Primary Source Spotlight: The Nez Percé

Primary Source Spotlight: The Nez Percé

Nez Percé images Indian (Nez Percé) Land Cessions in the U.S. 1784-1894 The Nez Perce War The Galaxy, Volume 24, Issue 6, Dec 1877 “Lawyer of the Nez Perces” Washington Historical Quarterly 1934 Vol. 25, No. 1, p. 37-48 Historic newspaper coverage of the Nez Percé Oral history mentioning Nez Percé Foreign Affairs Oral History Collection Reports & other texts of the…

Today in History: Carl Schurz

Today in History: Carl Schurz

Today in History–October 29–the Library of Congress features journalist and politician Carl Schurz. On this date in 1855, the recent German immigrant wrote his wife, Margarethe Meyer Schurz, about his hope for their future in America. Exactly five years later Schurz sent his wife another letter, this time from Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign trail. Schurz served as a U.S. senator and worked with…

Today in History: North Dakota

Today in History: North Dakota

Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features North Dakota, which entered the Union as the 39th state on this day in 1889. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the history and culture of the “Peace Garden” state, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. North Dakota primary source set with teacher’s guide North Dakota resource guide…

Today in History: Custer’s Last Stand

Today in History: Custer’s Last Stand

Today in History–June 25–the Library of Congress features Custer’s Last Stand, which occurred on this date in 1876. General George Armstrong Custer and 265 men under his command lost their lives in the Battle of Little Bighorn. Find out more about this battle in the Today in History section and access resources related to Little Bighorn and those who fought there through…

Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement

Learning from the Source: Indian Territory Resettlement

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: Conde Nast, Vogue & Clothing Styles

Today in History: Conde Nast, Vogue & Clothing Styles

Today in History–March 26–the Library of Congress features publisher Condé Nast, born on this day in 1874. While working as an advertising executive for Collier’s, Nast created the concept of magazines based on targeted groups of readers. In 1909 he purchased Vogue and five years later created Vanity Fair. Learn more about American clothing styles by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…

Today in History: Captivity Narratives

Today in History: Captivity Narratives

Today in History–February 29–the Library of Congress features captivity narratives. On this day in 1704, French soldiers and their Native American allies raided a frontier settlement in Massachusetts, killing many and forcing more to march through heavy snows to Canada (New France). Read more about this incident and other captivity narratives by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…

Primary Source Learning: Native American Perspectives

Primary Source Learning: Native American Perspectives

In celebration of Native American Heritage month, the Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides some great suggestions for teaching students to view the experiences and contributions of Native Americans from various perspectives. Comparing sources from multiple perspectives provides students with practice in critical thinking and evaluating evidence and arguments. Links to more Native American…

Today in History: South Dakota

Today in History: South Dakota

Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features South Dakota, which entered the Union as the 40th state on this day in 1889. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the history and culture of the “Mount Rushmore” state, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. South Dakota primary source set with Teacher’s Guide South Dakota maps…

Primary Source Learning: Veteran Teaching Resources & Strategies

Primary Source Learning: Veteran Teaching Resources & Strategies

“The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” The Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides some great starting points for using the Veterans History…