Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features writer and poet Langston Hughes, born on this date in 1902. Famous for his illuminating and moving depictions of African American life, Hughes was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement. Learn more about this treasured American author by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories,…
Today in History–January 31–the Library of Congress features John C. Frémont, who was court-martialed on grounds of mutiny and disobeying orders on this day in 1848. This decision was later reversed by President James Polk and did little to thwart the progress of this explorer turned politician known as the “pathfinder”. Learn more about the extraordinary fortunes…
Today in History–January 30–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson’s Library, which Congress agreed to purchase on this day in 1815. The nearly $24,000 sale more than doubled the original 3,000-volume Library of Congress collection that was destroyed the year before when the British captured Washington D.C. and burned the U.S. Capitol. Learn more by visiting…
Today in History–January 29–the Library of Congress features Kansas, which entered the Union as a free state on this day in 1861. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Sunflower state” through the review of primary sources. Kansas stories from America’s Library Kansas primary source set with…
Today in History–January 27–the Library of Congress features John James Audubon, who died on this date in 1851. Audubon was a naturalist and artist, earning fame for his drawings and paintings of North American birds. Learn more about the namesake of the National Audubon Society by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more related primary sources. John James Audubon Died from…
Today in History–January 26–the Library of Congress features Michigan, which joined the Union as the twenty-sixth state on this day in 1837. The name Michigan is derived from a Native American word Michigama, meaning great water. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Great…
Today in History–January 25–the Library of Congress features Nellie Bly, who completed her circumnavigation of the globe on this day in 1890. This intrepid female reporter made the journey in just 72 days, using many different forms of transportation, including ship, train, jinricksha, sampan, horse, and burro. Learn more about this globetrotter and turn of the century transportation by visiting the Today in History section…
Today in History–January 24–the Library of Congress features gold, discovered in California on this day in 1848. The discovery was first met with skepticism and the California gold rush did not begin in full until after an endorsement from President James Polk in December, 1848. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features the 24th amendment, ratified on this day in 1964. This constitutional amendment barred the poll tax which, up until this time, required voters in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia to pay in order to vote in a national election. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links to related…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features John Hancock, born on this date in 1737. Best known for his big, bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, you can learn more about this Massachusetts politician and key member of the Continental Congresses by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources. John…
Today in History–January 20–the Library of Congress features Franklin Delano Roosevelt, inaugurated as U.S. President in January on this day in 1937. This was the first inauguration held in January but FDR’s second of four inaugurations, his first was held on March 4, 1933. Find out more about the longest serving president in our nation’s history by visiting the Today…
Today in History–January 19–the Library of Congress features author Edgar Allan Poe, born on this date in 1809. Learn more about the life of this master of American writing–a poet; a master of macabre tales; the originator of the modern detective story; and an acute literary critic, editor, and journalist–by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…