The graphic above from the Chicago Metro History Fair (CMHF) is a great encapsulation of how to choose a topic for a history fair project. In addition, ask yourself the questions listed below. Does the topic relate to the 2021 National History Day (NHD) theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding? Does the topic relate to local or state history? Does the topic really interest you? Do you have a personal connection to the topic? (It’s not necessary but it can be a good … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: LOC.gov Quick Links
This teaching resource blog was created to help educators and students teach and learn with primary sources from the Library of Congress. There is a lot of material to browse and search on the Primary Source Nexus, but sometimes you just need to go directly to a particular section of the Library website. But how do you quickly locate and access that section? We've compiled a list of 30 links to get you to the resources you're looking for lightning quick: LOC.gov Quick Links page. … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Library Company of Philadelphia
Today in History–November 14–the Library of Congress features the Library Company of Philadelphia, which signed a contract with its first librarian on this date in 1732. The subscription library was actually founded in November 1731 by Benjamin Franklin and friends but they had to wait until books arrived from England. The Library Company's holdings were later made available to the first Continental Congress when it convened in September 1774 and became, in effect, the de facto Library of … [Read more...]
Today in History: Archibald MacLeish
Today in History–May 7–the Library of Congress features Archibald MacLeish, born on this day in 1892 in Glencoe, Illinois. MacLeish's interest ranged from literature to law. He won a Pulitzer Prize for poetry and drama and served as the Librarian of Congress and Assistant Secretary of State. Find out more about the "poet librarian" by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related resources. The Warrior Poet (a.k.a. Fellow Traveler No. 1) From the … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Building the Library of Congress
Today in History: Books for Congress
Today in History–April 24–the Library of Congress celebrates its own birthday. On this day in 1800, President John Adams approved a $5,000 appropriation to purchase "such books as may be necessary for the use of congress." According to Thomas Jefferson, any book would be useful: " . . . there is in fact no subject to which a member of Congress may not have occasion to refer." Learn more about the Library and its fabulous digital book collections by visiting the Today in History section, then … [Read more...]