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 25–the Library of Congress features the philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson, born on this day in 1803. A leader in the transcendentalist movement, Emerson embraced forward-looking social reforms including abolition, temperance, and woman suffrage. Learn more about this writer and poet by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related resources. Books & articles by Ralph Waldo Emerson…
Today in History–May 24–the Library of Congress features the first telegraphic message, sent on this day in 1844 by Samuel F. B. Morse. This invention opened up a whole new era in communications. Learn more about Morse the inventor, Morse the painter, and the telegraph by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access numerous related primary…
Today in History–May 23–the Library of Congress features the New York Public Library, dedicated on this day in 1911. The dedication was presided over by President William Howard Taft. Learn more about how the NYPL got its start by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. Timeline & select historic newspaper articles: New York Public…
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…
Today in History–May 21–the Library of Congress features attorney and statesman Reverdy Johnson, born on this day in 1796. Although personally opposed to slavery (he emancipated slaves inherited from his father), Johnson represented the slave-owning defendant in the 1857 Dred Scott U.S. Supreme Court case, which decided that slaves could not be citizens. Learn more about this politician by visiting the Today in…
Today in History–May 18–the Library of Congress features the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which ruled on this day in 1896 that separate-but-equal facilities on intrastate railroads were constitutional. The decision gave legal sanction to Jim Crow segregation laws and the decision was not reversed until May 17, 1954 when the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that segregation was unconstitutional in the…
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 15–the Library of Congress features The Wonderful Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, born on this day in 1856. Lyman Frank Baum was in his 40s by the time he became a bestselling author. Learn more about this writer and the extraordinary success of the Oz mass media franchise by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below…
Today in History–May 14–the Library of Congress features Jamestown, Virginia, established on this day in 1607. The first winter was harsh and after eight months, only 60 of the 214 pioneers were still alive. By September of 1608, John Smith became a leader of Jamestown and the colony began to flourish. Learn more about the ups and downs of…