Today in History–June 13–the Library of Congress features the Office of War Information (OWI), which was created on this date in 1942. Later that year, the documentary photography unit of the Farm Security Administration (FSA) was transferred to the OWI. An important U.S. government propaganda agency during World War II, OWI supported the war effort by recording the nation’s preparations for…
Today in History–June 12–the Library of Congress features civil engineer John A. Roebling, born on this day in 1806. Roebling’s last and greatest achievement was completing the Brooklyn bridge in 1883. The bridge spans New York’s East River nearly 1,600 feet to connect Manhattan with Brooklyn. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
In his article, “Thinking Like an Historian“, from the TPS Quarterly archive (now the TPS Journal), Sam Wineburg points out how many students’ view of history—memorization—diverges from that of historians—investigation—and offers advice for using primary sources to engage students in the “historical approach”. Doing so will help students make more authentic and lasting connections to important…
Today in History–June 11–the Library of Congress features pilot Charles Lindbergh, who received the first Distinguished Flying Cross on this day in 1927. Lindbergh made aeronautical history just a few weeks prior to the honor by flying solo and nonstop flight across the Atlantic. Find out more about this adventurous aviator by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…
Today in History—June 8—the Library of Congress features architect Frank Lloyd Wright, born on this day in 1867. Famous for his Prairie School houses, Wright also produced innovative yet practical plans for public buildings. His personal life, however was quite the opposite of his architecture. Learn more by the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…
Today in History–June 7–the Library of Congress features Daniel Boone, who laid eyes on the woodlands of modern-day Kentucky on this day in 1769. He arrived there after ignoring a British ban on westward migration. Find out more about this famous frontiersman known for his coonskin cap by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. The…
Today in History–June 6–the Library of Congress features D-Day. On this day in 1944, American, British and Canadian forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France in a coordinated effort to open the western front. Learn more about this tragic but ultimately successful strike by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access loads of primary sources…
Today in History–June 5–the Library of Congress features Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This iconic American novel originally appeared in serial form, the first installment published on this day in 1851 in the abolitionist weekly the Washington National Era. The following year Stowe’s book was published and became an instant bestseller and later became a theatrical hit….
Today in History–June 4–the Library of Congress features U.S. Congressional approval of the the woman’s suffrage amendment on this day in 1919. But victory was still a ways off, It took over a year for the necessary three quarters of the 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii were not admitted into the Union until 1959) to ratify the 19th…
Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about “New York City’s Finest” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police…
Today in History–May 31–the Library of Congress features writer Walt Whitman, born on this day in 1819. Whitman was a journalist, essayist, and poet whose poems written after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln cast him into the national spotlight. Learn more this American literary icon by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more Whitman…
Today in History–May 30–the Library of Congress features Memorial Day, first celebrated on this day in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery, where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried. Learn more about this national day of observance celebrating those who died in defense of the United States by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related primary sources….