In his article, “Thinking Like an Historian“, from the TPS Quarterly archive (now the TPS Journal), Sam Wineburg points out how many students’ view of history—memorization—diverges from that of historians—investigation—and offers advice for using primary sources to engage students in the “historical approach”. Doing so will help students make more authentic and lasting connections to important…
Today in History–June 11–the Library of Congress features pilot Charles Lindbergh, who received the first Distinguished Flying Cross on this day in 1927. Lindbergh made aeronautical history just a few weeks prior to the honor by flying solo and nonstop flight across the Atlantic. Find out more about this adventurous aviator by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…
Today in History—June 8—the Library of Congress features architect Frank Lloyd Wright, born on this day in 1867. Famous for his Prairie School houses, Wright also produced innovative yet practical plans for public buildings. His personal life, however was quite the opposite of his architecture. Learn more by the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…
Today in History–June 7–the Library of Congress features Daniel Boone, who laid eyes on the woodlands of modern-day Kentucky on this day in 1769. He arrived there after ignoring a British ban on westward migration. Find out more about this famous frontiersman known for his coonskin cap by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. The…
Today in History–June 4–the Library of Congress features U.S. Congressional approval of the the woman’s suffrage amendment on this day in 1919. But victory was still a ways off, It took over a year for the necessary three quarters of the 48 states (Alaska and Hawaii were not admitted into the Union until 1959) to ratify the 19th…
Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about “New York City’s Finest” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police…
Today in History–May 30–the Library of Congress features Memorial Day, first celebrated on this day in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery, where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried. Learn more about this national day of observance celebrating those who died in defense of the United States by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related primary sources….
Today in History–May 29–the Library of Congress features Wisconsin, which became the 30th state in the Union on this day in 1848. Learn more about the “badger state” by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this midwestern state. Wisconsin stories from America’s Library Wisconsin primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Pioneering the Upper Midwest: Books from Michigan, Minnesota,…
Today in History–May 17–the Library of Congress features the Kentucky Derby, first run on this day in 1875. The oldest thoroughbred horse race in the United States, this famous event held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky was begun by Meriwether Lewis Clark, child of William Clark who named his son after his exploration partner Meriwether Lewis. Learn more about the race and…
Today in History–May 16–the Library of Congress features educator Elizabeth Palmer Peabody, born on this day in 1804. Peabody opened the first English-language kindergarten in the United States in 1860. Learn more about this teacher, writer, and prominent figure in the Transcendental movement by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources related…
Today in History–May 11–the Library of Congress features Minnesota, which became the 32nd state in the Union on this day in 1858. Learn more about the “star of the north” also known as the “land of 10,000 lakes”, by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Minnesota stories from America’s Library Minnesota primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Minnesota…
Today in History–May 4–the Library of Congress features Bird Day, first celebrated on this day in 1894. Pennsylvania school superintendent Charles Almanzo Babcock initiated this celebration, in conjunction with Arbor Day, to help encourage conservation training, particularly among young people. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to birds. Bird Day:…