Scroll, "To Archibald MacLeish," 1944

Today in History: Archibald MacLeish

Today in History–May 7–the Library of Congress features Archibald MacLeish, born on this day in 1892 in Glencoe, Illinois. MacLeish’s interest ranged from literature to law. He won a Pulitzer Prize for poetry and drama and served as the Librarian of Congress and Assistant Secretary of State. Find out more about the “poet librarian” by visiting the Today in…

Chesterwood, Daniel Chester Wood's studio

Today in History: Daniel Chester French

Today in History–April 20–the Library of Congress features sculptor Daniel Chester French, born on this day in 1850. Encouraged to pursue a career as an artist by Louisa May Alcott, French completed his first big commission for the statue The Minute Man, when he was just 25.  Find out more about this preeminent monumental sculptor who also created the Lincoln Memorial sculpture…

National calamity! Lincoln & Seward assassinated!!

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….

Today in History: First March from Selma

Today in History: First March from Selma

Today in History–March 7–the Library of Congress features the first civil rights march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery, which was led on this day in 1965. Unfortunately, the marchers, which numbered about 600, had scarcely left Selma when they were were brutally assaulted by heavily armed state troopers and deputies. The ugly incident…

Today in History: Thomas A. Edison

Today in History: Thomas A. Edison

Today in History–August 12–the Library of Congress features scientist and inventor Thomas A. Edison, who is credited with completing the model of the first phonograph on this day in 1877.  Find out more about the “wizard of Menlo Park” by visiting the Today in History section, where you’ll also find links to other Library sound collections. Then click the links below…