Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

Today in History: Air Raid on Pearl Harbor

Today in History–December 7–the Library of Congress features the Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, which occurred on this day in 1941. A hurried Navy dispatch sent out the news: AIR RAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL. More than 2,300 Americans were killed, 160 aircraft were destroyed, and 12 ships sank. The next day the United States declared…

Analyzing Primary Sources: Image Sequencing Activities

Analyzing Primary Sources: Image Sequencing Activities

Image sequencing activities help students better understand written or spoken texts. Image sequencing requires groups of students to review an image set and match individual images with designated lines of text, discussing and justifying their choices. These activities give students great practice in the skills emphasized by the Common Core State Standards, particularly the CCSS standards…

Today in History: Henry Wirz & Andersonville Prison

Today in History: Henry Wirz & Andersonville Prison

Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features Confederate officer Henry Wirz, executed as a war criminal on this day in 1865. Wirz was the commanding officer in charge of the Confederate prison at Andersonville, Georgia, also known as Camp Sumter.  Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources and teaching…

Today in History: Mathematician & Astronomer Benjamin Banneker

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,…

Today in History: Eleanor Roosevelt

Today in History: Eleanor Roosevelt

Today in History–October 11–the Library of Congress features Eleanor Roosevelt, born on this day in 1884.  Learn more about this first-class first lady in the Today in History section then click the links below to access related primary sources. Eleanor Roosevelt image set Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. attends Women in War Work Congress in Paris 1918 film Speech by Eleanor A. Roosevelt New…

Primary Source Learning: Discover the Library Online

Primary Source Learning: Discover the Library Online

The Teaching with Library of Congress blog points out ways to explore the Library virtually and suggests engaging learning activities using this set of putti images, from the Carol M. Highsmith photograph archive.  You might also try similar activities using this set of images depicting iconic figures found on the doors of the Library annex from…

Today in History: George Perkins Marsh

Today in History: George Perkins Marsh

Today in History–September 30–the Library of Congress features Congressman George Perkins Marsh, who delivered a speech on agricultural conditions in New England on this day in 1847 that recognized the capacity for environmental destruction and advocated for resource management and restoration. Find out more by reviewing the Today in History section and reviewing the resources below. George Perkins Marsh images George P. Marsh address delivered before…

Primary Source Learning: Teaching Ideas for Different Primary Source Types

Primary Source Learning: Teaching Ideas for Different Primary Source Types

The Fall Issue of the TPS Quarterly is out and the featured article–“Beyond Typescript and Photographs: Using Primary Sources in Different Formats”–provides teaching ideas for using different primary source types in learning activities. Read the article to get tips on using handwritten manuscripts; posters, prints, and drawings; motion pictures; oral histories; historic sheet music and sound recordings; and…

Learning from the Source: Jefferson’s Rough Draft of the Declaration

Learning from the Source: Jefferson’s Rough Draft of the Declaration

The Teaching with the Library of Congress blog has started to publish primary source starters–quick, easy-to-use activity ideas using primary sources from the Library’s collections. The first uses Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence to help students think critically about the process that produced the document. Get all the details by reading…

Teaching & Learning

Teaching & Learning

In the Teaching and Learning category, we will highlight strategies for incorporating primary sources into teaching and learning activities, lessons, and projects. Some of these will come from the Barat team, some from the Library, but most will come from the fabulous teachers out in the field who are innovating every day. If you have…