My bird of paradise. Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library, Duke University.

Today in History: Bird Day

Today in History–May 4–the Library of Congress features Bird Day, first celebrated on this day in 1894. Pennsylvania school superintendent Charles Almanzo Babcock initiated this celebration, in conjunction with Arbor Day, to help encourage conservation training, particularly among young people. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to birds. Bird Day:…

Today in History: John Burroughs

Today in History: John Burroughs

Today in History–April 3–the Library of Congress features writer and naturalist John Burroughs, born on this day in 1837. Learn more about this contemporary of John Muir and Henry David Thoreau by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access images and some of his writings and photographs as well as more environment and conservation teaching resources and primary…

Today in History: John James Audubon

Today in History: John James Audubon

Today in History–January 27–the Library of Congress features John James Audubon, who died on this date in 1851. Audubon was a naturalist and artist, earning fame for his drawings and paintings of North American birds. Learn more about the namesake of the National Audubon Society by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more related primary sources. John James Audubon Died from…