These curated resource lists coincide with the order of the topic ideas listed in the NHD 2017 theme sample topics list. Links lead to additional curated sets of resources. Note: historic newspaper coverage is from 1789-1922 unless otherwise noted. Standing Against Federal Authority: The Plight of the Farmers During the Whiskey Rebellion Whiskey rebellion background and links Whiskey Insurrection from History of Washington County 1870 Liquor tax: historic newspaper coverage … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: Close Reading in Service of a Cause
February 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Activity overview Close reading is an opportunity to read and reread thoughtfully and with purpose. By breaking down the analysis of texts and other primary sources into distinct chunks, you can increase rigor and help students more easily climb the staircase of complexity required by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). In this primary source activity students will look closely and critically at images in conjunction with historical and contemporary texts. They will compare and contrast … [Read more...]
Today in History: Sojourner Truth
November 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–November 26–the Library of Congress features Sojourner Truth, who died on this day in 1883. Born into slavery, Truth claimed her freedom and became a well known preacher, abolitionist, and women's rights advocate. Learn more about this extraordinary woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. Sojourner Truth image set Address by Sojourner Truth: Proceedings of the Woman's Rights Convention (September, 1853) "Sojourner Truth, The Libyan … [Read more...]
Today in History: John Brown
October 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–October 16–the Library of Congress features John Brown, who led a raid of Harper's Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia) on this day in 1859, seizing the town's United States arsenal and rifle works and taking 60 prominent locals hostage. The group hoped to spark a rebellion of freed slaves and to lead an "army of emancipation." The group was unsuccessful and John Brown was hanged less than two months later. But his actions, according to Frederick Douglass, were not in vain, "No … [Read more...]
Today in History: Frederick Douglass
September 3, 2012 by 2 Comments
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning activities related to Frederick Douglass. Primary … [Read more...]
Today in History: Uncle Tom’s Cabin
June 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 5–the Library of Congress features Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This iconic American novel originally appeared in serial form, the first installment published on this day in 1851 in the abolitionist weekly the Washington National Era. The following year Stowe's book was published and became an instant bestseller and later became a theatrical hit. Find out more Stowe and this American tale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to … [Read more...]
Today in History: Detective Allan Pinkerton
August 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 25–the Library of Congress features Allan Pinkerton, born on this day in 1819. A dedicated abolitionist, Pinkerton had a shop that was a "station" for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad but his detective career began by chance when he unwittingly discovered then knowingly helped nab two sets of counterfeiters. Find out more about the crime-busting exploits of this Private Eye and first Director of the U.S. Secret Service by visiting the Today in … [Read more...]
Treaty of Paris ratified by the Continental Congress. Check out our 