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 several presidents, most notably as secretary of the interior under Rutherford B. Hayes. In … [Read more...]
Today in History: John Peter Zenger Trial
November 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–November 27–the Library of Congress features the trial of newspaper man, John Peter Zenger. The trial judge, James Delancey, was born on this day in 1703. In the 1730s Zenger published articles in the New York Weekly Journal exposing the political machinations of Governor William Cosby who, in turn, charged Zenger with seditious libel. Zenger's lawyer, Andrew Hamilton, successfully argued to the jury in 1735 that because the articles contained verifiable facts, they could not be … [Read more...]
Today in History: Frederick Douglass
September 3, 2012 by 2 Comments
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning activities related to Frederick Douglass. Primary … [Read more...]
Today in History: Walt Whitman
May 31, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 31–the Library of Congress features writer Walt Whitman, born on this day in 1819. Whitman was a journalist, essayist, and poet whose poems written after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln cast him into the national spotlight. Learn more this American literary icon by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more Whitman primary sources and teaching resources. Collections Thomas Biggs Harned Collection of Walt Whitman … [Read more...]
Today in History: Nellie Bly Circles the Globe
January 25, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 and clicking the links below. Nellie Bly Circled the Globe January … [Read more...]
Today in History: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
August 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 8–the Library of Congress features journalist, short-story writer and novelist Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, born on this day in 1896. Rawlings received a Pulitzer prize for her novel The Yearling in 1938. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more women writer resources. Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings resources Short-story Writer and Novelist Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Was Born from America's Library Rawlings image … [Read more...]
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