The cowpox tragedy

Primary Source Spotlight: Smallpox & Inoculation

1721 proclamation mentioning small pox The Fight Over Inoculation During the 1721 Boston Smallpox Epidemic Science in the News, Harvard University An historical account of the small-pox inoculated in New-England 1726 Internet Archive George Washington Papers, Series 4, General Correspondence: Massachusetts House of Representatives, October 5, 1775, Smallpox Resolution George Washington letter to Martha Washington urging inoculation…

First Lady Michelle Obama official portrait

Primary Source Learning: Women in the White House

Use the resources below to learn about the women in the White House and the some of the roles various first ladies took on throughout the years. One fun learning activity comes from the Collection Connections section of Words and Deeds in American History. Ask students to consider if these letter show evidence of a first lady…

Martha Washington

Today in History: Martha Washington

Today in History–May 22–the Library of Congress features America’s first, first lady Martha Washington, who died on this day in 1802. Unfortunately, few of the letters written by Martha and George remain since she burned most before her death to protect their privacy. Learn more about this upstanding woman and consummate hostess by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…