Today in History: Iditarod
Today in History–March 20–the Library of Congress features the Iditarod, won by Libby Riddles on this day in 1985, the first win for a woman. The next three Iditarod races were also won by a woman, Susan Butcher (she won for the fourth time in 1990). Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below…
Learning from the Source: Chicago Meatpackers & the Unions
The Chicago meatpacking industry began its rise to prominence in 1865 with the opening of the Union Stock Yard. Meatpacking unions had their ups and downs over the years and company antiunionism took two basic forms: repression and paternalism. Armour, for example, was a company that “provided individualized pay, insurance and promotion incentives (including stock…
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Taft About to Eclipse Bryan
What scientific event does this source facetiously mimic? Do you think the analogy works in this context? Why or why not? This source is referenced as a photographic print but is it a single image? How do you know? How do you think the postcard was made? Do some research to find out more about the…
Today in History: William Jennings Bryan
Today in History–March 19–the Library of Congress features William Jennings Bryan, born on this day in 1860. Famous for his oratorical skills, Bryan served two terms as a U.S. representative then ran for president three times. Although unsuccessful, he did serve as President Woodrow Wilson’s Secretary of State. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below…
Today in History: James Madison
Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features James Madison, born on this day in 1751. (Actually, he was born on March 5 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Learn more about the man known…
Today in History: Maine
Today in History–March 15–the Library of Congress features Maine, which became the twenty-third state in the Union on this day in 1820. Learn more about the pine tree state well known and loved for its dense woodlands and beautiful, often rugged coastline by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this most…
Integrating Tech: Capturing an Oral History
Capturing an Oral History Oral histories help us to understand people and communities, giving personal and cultural context to history. Capturing an oral history is not difficult as long as you prepare for the interview in advance. Preparing for the Interview Students should conduct research to know the context for terms, events, and people linked…
Analyzing Primary Sources: Learning from Oral Histories
History textbooks give overviews of people and events of the past. Primary sources provide varied perspectives, adding details, nuance and, often, a sense of immediacy that make history come alive. Oral histories and personal narratives allow us to step into someone else’s shoes for a moment and make personal connections to history. Students who completed…
Today in History: Rare Children’s Books
Today in History–March 13–the Library of Congress features rare children’s books. Someone wrote “Enoch Brooks’ Book, Princeton, March 13th, 1789″ in permanent ink in a Library of Congress copy of a rare children’s Bible: A Curious Hieroglyphick Bible published by Isaiah Thomas. Learn more about this early American printer and literature publisher by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
