Primary Source Learning: Being American Primary Source Sets

Primary Source Learning: Being American Primary Source Sets

This curated collection of primary sources was created to help students think critically about what it means to be an American by exploring and analyzing different perspectives and voices, particularly marginalized ones, over time. Thanks to the inspiration of Jen Reidel, 2019-2020 Library of Congress Civics Teacher in Residence, who suggested this theme. Executive proclamations…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Concerning the American Girl

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Concerning the American Girl

List the different career paths illustrated in this political cartoon. Did any surprise you? Why or why not? Political cartoons often contain irony. What example of irony do you find in this political cartoon? (If you need help, review the post Analyzing Primary Sources: Reading Cartoons.) What do you think were the “old ideals” of womanhood in 1904?…

Featured Source: President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration Address

Featured Source: President Obama’s 2013 Inauguration Address

    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  

Today in History: Flag Day

Today in History: Flag Day

Today in History–June 14–the Library of Congress features Flag Day, which celebrates the adoption of the first design of the United States flag by the Continental Congress on this date in 1777. Did you know that there have been 27 official versions of the flag? Get more fascinating flag facts by visiting the Today in History section (see the April…

Today in History: Edgar Allan Poe

Today in History: Edgar Allan Poe

Today in History–January 19–the Library of Congress features author Edgar Allan Poe, born on this date in 1809. Learn more about the life of this master of American writing–a poet; a master of macabre tales; the originator of the modern detective story; and an acute literary critic, editor, and journalist–by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…

Today in History: First American Cotton Mill

Today in History: First American Cotton Mill

Today in History–December 20–the Library of Congress features the first American cotton mill, opened on this day in 1790. Learn more about the history of cotton mills in America by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. The First American Cotton Mill Began Operation from America’s Library Cotton mill image set…

Today in History: Aaron Copland

Today in History: Aaron Copland

Today in History–November 14–the Library of Congress features composer Aaron Copland, born on this day in 1900. Copland created scores that simplified music and expressed the American experience. Learn more about this prolific artist by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Copland treasures. Primary sources The Aaron Copland…

Primary Source Learning: Uncovering Primary Source Treasures

Primary Source Learning: Uncovering Primary Source Treasures

The Teaching with Library of Congress blog highlights a collection of videos featuring Library curators briefly describing treasured items and their historical importance and provides some ideas for using the treasure videos with students. You can access the collection of Hidden Treasure videos at the Library of Congress or from the Hidden Treasures playlist on…

Primary Source Learning: Sheet Music Collections & Teaching Resources

Primary Source Learning: Sheet Music Collections & Teaching Resources

Using Sheet Music to Bring History to Life Teaching with the Library: Primary Sources & Ideas for Educators Analyzing Primary Sources: Learning from Music guiding questions for analyzing sheet music and song recordings Tech Tool: Sheet Music Scanner America Singing: Nineteenth Century Song Sheets | Resources for Teachers Baseball Sheet Music | Teaching Resources Civil…