Today in History–February 23–the Library of Congress features the Mexican American War. On this day in 1847 U.S. General Zachary Taylor was victorious over Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna in the Battle of Buena Vista. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more about this war between the U.S. and its…
Today in History–February 21–the Library of Congress features Richard Nixon, who began an eight-day visit to China on this day in 1972. President Nixon was the first U.S. president to visit the People’s Republic of China since its founding in 1949. Find out a bit more about U.S.-Chinese relations by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…
Today in History–February 16–the Library of Congress features western missionaries and Native Americans. The Reverend Cushing Eells, born on this date in 1810. This Congregationalist missionary founded Whitman College, named in honor of fellow missionaries and Oregon pioneers Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who were killed by Native Americans in 1847. Learn more about the relations between missionaries and Native Americans in the west…
Today in History–February 10–the Library of Congress features singer Leontyne Price, born on this date in 1927. This opera star earned 20 Grammy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn more about Price by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources about opera from across the Library. Leontyne Price Born from America’s Library Leontyne Price image set…
Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features writer and poet Langston Hughes, born on this date in 1902. Famous for his illuminating and moving depictions of African American life, Hughes was a prominent figure in the Harlem Renaissance movement. Learn more about this treasured American author by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories,…
Today in History–January 27–the Library of Congress features John James Audubon, who died on this date in 1851. Audubon was a naturalist and artist, earning fame for his drawings and paintings of North American birds. Learn more about the namesake of the National Audubon Society by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more related primary sources. John James Audubon Died from…
Today in History–January 26–the Library of Congress features Michigan, which joined the Union as the twenty-sixth state on this day in 1837. The name Michigan is derived from a Native American word Michigama, meaning great water. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Great…
Today in History–January 20–the Library of Congress features Franklin Delano Roosevelt, inaugurated as U.S. President in January on this day in 1937. This was the first inauguration held in January but FDR’s second of four inaugurations, his first was held on March 4, 1933. Find out more about the longest serving president in our nation’s history by visiting the Today…
Today in History–January 19–the Library of Congress features author Edgar Allan Poe, born on this date in 1809. Learn more about the life of this master of American writing–a poet; a master of macabre tales; the originator of the modern detective story; and an acute literary critic, editor, and journalist–by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…
Without knowing any background information, do you think this political cartoon is positive or negative? Why? Now do some research by following the links below and answer the questions. Links Taft vs. Bryan Presidential Election of 1908: select newspaper articles Wilson vs. Roosevelt vs. Taft Presidential Election of 1912: select newspaper articles Questions Who were the final…
Today in History–January 13–the Library of Congress features Sophie Tucker, born on this date in 1884 or 1886 as Sonya Kalish. Learn more about the life of this much loved entertainer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to Sophie Tucker and musical entertainment styles of her day. Sophie Tucker sheet music Sophie Tucker images…
Today in History–January 6–the Library of Congress features jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, who died on this date in 1993. Learn more about the terrific trumpeter-composer-bandleader who was one of the key figures in modern jazz music by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. Dizzy Gillespie from America’s Library Dizzy Gillespie, Carl Van Vechten image set Dizzy Gillespie, William…