Access this newspaper page online and zoom into the cartoon, what inventions are referenced in the comic? Now read the article. Are the same inventions referenced in the text? What other inventions does the article discuss? List the inventions discussed in the article that are a reality today. Compare and contrast one of the predicted inventions…
Today in History–August 15–the Library of Congress features Florence Kling Harding, born on this date in 1860. An ardent support of woman suffrage, Kling Harding was the first first lady to have the right to cast a ballot for her husband (Warren G.). Kling Harding was also an adept business woman and brought a professional identity to the…
Today in History–May 8–the Library of Congress features the soft drink Coca-cola, first sold on this day in 1886 at Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. This carbonated beverage soon became a favorite in the United States; the company sales were around 100 million by the late 1890s. Learn more about the history of this iconic soda by visiting…
Today in History–May 2–the Library of Congress features politician James F. Byrnes, born on this date in 1882. Byrnes represented South Carolina in the House (1911-25) and Senate (1931-41) and was only defeated once, in 1924, for refusing endorsement by the Ku Klux Klan. Byrnes also served as a Supreme Court justice, U.S. secretary of state and Governor of South…
Today in History–May 1–the Library of Congress features New York’s Empire State Building, opened on this day in 1931. President Herbert Hoover participated in the event by pressing a ceremonial button in Washington, D.C., thus, “turning on” the lights. The Empire State Building held the record for tallest building in the world until 1972. Still a New York…
Today in History–April 18–TPS-Barat Primary Source Nexus features legendary lawyer Clarence Darrow, born on this day in 1857. Darrow first gained notoriety as a labor lawyer defending union leaders in Chicago. He later went on to become one of the most well-known and well-respected criminal defense attorneys in the United States. Darrow is particularly remembered…
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Today in History–September 24–the Library of Congress features writer F. Scott Fitzgerald, born on this day in 1896. Named for his distant cousin Francis Scott Key, author of the The Star-Spangled Banner. Fitzgerald also enjoyed instant success with his first writing effort, the novel This Side of Paradise. Five years later Fitzgerald’s most celebrated novel, The Great Gatsby, was published. Learn more…
Today in History–September 12–the Library of Congress features writer H.L. Mencken, born on this day in 1880. Mencken was best known for his biting social commentary; scholarly understanding of American usage of the English language; and support of emerging writers, including Theodore Dreiser, Sinclair Lewis, Sherwood Anderson, and James Joyce. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more…
Today in History–August 28–the Library of Congress features the arrest of 10 suffragists for picketing the White House on this day in 1917. The protestors hoped to pressure President Woodrow Wilson to support the proposed “Anthony amendment” to the Constitution that would guarantee women the right to vote. He finally did that in January of 1918 and the long…
Today in History–July 27–the Library of Congress features avant-garde writer Gertrude Stein, who died on this day in 1947. Stein was also an astute collector of fine art and well known for entertaining the artists she favored. Find out more by visiting the Today in History. For more insight into her character, take a look at the resources below Gertrude Stein portraits…
Part of the Smithsonian Institution’s mission is “Shaping the future by preserving our heritage . . .” Why do you think the Smithsonian chose to display this artifact? Find out more about Charles Lindbergh. Imagine you are your age in 1927, reading about his accomplishment. How do you feel? What dreams does this historic flight inspire…