Today in History–July 28–the Library of Congress features the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. On this date in 1868, Secretary of State William Seward issued a proclamation certifying the ratification of the amendment. The 14th amendment granted citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States”, including former slaves freed…
South Carolina stories from America’s Library South Carolina primary source set with teacher’s guide South Carolina resource guide Featured Source: Destruction of the Snake of South Carolina South Carolina maps South Carolina books & articles South Carolina historical newspapers South Carolina sheet music South Carolina oral histories, songs & dialect recordings South Carolina WPA life histories South Carolina images South Carolina legislation South…
Primary source sets Transportation primary source set with teacher’s guide Transportation image set Transportation maps Films & webcasts related to transportation Oral histories related to transportation Life history mentioning transportation Historical texts related to transportation Historical newspaper coverage: modes of transportation PSN curated primary source collections Air Balloons & Airships America’s Roadways B&O Railroad Bicycles Cable Cars C&O Canal…
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…
Today in History–July 13–the Library of Congress features Frank Sinatra, who made his recording debut on this day in 1939 with the Harry James band. After, Sinatra sang with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra before beginning his solo career. On his own, Sinatra became a teenage sensation but would later appeal to music and movie fans of multiple generations. Learn more about this…
Today in History–July 10–the Library of Congress features jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton, who died on this day in 1941. Born Ferdinand Joseph La Menthe in New Orleans, Louisiana, Morton billed himself as “Jelly Roll” while playing minstrel and vaudeville shows. In addition to jazz, Morton also played ragtime, blues and spirituals. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to…
Images Great Seal of the United States Reverse of the great seal of the United States Detail of northwest medallion at base (Great Seal of the United States) – District of Columbia War Memorial Great Seal of The United States made with lace Pic of the Week: A Great Seal Inside Adams: Science, Technology & Business…
Today in History–June 30–the Library of Congress features Yosemite. On this day in 1865 President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act, giving the valley and nearby Mariposa Big Tree Grove to California “upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation.” The area became a top tourist destination but towards the…
James Buchanan inauguration primary source set James Buchanan speeches Inaugural address March 4, 1857 First annual message to Congress December 8, 1857 Second annual message to Congress December 6, 1858 Third annual message to Congress December 19, 1859 Fourth annual message to Congress December 3, 1860 James Buchanan and Harriet Lane Johnston Papers James Buchanan correspondence & court documents The agitation of slavery. Who commenced! And who can…
Today in History–June 23–the Library of Congress features the vote for annexation of Texas by the United States on this date in 1845. Texas had tried for statehood back in 1836 after gaining independence from Mexico but the U.S. Congress was unwilling to admit another state that permitted slavery. But by December 29, 1845, Texas became the twenty-eighth state in the…
Canada primary sources from the World Digital Library Canada maps Books & other texts about Canada Reports & correspondence related to Canada Canada U.S. historical newspaper coverage Canada images Historic films featuring Canada Canada/Canadian song recordings Canada/Canadian sheet music U.S. legislation related to Canada Guide to Law Online: Canada In Custodia Legis blog posts related to Canada Canada country profile BBC…
Today in History–June 9–the Library of Congress features Princeton University. On this date in 1902, alumnus Woodrow Wilson was unanimously elected university president after more than a decade as a respected teaching scholar. During his tenure, Wilson instituted a system of core requirements followed by two years of specialized concentration. After Princeton, Wilson served one term as governor of New…