Today in History–May 1–the Library of Congress features May Day. Originally a celebration of spring, May Day later became a day to celebrate workers and is still celebrated as such in many countries around the world. Learn more about other May Day celebrations by reading the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources. May Day images May Day books & texts May Day historical U.S. newspaper coverage May Day sheet music Bringing in the … [Read more...]
Today in History: Christmas
December 25, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 25–the Library of Congress features Christmas. Although the exact origins of this holiday are uncertain, the Christian church in Rome observed the Feast of the Nativity on this date in the year 336. Today, Christmas celebrations include both religious and secular traditions. Discover more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Christmas. Christmas image set Featured Sources Christmas … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Princeton Union Christmas Eve Dec. 24, 1914
December 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
"Christmas page." The Princeton Union. (Princeton, Minn.), 24 Dec. 1914. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress. Don't miss these other Santa Clause resources! … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Why I Believe in Santa
December 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Click the newspaper above to zoom in to the page. First read the center article, "Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus." What was the editor's claim and what arguments did he make to support that claim? Now read what the citizens of Rock Island had to say about Santa Claus and the Christmas spirit. What themes do these stories convey? What sense of community do you get from them? Write about the spirit of a holiday that is special to you, describing why it is meaningful to you and the … [Read more...]
Today in History: Happy Hanukkah
December 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 17–the Library of Congress features Hanukkah. On this date in 1979 President Jimmy Carter participated in the first National Menorah Lighting. Also known as the Feast or Festival of Lights, Hanukkah reflects the story of a one-day supply of oil at the temple miraculously burning for eight days. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for related resources. American Hanukkah lamp 2004 A large menorah, a candalabrum lit … [Read more...]
Today in History: Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 5–the Library of Congress features Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, 1862, Mexican troops successfully defended the town of Puebla against French forces. In the spring of 1863, the city was recaptured by the French and a European was crowned Emperor of Mexico. Emperor Maximillian remained in power until 1867 when Napoleon III withdrew troops and abandoned Mexico. Today, Cinco de Mayo is a national holiday in Mexico and is marked as a celebration of Mexican culture in the United … [Read more...]
Today in History: Thanksgiving
November 25, 2013 by 1 Comment
Today in History–November 26–the Library of Congress features Thanksgiving, designated by President George Washington on this date in 1789. Seventy-four years later, in 1863, Abraham Lincoln issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation that declared the last Thursday in November national Thanksgiving Day. Learn more about U.S. Thanksgiving traditions by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources, secondary sources, and teaching … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Holidays
October 30, 2013 by 2 Comments
Celebrate U.S. holidays with these primary source collections! And don't miss these holiday blog posts from Teaching with the Library of Congress. January New Year’s Day January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day third Monday in January January/February Lunar New Years begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar February Valentine's Day March St. Patrick's Day March/April Jewish Passover April April Fools' Day Easter first full moon after the March … [Read more...]
Today in History: Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–January 15–the Library of Congress features civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. King entered Morehouse College at 15, received a bachelor of divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, and a Ph.D from Boston University in 1955. Armed with his doctorate and belief in the use of non-violent action to end racial discrimination, King founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and joined the civil right movement. In less than a … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: New Year’s
December 28, 2012 by Leave a Comment
New Year images The day after short film New Year song recordings New Year sheet music New Year books & other texts New Year's books & articles New Year's Eve historical newspaper coverage New Year's Day historical newspaper coverage Select historical newspaper articles: Mummer's New Year Parade (modern-day Mummer's Parade info) Library New Year's blog posts Primary Sources for Musical Learning: Comparing Arrangements of Auld Lang Syne Teaching with the … [Read more...]
French photography pioneer Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre. Check out our 
North American railroads switched to Standard Railway Time. Check out our 