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 Reprint of President Roosevelt's "I Am an American Day" proclamation May 3, 1940 Reprint of Arizona … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: El Mosquito Americano
October 8, 2014 by 1 Comment
Look closely at the illustration. What can you determine about this broadside from the art? What more do you learn from the summary of this primary source? Do you think the illustration supports the summary? Why or why not? Look at both the front and back of this broadside. How does each stanza end? Why do you think the creator might have chosen this pattern? Do you think this broadside literally refers to an insect invasion the United States? Why or why not? Learn more. What other … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Concerning the American Girl
May 30, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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? What would you tell someone are the "old ideals" of womanhood today? Work with a partner or small group to re-create this cartoon for … [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: Flag Day
June 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 13 entry on the Grand Old Flag as well), then follow the links below to access flag-related primary sources and teaching resources. Flag Day image … [Read more...]
Featured Source: President Obama’s 2012 State of the Union Address
January 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Image powered by Wordle™: View image online at Wordle.net Text: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/25/remarks-president-state-union-address … [Read more...]
Today in History: Edgar Allan Poe
January 19, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 related to Poe, other writers, and activities linking primary source learning to … [Read more...]
Today in History: First American Cotton Mill
December 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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 Cotton mill books & articles American life histories mentioning cotton mills Cotton mill historical newspaper … [Read more...]
Today in History: Aaron Copland
November 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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 Collection (selections from Copland's music sketches, correspondence, writings, and photographs) Fanfare for the … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Uncovering Primary Source Treasures
October 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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 the Library of Congress YouTube channel. For more treasures, don't miss the Library's online exhibition, American Treasures of the … [Read more...]
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