Today in History–February 4–the Library of Congress features the United Service Organization, more commonly known as the USO, incorporated on this date in 1941. The USO was organized by six social service organizations to to provide recreational opportunities and resources for members of the U.S. armed forces on leave. Soon after, the USO created Camp Shows Inc., to bring…
Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features composer Victor Herbert, born on this date in 1859 in Dublin, Ireland. After immigrating to the United States in 1886 with his wife, opera singer Therese Foerster, Herbert quickly became active in the musical life of New York City. Herbert worked with worked for the Metropolitan Opera, was bandmaster of the 22nd Regiment…
Today in History–January 28–the Library of Congress features Julia Ward Howe, who became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters on this date in 1908. Howe and her husband were active in the abolitionist movement. Later, time spent with Union troops inspired Howe to write the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to the tune…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features career pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, who graduated from medical school on this date in 1849. She was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Learn more about this trailblazing woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links listed below. Group portrait of members of the…
Today in History–January 22–the Library of Congress features the Florida Keys. On this day in 1912, the Florida East Coast Railway connected the island of Key West with the Florida mainland. After a 1935 hurricane damaged the line, the Overseas Highway built on the foundation of the old railroad bed. The current system of dozens of bridges…
Today in History–January 21–the Library of Congress features Confederate general Stonewall Jackson, born on this date in 1824. An orphan, Thomas Jonathan Jackson devoted his life to the military as a soldier, teacher, and leader. Learn more about this man known for standing his ground by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…
Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features cable cars. On this day in 1879, San Franciscan Andrew Smith Hallidie patented an improved “Endless Wire Ropeway”, which would become the cable-car system. San Francisco’s success with cable cars led to their introduction in cities across the country. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for primary sources related…
Today in History–January 15–the Library of Congress features civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. King entered Morehouse College at 15, received a bachelor of divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, and a Ph.D from Boston University in 1955. Armed with his doctorate and belief in the use of non-violent action to…
Today in History–January 14–the Library of Congress features the Treaty of Paris, ratified by the Continental Congress on this day in 1784, nine months after the preliminary articles of peace were approved and over four months after the actual treaty was signed in Paris. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section (also see treaty signing entry),…
Today in History–January 9–the Library of Congress features the Fisk School (later known as Fisk University), which held its first classes on this day in 1866. Fisk is one of several historically black colleges–others include Atlanta University, Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), and Howard University. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources…
Today in History–January 8–the Library of Congress features the Battle of New Orleans. On this day in 1815 a small, rag-tag U.S. force claimed victory against 8,000 British troops. Although the battle had little significance—it occurred after the War of 1812 had ended—it made Major General Andrew Jackson a national hero. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section,…
Today in History–January 7–the Library of Congress features writer Zora Neale Hurston, born on this date in 1891. She grew up in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated black town in the United States. Trained as an anthropologist, Hurston documented life histories and folklore, later using what she learned to inform her novels and plays. Learn more about this Harlem renaissance woman…