Curator description: Thomas Jefferson noted these plans for a macaroni or pasta machine while touring northern Italy in 1787. When Jefferson prepared these plans, macaroni was a highly fashionable food in Paris, where he was stationed as minister to France. He later commissioned his secretary William Short to purchase a macaroni machine in Italy, but the machine was not very durable. In later years Jefferson served macaroni or spaghetti made by cutting rolled dough into strips, which were … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Prairie Dog Sickened at the Sting of the Hornet
Today in History: Mathematician & Astronomer Benjamin Banneker
Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker, born on this day in 1731. This largely self-taught surveyor and scientist influenced how African Americans were viewed during the Federal period. Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and other resources related to Banneker, astronomy, and more. Mathematician and Astronomer Benjamin Banneker Was … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Uncovering Primary Source Treasures
The Teaching with Library of Congress blog highlights a collection of videos featuring Library curators briefly describing treasured items and their historical importance and provides some ideas for using the treasure videos with students. You can access the collection of Hidden Treasure videos at the Library of Congress or from the Hidden Treasures playlist on the Library of Congress YouTube channel. For more treasures, don't miss the Library's online exhibition, American Treasures of the … [Read more...]
Today in History: Meriwether Lewis (& William Clark)
Today in History–August 18–the Library of Congress features explorer Meriwether Lewis, born on this day in 1774. Together with William Clark, Lewis set out on May 14, 1804 at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson to look for a Northwest Passage, or water route to the Pacific Ocean. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access resources related to these explorers and their journey known as the Corps of Discovery. Rivers, Edens, Empires: Lewis … [Read more...]