Today in History–February 16–the Library of Congress features western missionaries and Native Americans. The Reverend Cushing Eells, born on this date in 1810. This Congregationalist missionary founded Whitman College, named in honor of fellow missionaries and Oregon pioneers Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who were killed by Native Americans in 1847. Learn more about the relations between missionaries and Native Americans in the west…
Today in History–February 15–the Library of Congress features the Spanish-American War, sparked on this date in 1898 when an explosion sank the battleship U.S.S. Maine in the Havana, Cuba harbor, killing 266 of the 354 crew members. Two months later, President William McKinley announced a state of war with Spain on April 25, 1898. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–February 14–the Library of Congress features St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated yearly by many on this date. Did you know that the romantic emphasis on this holiday may have stemmed from the medieval belief that birds select their mates on February 14. Learn more about this lovely holiday by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below to access some…
Today in History–February 13–the Library of Congress features the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) founded on this date in 1914 by composer Victor Herbert. Learn more about Herbert and other ASCAP artists by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) founded from America’s Library ASCAP: One Hundred Years…
Today in History–February 10–the Library of Congress features singer Leontyne Price, born on this date in 1927. This opera star earned 20 Grammy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn more about Price by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources about opera from across the Library. Leontyne Price Born from America’s Library Leontyne Price image set…
Today in History–February 8–the Library of Congress celebrates the birth of writer Jules Verne, born on this date in 1828, by featuring air balloons and airships. Around the time Verne’s first book–Five Weeks in a Balloon–came out in 1863, the U.S. Army was using hydrogen gas balloons in Civil War reconnaissance missions. See what you can learn about air balloons and airships by visiting…
Today in History–February 5–the Library of Congress features Rhode Island, whose founder, Roger Williams, arrived in America on this day in 1631. Find out more about this defender of religious liberty and the state he founded by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about Roger Williams and the culture and history of the 13th…
Today in History–February 3–the Library of Congress features Theodore Roosevelt, who penned a personal love missive about his future wife on this day in 1880. That first marriage was, unfortunately, cut short by his wife’s untimely death. But Roosevelt would marry again and had a long, prosperous life as a conservationist, progressive politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner….
Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features writer and poet Langston Hughes, born on this date in 1902. Famous for his illuminating and moving depictions of African American life, Hughes was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement. Learn more about this treasured American author by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories,…
Today in History–January 31–the Library of Congress features John C. Frémont, who was court-martialed on grounds of mutiny and disobeying orders on this day in 1848. This decision was later reversed by President James Polk and did little to thwart the progress of this explorer turned politician known as the “pathfinder”. Learn more about the extraordinary fortunes…
Today in History–January 29–the Library of Congress features Kansas, which entered the Union as a free state on this day in 1861. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Sunflower state” through the review of primary sources. Kansas stories from America’s Library Kansas primary source set with…
Today in History–January 26–the Library of Congress features Michigan, which joined the Union as the twenty-sixth state on this day in 1837. The name Michigan is derived from a Native American word Michigama, meaning great water. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Great…