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…
Today in History–January 25–the Library of Congress features Nellie Bly, who completed her circumnavigation of the globe on this day in 1890. This intrepid female reporter made the journey in just 72 days, using many different forms of transportation, including ship, train, jinricksha, sampan, horse, and burro. Learn more about this globetrotter and turn of the century transportation by visiting the Today in History section…
Today in History–January 24–the Library of Congress features gold, discovered in California on this day in 1848. The discovery was first met with skepticism and the California gold rush did not begin in full until after an endorsement from President James Polk in December, 1848. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features the 24th amendment, ratified on this day in 1964. This constitutional amendment barred the poll tax which, up until this time, required voters in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia to pay in order to vote in a national election. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links to related…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features John Hancock, born on this date in 1737. Best known for his big, bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, you can learn more about this Massachusetts politician and key member of the Continental Congresses by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources. John…
Today in History–January 20–the Library of Congress features Franklin Delano Roosevelt, inaugurated as U.S. President in January on this day in 1937. This was the first inauguration held in January but FDR’s second of four inaugurations, his first was held on March 4, 1933. Find out more about the longest serving president in our nation’s history by visiting the Today…
Today in History–January 19–the Library of Congress features author Edgar Allan Poe, born on this date in 1809. Learn more about the life of this master of American writing–a poet; a master of macabre tales; the originator of the modern detective story; and an acute literary critic, editor, and journalist–by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…
Today in History–January 18–the Library of Congress features the Paris Peace Conference, begun on this day in 1919. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, French Premier Georges Clemenceau, and Italian Premier Vittorio Orlando—became known as the big four for their role in settling issues stemming from World War I. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and the clicking the…
Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features innovative leader Benjamin Franklin, born on this date in 1706. Learn more about this fascinating self-educated man who was a printer, writer, scientist, and statesman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Ben Franklin. Benjamin Franklin Papers The select works of Benjamin Franklin; including his autobiography 1857 Benjamin…
Today in History–January 16–the Library of Congress features basketball. The first unofficial college basketball game was played on this date in 1896 when the University of Chicago beat the University of Iowa by a score of 15-12. Learn more about this sport by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more basketball primary sources. Sports lovers will want…
Today in History–January 13–the Library of Congress features Sophie Tucker, born on this date in 1884 or 1886 as Sonya Kalish. Learn more about the life of this much loved entertainer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to Sophie Tucker and musical entertainment styles of her day. Sophie Tucker sheet music Sophie Tucker images…
Today in History–January 11–the Library of Congress features suffragist leader Alice Paul, born on this date in 1885. Learn more about the National Woman’s Party by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Alice Paul and the woman suffrage movement. Alice Paul images Alice Paul timeline and select newspaper articles More historical newspaper coverage of Alice…