Today in History–September 18–the Library of Congress features Booker T. Washington, who delivered his famous “Atlanta Compromise” or Atlanta Exposition speech on this day in 1895. The speech delivered by this prominent African American leader advocated for a moderate approach to race relations in the New South. Learn more about the founder and president of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial…
Today in History–September 11–the Library of Congress features the terrorist attacks on the United States. On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and killed thousands as they destroyed the World Trade Center towers in New York and damaged the Pentagon in Virginia; a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers struggled with hijackers. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section…
Today in History–September 06–the Library of Congress features President William McKinley, shot on this day in 1901 just six months after his second inauguration. President McKinley died eight days later, reportedly while singing his favorite hymn, “Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee“. Anarchist Leon Czolgosz is found guilty of assassinating the president and is executed less than two…
Today in History–September 05–the Library of Congress features infamous outlaw Jesse James, born on this day in 1847. James left his home in Missouri at age 17 to fight as a Confederate guerilla in the Civil War. Later he and his gang of outlaws, which included his brother Frank and several other ex-Confederates, robbed banks, trains, stagecoaches, and stores across the western…
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning…
What was life on the farm like before large agribusiness operations began to dominate U.S. agricultural production? To get a glimpse into the past, take a look at the Today in History section for August 29, then click the links below to access a cornucopia of primary source treasures. Farming image set Farm life image…
Today in History–August 27–the Library of Congress features the discovery that mosquitos transmit yellow fever by U.S. Army physician James Carroll and pathologist Walter Reed on this day in 1900. The discovery was made because Carroll allowed allowed an infected mosquito to feed on him, resulting in severe yellow fever sickness. Learn more about yellow fever by visiting the Today in History section, then click…
Today in History–August 24–the Library of Congress features Delaware, the territory of which was deeded to William Penn by order of the Duke of York on this day in 1682. Penn wanted the territory to insure ocean access to the state he founded, Pennsylvania. It would take more than a century for this carved out section of…
Today in History–August 21–the Library of Congress features the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of America. On this day in 1912 Arthur R. Eldred of Oceanside, New York, became an Eagle Scout, the highest rank awarded to a Boy Scout. The Boy Scouts were founded in 1908 and the Girl Scouts, four years later in 1912…
Today in History–August 20–the Library of Congress features the eight-hour work day, which the National Labor Union advocated Congress for on this day in 1866. Although the National Labor Union congressional efforts failed, they were able to heighten public awareness of labor issues and increase support for labor reform in the subsequent decades. Learn more by visiting…
Use the resources below to learn about the women in the White House and the some of the roles various first ladies took on throughout the years. One fun learning activity comes from the Collection Connections section of Words and Deeds in American History. Ask students to consider if these letter show evidence of a first lady…
Today in History–August 14–the Library of Congress features Oregon, which Congress named a territory on this day in 1848. The territory was massive, encompassing present-day Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and parts of western Montana and Wyoming. The smaller state of Oregon joined the union in 1859. Learn more about Oregon by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources. Oregon stories from…