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
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
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: Carrie Nation & Temperance
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
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
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: Lincoln Shot!
Today in History–April 14–the Library of Congress features the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot on this day in 1865. Learn more about tragic day in United States history by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access secondary sources, all types of primary sources, and teaching resources related to the death of President Lincoln. Lincoln assassination summary (overview, timeline, gallery) Assassination primary sources Artifacts … [Read more...]