Today in History: The Emancipation Proclamation
Today in History–September 22–the Library of Congress features the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day in 1862, just over five months after signing an act abolishing slavery in the District of Columbia, President Abraham Lincoln issued a preliminary version of this historic act, which was officially proclaimed on January 1, 1863. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access a treasure trove of related primary sources.
Emancipation Proclamation overview & timeline
Teachers’ Emancipation Proclamation primary source set
Emancipation Proclamation exhibition: primary source items
First Emancipation Proclamation
Facsimile of the Emancipation Proclamation
Correspondence related to the Emancipation Proclamation
- Emancipation Proclamation Correspondence – Historical Analysis and Interpretation Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress Critical Thinking Collection Connections
Emancipation Proclamation printed ephemera & other texts
Timeline & select newspaper articles: Emancipation Proclamation
Emancipation Proclamation image set
Forever Free Library of Congress Blog January 11, 2013
Timely Connections: Frederick Douglass & the Emancipation Memorial learning activity
Related resources