Today in History: Howard University

Howard University
Today in History–November 20–the Library of Congress features Howard University, founded on this day in 1866. Originally established as a seminary for African-American clergymen, the founders soon broadened their mission to include liberal arts and medicine. The university was named for one of its founders, Major General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Howard University and the Freedmen’s Bureau.

Howard University Was Founded from America’s Library

Howard University image set

Howard University addresses (speeches)

Howard University modern legislation

Howard University: select newspaper articles

More historical newspaper articles: Howard University

Freedmen’s Bureau background information & primary source activities

Freedmen’s Bureau primary source set