American Revolution primary source set The American Revolution and Its Era: Maps and Charts collection Mapping the American Revolution and Its Era Battle maps and charts of the American Revolution (1881) Printed Ephemera 1763-1783 A broadside titled "No Stamped Paper to be had" reports a variety of colonial efforts intended to force the repeal of the hated Stamp Act of 1765 An account of the Boston Massacre printed in 1770 A copy of the Boston Port Act as passed by the … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Lynching
February 12, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Please be sure to review all primary sources prior to introducing students to them. You may also wish to read Selecting Primary Sources That Deal with Difficult Issues. Lynching by Helen Douglass 1859 manuscript "Lynch Law in the South" by Frederick Douglass The North American Review Volume 155, Issue 428 July 1892 Lynch Laws speech by Frederick Douglass The facts in the case of the horrible murder of little Myrtle Vance c 1893 Lessons of the Hour speech by Frederick Douglass, … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Gettysburg Address
November 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–November 19–the Library of Congress features the Gettysburg Address, delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery on this date in 1863. Edward Everett, a well-known orator, delivered a two-hour speech. President Abraham Lincoln’s speech lasted only a few minutes. As the Library notes, "In spite of Lincoln's disclaimer that 'the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,' his brief speech continues to resonate in the American … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Slavery (U.S.)
October 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Library slavery collections Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1938 more than 2,300 first-person accounts of slavery and 500 black-and-white photographs of former slaves An Introduction to the WPA Slave Narratives Caroline Hammond (a fugitive) "I was born in Anne Arundel County near Davidsonville about 3 miles from South River in the year 1844...." The story of Charles Crawley, ex-slave "God knows, how old I am. All I know is, I wuz born … [Read more...]
Today in History: American Federation of Labor & Quarry Workers
September 8, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 08–the Library of Congress features the Quarry Workers’ International Union of North America, which was granted a charter by the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on this date in 1903. While granite had been mined around the area of Barre, Vermont for years, new waves of immigrants with a strong tradition of unionism arrived in the late 19th century. Find out more about quarries, the life of the miners in Vermont and elsewhere, and the AFL by visiting … [Read more...]
State Spotlight: Iowa
August 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Iowa stories from America’s Library Iowa primary source set Iowa-focused primary source sets address national and international history as well as Iowa-specific history Iowa maps Iowa images Iowa sheet music Iowa songs & oral histories Iowa books & other texts Iowa historical newspapers Iowa broadsides & printed ephemera Lao Natasinh Dance Troupe of Iowa webcast Writers from Iowa's International Writer's Program Read From Their Work Iowa: U.S. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Carrie Nation & Temperance
December 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 27–the Library of Congress features temperance zealot Carrie Nation, who smashed the bar at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas on this day in 1900. Abandoning the nonviolent agitation of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Nation argued that destroying saloons was an acceptable way to battle the liquor trade. To learn more about why Nation and many other 19th-century women were against the sale of alcohol, visit the Today in History section, then click the links … [Read more...]
Today in History: A Visit from St. Nicholas
December 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 24–the Library of Congress features the famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas" penned by Clement C. Moore on this day in 1822. Today the poem is best known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas". Find out more about Moore and his famous tale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Santa Claus. Featured Source: Why I Believe in Santa guided primary source analysis activity A reprint of the first … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement
June 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
![Indian territory [1887]: compiled from the official records of the records of the General Land Office and other sources under supervision of Geo. U. Mayo.](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/INTerritory-110x110.jpg)
In his article, "Thinking Like an Historian", from the TPS Quarterly archive (now the TPS Journal), Sam Wineburg points out how many students' view of history—memorization—diverges from that of historians—investigation—and offers advice for using primary sources to engage students in the "historical approach". Doing so will help students make more authentic and lasting connections to important historical themes and events as well as give them practice in key Common Core State Standards in … [Read more...]
Today in History: Zachary Taylor
May 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 8–the Library of Congress features Zachary Taylor, who led U.S. troops to defeat the Mexican army in a two-day battle at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma on this day in 1846. Two years later he became president of the United States but his term was short; he died in office after serving only 16 months. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about this general and 12th U.S. president. Illustrated … [Read more...]
U.S. Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Benjamin Franklin. Check out our 
Battle of Gettysburg began. Check out our 
U.S. gains victory in the Battle of Santiago. Check out our