Today in History–May 21–TPS-Barat features Clarissa "Clara" Barton, who founded the Red Cross on this date in 1881. A former teacher, Barton was working in the U.S. patent office at the start of the Civil War. Despite having little nursing training, Barton administered aid to soldiers at several battlefields. After the war she established the Missing Soldier Office in Washington, D.C., led the effort to establish a national cemetery at Andersonville Prison, and, in 1881, founded the American Red … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Tuskegee Airmen
February 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment
Online exhibition items Tuskegee Airmen Breaking Flight Barriers Tuskegee Airmen with Lena Horne The 332nd Fighter Group Tuskegee Airmen image set Tuskegee Airmen in Art Exhibit The Detroit Tribune. (Detroit, Mich.), 01 Sept. 1945 Tuskegee pilots historical newspaper coverage 332nd Fighter Group historical newspaper coverage 332nd Fighter Group veteran oral history collections WWII Reunion: Tuskegee Airmen streaming webcast Patriotism, Courage, Discipline, Skill … [Read more...]
Timely Connections: Immigrant Soldiers
November 7, 2017 by Leave a Comment
The United States is a nation of immigrants, many of whom have served the country in times of need. Below you will find links to news articles about immigrant soldiers, historical background resources, and related primary sources and teaching resources. How does studying sources from the past inform your understanding of the contemporary debate surrounding immigrants in the U.S. armed forces? Articles 2018 U.S. Army Discharges Immigrant Soldiers Seeking Citizenship NPR July 6, … [Read more...]
NHD 2018 Conflict & Compromise Topic Ideas: U.S. History Mid-20th Century
August 25, 2017 by 1 Comment
These curated resource lists coincide with the topic ideas listed in the NHD 2018 Conflict & Compromise theme sample topics list. The links lead to resources accessed from the Library of Congress (LOC.gov) unless otherwise noted. Social Conflict During War: Japanese Internment background & primary sources Conscientious Objectors in World War II Conscientious objectors' benefits : hearing before a subcommittee of the Committee on Military Affairs, United States Senate August … [Read more...]
Featured Source: Form & Function
April 19, 2017 by Leave a Comment
Take a close look at the collection of images above (.pdf). What common theme can you identify? Note similarities and differences between the images. Now take a look at the bibliographic records of each image by clicking the links below. What is the function of the main object in each image? Choose one of these and investigate how the object was used in the past and if it is still used today. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 What types of tasks can you envision the main … [Read more...]
Presidential Spotlight: Jimmy Carter
February 9, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Jimmy Carter inauguration primary source set January 20, 1977 President Jimmy Carter Signed the Panama Canal Treaty September 7, 1977 from America's Library Jimmy Carter image set Carl Sagan Briefing notes for President Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale Political cartoonist Herb Block on President Jimmy Carter "Gee! A medal from Gen. Goldwater" July 2, 1976 (curator's note: scroll to find) "... One nation ... indivisible ..." February 22, 1977 (curator's note: scroll … [Read more...]
Today in History: Fall of Atlanta
September 1, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 1–the Library of Congress features the fall of Atlanta. On this date in 1864, Confederate General John B. Hood evacuated and left the city in Union hands. The capture of this crucial Confederate supply center by William T. Sherman helped ensure the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln two months later. Find out more about the events preceding and following the fall of Atlanta by visiting the Today in History section, the click the links below to access … [Read more...]
Today in History: General John J. Pershing
July 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–July 15–the Library of Congress features General John J. Pershing, who died on this date in 1948. Pershing received a hero's burial at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting tribute to the only military leader since George Washington to earn the title General of the Armies of the United States. Find out more about this officer who led troops from the cavalry to World War I by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related … [Read more...]
Today in History: Fort Necessity & the French and Indian War
June 4, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 4–the Library of Congress features Fort Necessity near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. On this date in 1754, the young Colonel George Washington and his troops were hard at work constructing the makeshift stronghold to protect themselves from French aggression. Less than a month later, however, Washington and his troops were surrounded and forced to surrender to French troops on July 3, 1754. This military action marked the beginning of the French and Indian War, during … [Read more...]
Today in History: Siege of Vicksburg
May 19, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 19–the Library of Congress features the Union siege of Vicksburg, Mississippi, begun on this day in 1863 under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant. By mid-June, nearly 80,000 Union troops had virtually sealed off the city. But it would take a few more weeks before Confederate forces surrendered on July 4. With the victory, the Union regained control of the Mississippi River, geographically dividing the Confederacy. Find out more about this Civil War campaign by visiting … [Read more...]
George Washington penned a letter about religious freedom to prominent Jewish leader Moses Seixas. Check out our