Today in History–March 27–the Library of Congress features Washington D.C.‘s cherry trees. On this day in 1912 two Yoshino cherry trees were planted on the northern bank of the Potomac River Tidal Basin by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, the Japanese ambassador’s wife, to celebrate the Japanese government’s gift of 3,000 trees to…
Today in History–March 26–the Library of Congress features publisher Condé Nast, born on this day in 1874. While working as an advertising executive for Collier’s, Nast created the concept of magazines based on targeted groups of readers. In 1909 he purchased Vogue and five years later created Vanity Fair. Learn more about American clothing styles by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…
Today in History–March 23–the Library of Congress features cookbook author Fannie Farmer, born on this day in 1857. In 1896 she published the Boston Cooking School Cookbook (known today as the Fannie Farmer Cookbook), which was the first to feature standardized measurements. Learn more about Farmer and American cooking by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access a cornucopia…
Today in History–March 22–the Library of Congress features industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who presented his designs for a sleek roadster he called the Avanti to the Studebaker Corporation on this day in 1961. Loewy designed cars for other companies too as well as locomotives and a wide assortment of both industrial and consumer products. Learn more about “father of…
Today in History–March 21–the Library of Congress features showman Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., born on this day in 1869 (or, possibly, 1867). Learn more about this entertainment impresario who produced the Ziegfeld Follies by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Ziegfeld and the theater. Ziegfeld images Florenz Ziegfeld historical newspaper coverage Ziegfeld Follies historical newspaper…
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…
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–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–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…
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…
Today in History–March 12–the Library of Congress features Andrew Carnegie, who offered the city of New York $5.2 million for the construction of sixty-five branch libraries on this day in 1901. After selling his steel company for hundreds of millions, Carnegie devoted the rest of his life to writing and philanthropic activities, including building thousands of public libraries across…
Today in History–March 9–the Library of Congress features the Amistad mutiny survivors, released on this day in 1841 by the Supreme Court. Former president John Quincy Adams successfully argued the case and the former captives eventually returned to Africa. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below to read Adams’ argument and access more…