Today in History–April 30–the Library of Congress features George Washington, who delivered his first inaugural address on this date in 1789 to a joint session of Congress, assembled in Federal Hall in the nation's new capital, New York City. Learn more about our nation’s first president (1789-97) by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about Washington and his inaugurations. Pre-inaugural speech to the citizens of … [Read more...]
Today in History: Jefferson’s Library
Today in History–January 30–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson's Library, which Congress agreed to purchase on this day in 1815. The nearly $24,000 sale more than doubled the original 3,000-volume Library of Congress collection that was destroyed the year before when the British captured Washington D.C. and burned the U.S. Capitol. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to uncover more treasures related to Jefferson's Library and the … [Read more...]