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...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Why I Believe in Santa
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
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
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
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: New Year’s
New Year's images New Year's books & articles New Year's Day historical newspaper coverage Select historical newspaper articles: Mummer's New Year Parade (modern-day Mummer's Parade info) New Year's sheet music Portuguese New Year's Songs Primary Sources for Musical Learning: Comparing Arrangements of Auld Lang Syne Teaching with the Library of Congress December 20, 2018 … [Read more...]