Today in History: The Seneca Falls Convention

Today in History: The Seneca Falls Convention

  Today in History–July 20–the Library of Congress features day two of the Seneca Falls Convention, the first women’s rights convention, which was held July 19-20 in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York. Find out more about the fascinating women who convened there and their long struggle for equality visiting the Today (July 19) in History and Today (July 20) in…

Today in History: Ty Cobb

Today in History: Ty Cobb

Today in History–July 18–the Library of Congress features baseball great Ty Cobb, who connected with his 4,000th career hit on this day in 1927. Find out more about this “Georgia peach” by visiting the Today in History section, then access more primary sources related to Ty Cobb and baseball. Ty Cobb image set Ty Cobb historical newspaper coverage Primary Source Spotlight: Baseball…

Today in History: Washington D.C.

Today in History: Washington D.C.

Today in History–July 16–the Library of Congress features Washington D.C. It’s designation as the United States capital city was assured on this date in 1790 with the signing of the Residence Act. Learn more about the planning of this singular city by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Primary source…

Today in History: Owen Wister & Cowboy Culture

Today in History: Owen Wister & Cowboy Culture

Home on the Range (.mp3) Today in History–July 14–the Library of Congress features novelist Owen Wister, born on this day in 1860, whose 1902 novel The Virginian helped create the myth of the American cowboy. Click on the image above to zoom into key scenes from the novel highlighted on this literary map, then visit the Today in History section to learn…

Today in History: The Solomon Islands

Today in History: The Solomon Islands

Today in History–July 7–the Library of Congress features the Solomon Islands, which became an independent nation on this day in 1978.  Learn more about this far-out place by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related resources. Solomon Islands background information Places in the News Solomon Islands country profile BBC Solomon Islands timeline BBC…

Today in History: P.T. Barnum & Circuses

Today in History: P.T. Barnum & Circuses

Today in History–July 5–the Library of Congress features Phineas Taylor Barnum, born on this day in 1810.  Did you know that Barnum and Bailey’s circus pigs were trained to play the xylophone? Uncover more curious curiosities by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to grab more circus primary source goodies. Phineas Taylor Barnum Was Born from…

Today in History: Postage Stamps

Today in History: Postage Stamps

Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features postage stamps. On July 1, 1847, the United States Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster general under the Continental Congress, and a ten-cent stamp honoring George Washington. Philatelists and the just plain curious can find more tantalizing tidbits by visiting the Today in History section, and clicking the…

Today in History: Paul Laurence Dunbar

Today in History: Paul Laurence Dunbar

Today in History–June 27–the Library of Congress features the multifaceted artist Paul Laurence Dunbar, born on this day in 1872. Dunbar produced a lot in his short life–he died at age 33–achieving international acclaim as a poet, short story writer, novelist, dramatist, and lyricist. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to…