American Revolution primary source setThe American Revolution and Its Era: Maps and Charts collectionMapping the American Revolution and Its EraAmerican Memory Timeline: American Revolution select primary sources & primary source analysis promptsOnline exhibitionsThe American Revolution - John Bull and Uncle Sam: Four Centuries of British-American Relations Creating the United States: Revolution of the Mind Declaring Independence: Drafting 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 1892Lynch Laws speech by Frederick DouglassThe facts in the case of the horrible murder of little Myrtle Vance c 1893Lessons 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...]
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 LibraryIowa primary source setIowa-focused primary source setsIowa mapsIowa imagesIowa sheet musicIowa songs & oral historiesIowa books & other textsIowa historical newspapersIowa broadsides & printed ephemeraLao Natasinh Dance Troupe of Iowa webcastWriters from Iowa's International Writer's Program Read From Their WorkIowa: U.S. legislationIowa Guide to Law OnlineMore U.S. state primary source … [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 activityA reprint of the first … [Read more...]
Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement
June 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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...]
Today in History: Richard Nixon Visits China
February 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 21–the Library of Congress features Richard Nixon, who began an eight-day visit to China on this day in 1972. President Nixon was the first U.S. president to visit the People's Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Find out a bit more about U.S.-Chinese relations by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources to gain some interesting perspectives on the 37th president of the United States who resigned from … [Read more...]
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