Speech of Hon. Carl Schurz, of Missouri at Indianapolis, Indiana, July 20, 1880

Today in History: Carl Schurz

Today in History–October 29–the Library of Congress features journalist and politician Carl Schurz. On this date in 1855, the recent German immigrant wrote his wife, Margarethe Meyer Schurz, about his hope for their future in America. Exactly five years later Schurz sent his wife another letter, this time from Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign trail. Schurz served as a U.S. senator and worked with…

Quilt making in Gee's Bend, Alabama

Today in History: Harriet Powers & Quilting

Today in History–October 29–the Library of Congress features quilter Harriet Powers, born on this day in 1837. Harriet Powers used a traditional appliqué technique to record local legends, Bible stories, and astronomical events. Find out more about the quilting tradition by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about this folk art form….