Portrait of Elizabeth Keckley

Today in History: Elizabeth Keckley

Today in History–November 15–the Library of Congress features Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, whose emancipation deed was signed on this date in 1855. Although best known for her role as confidante and dressmaker to President Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, Keckley was also an author and a generous philanthropist who assisted escapees from southern slavery. Find out more…

Primary Source Spotlight: Buffalo Bill Cody

Primary Source Spotlight: Buffalo Bill Cody

Stories from America’s Library Buffalo Bill Cody brief bio Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show Buffalo Hunting with the Duke Little Sure Shot and the Gang Nebraskaland Days: Buffalo Bill Rodeo American Treasures Buffalo Bill’s Special Service Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show Buffalo Bill image set Buffalo Bill films Bucking broncho 1894 Buffalo dance 1894 Sioux ghost…

Van Allen office building, designed by celebrated Chicago School architect Louis H. Sullivan, Chicago, Illinois

Today in History: Louis H. Sullivan

Today in History–September 3–the Library of Congress features architect Louis H. Sullivan, born on this day in 1856 in Boston, Massachusetts. Sullivan moved to Chicago early in his career in 1873. After the great Chicago fire of 1871 there was much work to do and Sullivan became a pioneer in the design of skyscrapers known for his core philosophy that…

The Rise of the Physician Feminine

Today in History: Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell

Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features career pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, who graduated from medical school on this date in 1849. She was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Learn more about this trailblazing woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links listed below. Group portrait of members of the…

The fugitive's song

Today in History: Frederick Douglass

Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning…

John Muir, full-length portrait, facing right, seated on rock with lake and trees in background

Today in History: John Muir

Today in History–July 19–the Library of Congress features naturalist John Muir, who captured his experience of awakening in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California on this day in 1869. Read his thoughts and find out more about the subsequent founder of the Sierra Club by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related resources. Books…

Joseph Jefferson as the beloved character, Rip Van Winkle

Today in History: Actor Joe Jefferson

Today in History–February 20–the Library of Congress features actor Joe Jefferson, born on this day in 1829. Learn more about this hugely popular comic actor and early American theater by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources about Jefferson and theater in the United States. Comic Actor Joseph Jefferson Was Born from…

Today in History: Mary Church Terrell

Today in History: Mary Church Terrell

Today in History–September 23–the Library of Congress features Mary Church Terrell, born on this day in 1863. One of the first African American women to graduate from college, Terrell worked as an educator, political activist, and first president of the National Association of Colored Women. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. Mary Church Terrell primary source set Mary…