Zoom into the picture above and you will see a face recognizable to many. The mother in the photo is Florence Thompson, most famously known as the migrant mother. This photograph was one in a series taken in 1936 by Resettlement Administration photographer Dorothea Lange. In this primary source lesson, students will examine photographs individually…
Today in History–August 19–the Library of Congress features children’s television. On this date in 1950, ABC aired its first Saturday morning children’s television shows: Animal Clinic and the variety show Acrobat Ranch, which featured two young acrobats, Tumbling Tim and Flying Flo, and children competing in games and stunts. Learn more about children’s television as well as…
Today in History–August 15–the Library of Congress features Florence Kling Harding, born on this date in 1860. An ardent support of woman suffrage, Kling Harding was the first first lady to have the right to cast a ballot for her husband (Warren G.). Kling Harding was also an adept business woman and brought a professional identity to the…
Today in History–August 5–the Library of Congress features Julia Archibald Holmes, who summited Pikes Peak on this date in 1858. She did so wearing her “American costume” of a hat, moccasins, short dress, and bloomers, the latter leading to the moniker bloomer girl. Learn more about this adventurous lady and the famous Colorado mountain peak by visiting the Today in History section and…
Today in History–July 31–the Library of Congress features Civil War General George H. Thomas, born on this date in 1816. Although he was born in Virginia, Thomas allied with the Union in the Civil War. Thomas’ 1863 defense of Chickamauga Creek in northwestern Georgia led to the moniker the “Rock of Chickamauga”. The following year he played a key role in the…
Today in History–July 29–the Library of Congress features the country of Japan. On this date in 1858, the United States and Japan signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce (the Harris Treaty), which helped establish diplomatic ties between the two countries. Find out more about early U.S.-Japanese relations and Townsend Harris, the man who negotiated the treaty, by…
Country Study: Commonwealth of Caribbean Islands, including The Bahamas Bahamas primary source set, World Digital Library Bahamas maps Books about The Bahamas Bahamas songs (audio recordings) Bahamas historic newspaper coverage Bahamas images from American Memory More Bahamas images U.S. legislation related to Bahamas Guide to Law Online: Bahamas Comparing Independence Movements in the Americas Webcast More World History & Culture Resources
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…
Today in History–July 18–the Library of Congress features naval officer John Paul Jones, who died on this date in 1792 in obscurity in France. Born John Paul, this seaman added the name Jones after killing a man in what he said was self defense in the West Indies. Jones went on to serve successfully in the U.S….
Mexico country profile Mexico country study The Mexican Revolution and the United States 1910-1920 online exhibition Mexican primary sources from the World Digital Library Mexico maps Mexico images Mexico video recordings Mexico songs Mexico sheet music Mexican literary recordings Mexico books & documents Select newspaper articles: Mexican Revolution (1910-1920) More U.S. historical newspaper coverage of Mexico…
Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features theater maestro George M. Cohan, born on this date in 1878. The multitalented Cohan was a playwright, songwriter, dancer, actor, theater owner, and producer. He also was awarded the Congressional medal of honor for his World War I song “Over There“. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links…
Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features the rough riders. On this day in 1898 these voluntary cavalrymen, led by Theodore Roosevelt, helped to secure a U.S. victory in the Battle of Santiago, the decisive battle of the short-lived Spanish-American War. The rough riders stormed Kettle Hill, then joined in the capture of the San Juan Hill complex in…