Today in History–December 8–the Library of Congress features Louisiana, which ratified a new state constitution on this day in 1879, reorganizing the state judiciary and moving the state capital from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. Did you know that Louisianians revised and passed new constitutions ten times from 1812-1921. Find out more about the history and culture of the…
Today in History–December 5–the Library of Congress features Martin Van Buren, born on this date in 1782. Learn more about our nation’s 8th president (1837-41), also known as “The Little Magician” and the “Red Fox of Kinderhook” for his skill in political manipulation, by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary…
Today in History–December 1–the Library of Congress features Rosa Parks, arrested for civil disobedience on this day in 1955. Find out more about this brave woman who helped spark the U.S. civil rights movement by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related primary sources and resources. Rosa Parks arrest photo Rosa Park’s recollections…
Today in History–November 23–the Library of Congress features Franklin Pierce, born on this date in 1804. Learn more about our nation’s 14th president (1853-57) by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about Franklin Pierce. Franklin Pierce to Andrew Jackson, February 2, 1844 Democratic ticket. For President, Gen. Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire. 1852…
Today in History–November 21–the Library of Congress features North Carolina, which ratified the Constitution on this day in 1789, becoming the 12th state in the new United States. Find out more about the history and culture of the “Tar Heel” state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more prime primary sources. North…
Today in History–November 17–the Library of Congress features reformer Grace Abbott, born on this day in 1878. Abbott gained recognition as an advocate for immigrants while working at the Hull House in Chicago and later fought to restrict child labor as the head of the U.S. Department of Labor Children’s Bureau. Learn more about this tireless…
Today in History–November 16–the Library of Congress features Oklahoma, which became the 46th state on this day in 1907. Find out more about the history and culture of the Sooner state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access prime primary sources. Oklahoma stories from America’s Library Oklahoma primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Oklahoma historical newspapers Oklahoma…
Today in History–November 15–the Library of Congress features the Articles of Confederation, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on this day in 1777. Although Congress urged prompt action, it took more than three years for all thirteen states to ratify the articles that supported a loose confederation of sovereign states and a weak central government. Find out more…
Today in History–November 11–the Library of Congress features Washington, which was declared a state on this day in 1889. Find out more about the history and culture of the Evergreen state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access a plethora primary sources. Washington primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Washington maps Pictorial Americana: Selected images of Washington…
Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features Confederate officer Henry Wirz, executed as a war criminal on this day in 1865. Wirz was the commanding officer in charge of the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia, also known as Camp Sumter. Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources and teaching…
Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker, born on this day in 1731. This largely self-taught surveyor and scientist influenced how African Americans were viewed during the Federal period. Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and other resources related to Banneker,…
“The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” The Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides some great starting points for using the Veterans History…