Today in History–December 4–the Library of Congress features New York City politician William “Boss” Tweed, who escaped from jail on this day in 1875. As leader of New York City’s Democratic Party, Tweed and his Tammany Hall cronies stole millions of dollars from the city. A vigorous campaign to unseat Tweed was ultimately successful when he was tried and convicted on charges…
Today in History–November 30–the Library of Congress features Mark Twain, born on this date in 1835 as Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Learn more about this masterful American writer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Twain resources. Stories about Mark Twain America’s Library The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn web pageturner More books & articles by Mark Twain “A…
Today in History–November 27–the Library of Congress features the trial of newspaper man, John Peter Zenger. The trial judge, James Delancey, was born on this day in 1703. In the 1730s Zenger published articles in the New York Weekly Journal exposing the political machinations of Governor William Cosby who, in turn, charged Zenger with seditious libel. Zenger’s lawyer, Andrew Hamilton,…
Today in History–November 26–the Library of Congress features Sojourner Truth, who died on this day in 1883. Born into slavery, Truth claimed her freedom and became a well known preacher, abolitionist, and women’s rights advocate. Learn more about this extraordinary woman by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. Sojourner Truth image set Address by Sojourner Truth: Proceedings…
Today in History–November 23–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Chattanooga, which commenced on this day in 1863. During this three-day Civil War battle, Union forces drove Confederate troops into Georgia, setting the stage for Union General William T. Sherman’s triumphant march to the sea a year later. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–November 22–the Library of Congress features musical theater star Lillian Russell, who made her debut at Tony Pastor’s Theatre in New York City on this date in 1880. Performing light opera and vaudeville shows, Russell had a successful career for nearly three decades. After, she devoted much of her time to politics. Learn more…
Today in History–November 20–the Library of Congress features Howard University, founded on this day in 1866. Originally established as a seminary for African-American clergymen, the founders soon broadened their mission to include liberal arts and medicine. The university was named for one of its founders, Major General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Find out…
Today in History–October 29–the Library of Congress features quilter Harriet Powers, born on this day in 1837. Harriet Powers used a traditional appliqué technique to record local legends, Bible stories, and astronomical events. Find out more about the quilting tradition by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about this folk art form….
Today in History–October 24–the Library of Congress features the United Nations. On this day in 1945 the U.N. charter was ratified. Derived from the 1942 Declaration by United Nations—26 nations pledged to continue fighting against the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan) in World War II—the final U.N. charter was signed by 51 member countries. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then…
Today in History–October 23–the Library of Congress features the Lend-Lease Act. On this day in 1941 the U.S. stepped closer to direct involvement in World War II when the Senate passed a $5.98 billion supplemental Lend-Lease bill. The Lend-Lease Act, passed in March, 1941, gave President Roosevelt nearly unlimited power to provide the Allies with material aid without officially…
Today in History–October 22–the Library of Congress features New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, which opened its doors on this day in 1883. In addition to staging operas, the Met and other opera houses also hosted charity events, community dances, fairs, plays, vaudeville shows, and even funerals. Find out more about this prestigious cultural institution by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…
Today in History–October 11–the Library of Congress features baseball great Jackie Robinson, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the second game of the 1972 World Series game on this day. The game also featured a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of breaking the color line, which Jackson did in 1947 when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He finished…