Primary Source Spotlight: Novels in Verse

Primary Source Spotlight: Novels in Verse

Novels in verse tell stories using both poetry while also employing traditional narrative structures and styles. Use the links below to learn more about this form of storytelling and to dive into the Library’s collections. No Extra Words: The Emotional Punch of Novels in Verse Bookmarked blog includes videos of conversations with authors Lancelot ou…

Analyzing Primary Sources: Strategies & Activities

Analyzing Primary Sources: Strategies & Activities

When first starting out teaching with primary sources, we recommend trying out the Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool (see Analyzing Primary Sources: Tools & Guides). Below, we have compiled a rich list of primary source analysis strategies and activities developed by the Library, TPS Consortium partners, and teacher pros in the field. Library…

Primary Source Learning: Slavery (U.S.)

Primary Source Learning: Slavery (U.S.)

Lesson plans & activities Collection Connections: Arts & Humanities, Critical Thinking & U.S. History teaching ideas Born in Slavery: Slave Narratives from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936-1938 From Slavery to Freedom: The African-American Pamphlet Collection, 1822-1909 Slaves and the Courts, 1740-1860 Guided primary source analysis activities Afro-American Monument Slave market of America Synopsis of the…

Primary Source Spotlight: Slavery (U.S.)

Primary Source Spotlight: Slavery (U.S.)

Library slavery collections Slave narratives Frederick Douglass primary source set Frances Ann Kemble primary source set Books Correspondence & early texts Other texts Legislation Slavery newspapers Slavery maps Slave song recordings Slavery sheet music Slavery image set Slavery political cartoons PSN curated primary source collections related to slavery Library blog posts related to slavery Primary Source…

Today in History: Los Angeles, California

Today in History: Los Angeles, California

Today in History–September 04–the Library of Congress features El Pueblo de la Reyna de Los Angeles (The Town of the Queen of the Angels) founded on this day in 1781. Located between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Los Angeles remained independent until it was taken in a bloodless effort by U.S. forces during the Mexican…

State Spotlight: California

State Spotlight: California

California stories from America’s Library California primary source set with teacher’s guide California resource guide Curated collections California maps Pictorial Americana: selected images of California California images California books & articles California correspondence, reports, printed ephemera & other texts California historic newspapers California sheet music California songs and oral histories California legislation California Guide to Law Online Library…

Today in History: Gold Discovered in California

Today in History: Gold Discovered in California

Today in History–January 24–the Library of Congress features gold, discovered in California on this day in 1848. The discovery was first met with skepticism and the California gold rush did not begin in full until after an endorsement from President James Polk in December, 1848. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover…

Today in History: Cowboys & Fall Roundup Time

Today in History: Cowboys & Fall Roundup Time

Today in History–October 7–the Library of Congress features cowboys, or buckaroos, and fall roundup time. On this day in 1979 the Ninety-Six Ranch in Nevada completed its fall roundup and trail drive. Learn more about this roundup in the Today in History section then click the links below to access all sorts of cowboy stories and primary sources. Cowboy primary sources Buckaroos in Paradise Collection…