This lesson may be completed in whole or in part, depending on the needs of your students and the time that you have. FOCUS QUESTION In what ways is equality a proposition, or belief, worth fighting for? LESSON OVERVIEW Students will consider whether equality is important to our democracy as they develop a deep understanding of the literary and historical value of the Gettysburg Address through a game-based close reading of the text. LESSON OBJECTIVES Analyze primary sources … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: States of the Union
January 13, 2016 by Leave a Comment
Read this In Custodia Legis blog post on State of the Union addresses from the Library of Congress. List the main points covered in the post. Then look at the text cloud made from the text of President Barack Obama's final State of the Union address given on January 12, 2016. What key words and themes are highlighted? How do those themes compare to the main headings of the address as categorized by the 2016 address White House web page? Create a text cloud of the most recent presidential … [Read more...]
Today in History: St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 17–the Library of Congress features St. Patrick's Day. This Irish and Irish-American holiday commemorates the death of the patron saint of Ireland who, as legend has it, died on this date circa 492. The holiday has been celebrated in the United States since the 18th century. Across the country today, many people celebrate with parades and by wearing the color green. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to uncover St. Patrick's … [Read more...]
Today in History: Lincoln’s Inauguration
March 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 4–the Library of Congress features the first inauguration of President Abraham Lincoln, conducted on this date in 1861. Times were tense and Lincoln delivered his inaugural address under the guard of riflemen. In the speech he called for compromise and appealed for the preservation of the Union. Learn more about President Lincoln's first day in office by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary source about both … [Read more...]
Today in History: Arlington National Cemetery
May 13, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 13–the Library of Congress features Arlington National Cemetery. On this day in 1864 a Confederate prisoner of war was buried on the grounds of Arlington House in Virginia, on the Potomac River opposite Washington, D.C. Today, the cemetery is the final resting place for soldiers from every war in which the United States has participated, including the American Revolution and each year Memorial Day is honored by placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknowns. In addition to … [Read more...]
Featured Source: President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration Address
January 22, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Image powered by Wordle™: View image online at Wordle.net Text: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/01/21/inaugural-address-president-barack-obama President Barack Obama works on his inaugural address with Jon Favreau, Director of Speechwriting, not pictured, in the Oval Office Jan. 16, 2013 Featured Image: President Obama’s 2012 State of the Union Address … [Read more...]
Today in History: John Jay
December 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 12–the Library of Congress features founding father John Jay, born on this day in 1745. Jay had a long, full political career including president of the Continental Congress, author of several Federalist Papers, and first Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Learn more about John Jay by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources. John Jay, One of the Nation's Founding Fathers, Was Born from … [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: Howard University
November 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–November 20–the Library of Congress features Howard University, founded on this day in 1866. Originally established as a seminary for African-American clergymen, the founders soon broadened their mission to include liberal arts and medicine. The university was named for one of its founders, Major General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more … [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...]
U.S. Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Benjamin Franklin. Check out our 
Battle of Gettysburg began. Check out our 
U.S. gains victory in the Battle of Santiago. Check out our