The black cat, illustration for the Tales of Edgar Allan Poe

Today in History: Edgar Allan Poe

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…

Today in History: Paris Peace Conference

Today in History: Paris Peace Conference

Today in History–January 18–the Library of Congress features the Paris Peace Conference, begun on this day in 1919. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, French Premier Georges Clemenceau, and Italian Premier Vittorio Orlando—became known as the big four for their role in settling issues stemming from World War I. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and the clicking the…

Today in History: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History: Benjamin Franklin

Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features innovative leader Benjamin Franklin, born on this date in 1706. Learn more about this fascinating self-educated man who was a printer, writer, scientist, and statesman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Ben Franklin. Benjamin Franklin Papers The select works of Benjamin Franklin; including his autobiography 1857 Benjamin…

Today in History: Basketball

Today in History: Basketball

Today in History–January 16–the Library of Congress features basketball. The first unofficial college basketball game was played on this date in 1896 when the University of Chicago beat the University of Iowa by a score of 15-12. Learn more about this sport by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more basketball primary sources. Sports lovers will want…

I wonder where my easy rider's gone?; Hard luck racetrack story. 1913 Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920 (from Duke University)

Today in History: Sophie Tucker

Today in History–January 13–the Library of Congress features Sophie Tucker, born on this date in 1884 or 1886 as Sonya Kalish. Learn more about the life of this much loved entertainer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to Sophie Tucker and musical entertainment styles of her day. Sophie Tucker sheet music Sophie Tucker images…

Today in History: Alice Paul

Today in History: Alice Paul

Today in History–January 11–the Library of Congress features suffragist leader Alice Paul, born on this date in 1885. Learn more about the National Woman’s Party by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Alice Paul and the woman suffrage movement. Alice Paul images Alice Paul timeline and select newspaper articles More historical newspaper coverage of Alice…

Today in History: Florida

Today in History: Florida

Today in History–January 10–the Library of Congress features Florida, which seceded from the Union 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 “Sunshine state” through the review of primary sources. Florida stories from America’s Library Florida primary source set with teacher’s guide…

Today in History: Connecticut

Today in History: Connecticut

Today in History–January 9–the Library of Congress features Connecticut, which became the fifth state to ratify the U.S Constitution on this day in 1788. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of Connecticut through the review of primary sources. Connecticut stories from America’s Library Connecticut primary source set with…

Today in History: Dizzy Gillespie

Today in History: Dizzy Gillespie

Today in History–January 6–the Library of Congress features jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, who died on this date in 1993. Learn more about the terrific trumpeter-composer-bandleader who was one of the key figures in modern jazz music by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. Dizzy Gillespie from America’s Library Dizzy Gillespie, Carl Van Vechten image set Dizzy Gillespie, William…

Today in History: Harry S. Truman

Today in History: Harry S. Truman

Today in History–January 5–the Library of Congress features Harry S. Truman, who announced his “Fair Deal” reform package on this date in 1949. Learn more about our nation’s 33rd president (1945-52) and key aspects of his presidency by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about President Truman. Truman Announced A Fair Deal from…

Today in History: Burma / Myanmar

Today in History: Burma / Myanmar

Today in History–January 4–the Library of Congress features Burma (Myanmar), which gained independence on this date in 1948. Learn some more about this Asian country by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources. Burma (Myanmar) maps Contemporary U.S. legislation related to Burma (Myanmar) Burma (Myanmar) books Burma historical newspaper coverage Burma (Myanmar) historical images Myanmar…

Today in History: Lucretia Mott

Today in History: Lucretia Mott

Today in History–January 3–the Library of Congress features Lucretia Mott, born on this date in 1793. Learn more this political and social reformer and women’s suffrage activist by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources about this trailblazing woman. Lucretia Mott was born from America’s Library Lucretia Mott books & articles Lucretia Mott historical newspaper coverage Lucretia Mott…