![Thomas Jefferson ["Maccaroni" machine with instructions for making pasta] Holograph drawing and text, 1787](https://primarysourcenexus.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jeffersonpastamachine-110x110.jpg)
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...]
Primary Source Learning: America’s Library
December 13, 2011 by Leave a Comment
The Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides an overview of the resources found in America's Library and some great teaching ideas for using the website with younger students or older English language learners. For more involved projects, click the links below to access two primary source projects using America's Library resources from TPS-Barat. Each project includes all student materials as well as a teacher instructions. Presidential Portraits George Washington and Abraham … [Read more...]
Featured Image: Prairie Dog Sickened at the Sting of the Hornet
November 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History: Mathematician & Astronomer Benjamin Banneker
November 9, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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
October 14, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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)
August 18, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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...]
George Washington penned a letter about religious freedom to prominent Jewish leader Moses Seixas. Check out our