The U.S. History Primary Source Timeline spans nearly 400 years, covering 9 time periods. Each time period includes an overview and several subsections and each of these, in turn, provide background information and a selection of curated primary sources. Colonial Settlement, 1600s - 1763 The American Revolution, 1763 - 1783 The New Nation, 1783 - 1815 National Expansion and Reform, 1815 - 1880 Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877 Rise of Industrial America, 1876-1900 … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Science & Technology
July 20, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Citizen U lessons integrating science, technology and civics Carbon Footprints, Climate, and Civic Causes Civic Actions to Impact the Future The Conservation Movement at a Crossroads: The Hetch Hetchy Controversy Do Our Parks Do What They Are Supposed to Do? Electromagnetism, Electric Communication, and Community Environmental Resource Management: Local and Historical Perspectives How Did Birds Gain Political Protection? Mandatory Vaccinations: Yea or Nay Motor … [Read more...]
Analyzing Primary Sources: Strategies & Activities
March 9, 2021 by Leave a Comment
When first starting out teaching with primary sources, we recommend trying out the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool (see Analyzing Primary Sources: Tools & Guides). Below, we have compiled a rich list of primary source analysis strategies and activities developed by the Library, TPS Consortium partners, and teacher pros in the field. Library of Congress 10 Ways to Enrich Your Classroom with Primary Sources – Part 1 10 Ways to Enrich Your Classroom with Primary … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Civil War
May 16, 2016 by 2 Comments
Civil War photograph lessons & activities Devil in the Details: Examining Visual Material from the Civil War The Mathew Brady Bunch New Technologies and New Uses Using Sources: Civil War Photography Technology & Tricks What Do You See? Civil War Photojournalism: A Record of War The Civil War Through a Child’s Eye Teaching Now: Integrating Literacy, History & Geography Teaching Now: Using Primary Sources with 21st-Century Learners Collection Connections … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning About Lincoln
February 10, 2014 by 2 Comments
We all can learn a lot from Abraham Lincoln. Below you will find links to primary source activities, lessons, and projects from the Library of Congress, TPS-Barat and other TPS consortium members. Abraham Lincoln: Rise to National Prominence primary source set and teacher's guide Lincoln's Life Abraham Lincoln & Me Activity Book Gettysburg Address Image Sequencing Monumental Men Perspectives in Civil War Song Sheets Presidential Portraits Lincoln's Death Guided … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Women’s History
March 5, 2013 by 3 Comments
![Penn[sylvania] on the picket line-- 1917](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/womenresources-110x110.jpg)
Teaching resources Primary Source Learning: Women in U.S. History Primary Source Learning: Women’s Road to the Vote Primary source sets A look back at female police officers image set Primary Source Spotlight: Woman Suffrage collections Women in Science & Technology select primary sources & teacher's guide Woman's Land Army of America Activists Jane Addams Susan B. Anthony Clara Barton and the Red Cross Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell Carrie S. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Lee Surrenders
April 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 9–the Library of Congress features the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant on this day in 1865. Learn more about the surrender by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access thousands more Civil War resources. Lee's surrender primary source set "THE END! SURRENDER OF LEE!...", American Citizen, April 12, 1865 More 1865 historical newspaper coverage related to Lee's surrender Lee's … [Read more...]
Today in History: U.S. Enters World War I
April 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 6–the Library of Congress features the United States entrance into World War I on this day in 1917 by declaring war on Germany. Learn more about the difficult decision to enter the war and how it transformed the nation by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access 1917 newspaper articles plus thousands more World War I primary source collections & teaching resources. 1917 historical newspaper coverage: U.S. war More historical … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Math Activities That Add Up
February 22, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Integrating primary sources into the social studies curriculum doesn't take a quantum leap of imagination, but can you imagine how they could be paired with math? Numerous teachers who have gone through Teaching with Primary Sources programs delivered by TPS consortium members, have done just that. Intrigued? Check out their formulas for mathematical learning by reviewing the resources listed below. Thanks to Dr. Lucianne Brown, former Director of Governors State University TPS program, who … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Native American Perspectives
November 4, 2011 by 4 Comments
In celebration of Native American Heritage month, the Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides some great suggestions for teaching students to view the experiences and contributions of Native Americans from various perspectives. Comparing sources from multiple perspectives provides students with practice in critical thinking and evaluating evidence and arguments. Links to more Native American teaching resources are listed below. Native American Boarding Schools primary source set … [Read more...]
Congress abolished the slave trade in Washington D.C., as part of the Compromise of 1850. Check out our 
Elisah Graves Otis sold his first elevator. Check out our 