for Washington, … [Read more...]
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 source related to Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey. Interested in other cities and states? Find resources … [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
