Today in History: Actor Joe Jefferson

Joseph Jefferson as the beloved character, Rip Van Winkle
Today in History–February 20–the Library of Congress features actor Joe Jefferson, born on this day in 1829. Learn more about this hugely popular comic actor and early American theater by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources about Jefferson and theater in the United States.

Comic Actor Joseph Jefferson Was Born from America’s Library

Joe Jefferson primary source set

Joe Jefferson, actor historical newspaper coverage through 1905

“Joseph Jefferson as ‘Charles Plummer’” The Century Volume 27, Issue 3, Jan 1884

“Sketch Of Joseph Jefferson” Harper’s new monthly magazine Volume 73, Issue 435, August 1886

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 1 The Century; a popular quarterly Volume 39, Issue 1, Nov 1889

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 2 The Century Volume 39, Issue 2, Dec 1889

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 3 The Century 39, Issue 3, Jan 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 4 The Century Volume 39, Issue 4, Feb 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 5 The Century Volume 39, Issue 5, Mar 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 6 The Century Volume 39, Issue 6, Apr 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 7 The Century Volume 40, Issue 1, May 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 8 The Century Volume 40, Issue 2, June 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 9 The Century Volume 40, Issue 3, July 1890

“The Autobiography of Joseph Jefferson” part 10 The Century Volume 40, Issue 4, Aug 1890