Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture

Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture

Architecture primary source set Library architecture collections American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Architecture & Design Architecture, Design, and Engineering Drawings collection Brumfield Collection images of the architecture of the Russian North, including Siberia Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South collection Gottscho-Schleisner Collection U.S. architectural styles and trends Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American…

Circus broadcasted by radio for first time

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Circus Radio Broadcast

Imagine you are the elephant. What is your “song” about? Create speech or thought bubbles for the two men and the elephant in this picture. How could we broadcast the elephant’s “song” today? What kind of equipment would we use? How is that similar to and different from the equipment used in this image? What…

painting by Alexander Calder

Today in History: Alexander Calder

Today in History–July 22–the Library of Congress features artist Alexander Calder, born on this date in 1898 in Pennsylvania. Calder’s mother was a painter and his father was a sculptor but Alexander began his career as a mechanical engineer. That early career choice served him well as an artist later when creating his first motor-driven sculptures, later…

United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. Framing & ceiling plan - Hall of Representatives

Today in History: Benjamin Henry Latrobe

Today in History–May 1–the Library of Congress features Benjamin Henry Latrobe, born on this day in 1764. Find out more about early American engineer and architect who helped plan the U.S. Capitol and the White House and many more influential buildings by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Latrobe and architecture. Benjamin Henry…

Today in History: Otis & His Elevator

Today in History: Otis & His Elevator

Today in History–September 20–the Library of Congress features Elisah Graves Otis and his elevator, the first of which he sold on this day in 1853. Otis’ patented automatic safety break helped pave the way for the modern skyscraper. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below  to access related resources. Otis Opened Elevator Factory from America’s…

Today in History: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Today in History: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Today in History–June 16–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. On this date in 1775, Congress authorized the position of chief engineer for the army to help build forts, survey terrain, and clear roads during the war. The work was so valuable that four years later Congress resolved, “That the engineers in the service…