Featured Source: Swiss Cheese Rag
Today in History: Nullification Crisis
Today in History–January 13–the Library of Congress features the Nullification Crisis. On this date in 1833, President Andrew Jackson wrote his new president Vice President Martin Van Buren affirming his commitment to preventing South Carolina’s defiance of federal authority by nullifying national tariff laws. The Nullification Crisis began in November, 1832 when South Carolina nullified a federal tariff. On December 10, 1832…
Featured Source: 1919 Help Wanted / Situations Wanted
Read the newspaper. (.pdf)
Today in History: Marian Anderson
Today in History–January 7–the Library of Congress features singer Marian Anderson, who made her debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on his day in 1955. Barred from attending a Philadelphia music school because of her race, Anderson’s family, friends and church helped fund private voice lessons. Although she toured Europe and the United States extensively, Anderson continued to suffer…
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Leonard Bernstein illustrated letter
Leonard Bernstein was a famous American composer and conductor. Don’t read the words, just study the illustrations. Zoom into the images online. What is the setting? What is the story? Now read the letter. Challenge yourself to decipher the writing on the pages, then read the transcript. How does the actual letter compare with the…
Today in History: Julia Ward Howe
Today in History–January 28–the Library of Congress features Julia Ward Howe, who became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters on this date in 1908. Howe and her husband were active in the abolitionist movement. Later, time spent with Union troops inspired Howe to write the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to the tune…
Today in History: Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features career pioneer Elizabeth Blackwell, who graduated from medical school on this date in 1849. She was the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States. Learn more about this trailblazing woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links listed below. Group portrait of members of the…
Today in History: Florida Keys
Today in History–January 22–the Library of Congress features the Florida Keys. On this day in 1912, the Florida East Coast Railway connected the island of Key West with the Florida mainland. After a 1935 hurricane damaged the line, the Overseas Highway built on the foundation of the old railroad bed. The current system of dozens of bridges…
Today in History: Stonewall Jackson
Today in History–January 21–the Library of Congress features Confederate general Stonewall Jackson, born on this date in 1824. An orphan, Thomas Jonathan Jackson devoted his life to the military as a soldier, teacher, and leader. Learn more about this man known for standing his ground by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…
Today in History: Cable Cars
Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features cable cars. On this day in 1879, San Franciscan Andrew Smith Hallidie patented an improved “Endless Wire Ropeway”, which would become the cable-car system. San Francisco’s success with cable cars led to their introduction in cities across the country. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for primary sources related…
Today in History: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Today in History–January 15–the Library of Congress features civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. King entered Morehouse College at 15, received a bachelor of divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, and a Ph.D from Boston University in 1955. Armed with his doctorate and belief in the use of non-violent action to…