Today in History: Executive Orders 9980 & 9981

Today in History: Executive Orders 9980 & 9981

Today in History–July 26–the Primary Source Nexus features two presidential edicts signed by President Harry S. Truman on this date in 1948. Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 mandated, respectively, that “All personnel actions taken by Federal appointing officers shall be based solely on merit and fitness. . .” and “equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons…

Today in History: Poughkeepsie, New York

Today in History: Poughkeepsie, New York

Today in History–July 26–the Library of Congress features Poughkeepsie, where New York voted to ratify the U.S. Constitution on this date in 1788. The city is located along the Hudson River about midway between New York City and Albany. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Poughkeepsie. Poughkeepsie images Poughkeepsie maps Poughkeepsie…

Today in History: Liberia

Today in History: Liberia

Today in History–July 26–the Library of Congress features Liberia, declared an independent republic on this day in 1847. Formerly a colony of the American Colonization Society—organized in 1817 to resettle free black Americans in West Africa—Joseph Jenkins Roberts was elected the first president of the republic in 1848. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…