Today in History–August 20–the Library of Congress features the eight-hour work day, which the National Labor Union advocated Congress for on this day in 1866. Although the National Labor Union congressional efforts failed, they were able to heighten public awareness of labor issues and increase support for labor reform in the subsequent decades. Learn more by visiting…
Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features sewing machine inventor Elias Howe, born on this day in 1819. Find out more about Howe’s struggle to get recognized for his work and how the mechanical sewing machine helped transform the nature of work during the nineteenth century by visiting the Today in History section. Then click the links below to check out this…
In his article, “Thinking Like an Historian“, from the TPS Quarterly archive (now the TPS Journal), Sam Wineburg points out how many students’ view of history—memorization—diverges from that of historians—investigation—and offers advice for using primary sources to engage students in the “historical approach”. Doing so will help students make more authentic and lasting connections to important…
Today in History–June 6–the Library of Congress features D-Day. On this day in 1944, American, British and Canadian forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France in a coordinated effort to open the western front. Learn more about this tragic but ultimately successful strike by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access loads of primary sources…
Today in History–May 18–the Library of Congress features the Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, which ruled on this day in 1896 that separate-but-equal facilities on intrastate railroads were constitutional. The decision gave legal sanction to Jim Crow segregation laws and the decision was not reversed until May 17, 1954 when the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that segregation was unconstitutional in the…
Today in History–May 17–the Library of Congress features the Kentucky Derby, first run on this day in 1875. The oldest thoroughbred horse race in the United States, this famous event held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky was begun by Meriwether Lewis Clark, child of William Clark who named his son after his exploration partner Meriwether Lewis. Learn more about the race and…
Today in History–May 11–the Library of Congress features Minnesota, which became the 32nd state in the Union on this day in 1858. Learn more about the “star of the north” also known as the “land of 10,000 lakes”, by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Minnesota stories from America’s Library Minnesota primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Minnesota…
Today in History–May 3–the Library of Congress features the island of Jamaica, first spotted by Christopher Columbus on this day in 1494. This Caribbean nation won its independence from Great Britain in 1962 but is still a member of the British commonwealth. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to Jamaica….
Today in History–April 11–the Library of Congress features submarines. Although submarines were used as early as the War of 1812, the U.S. Navy acquired its first submarine on this day in 1900. Find out about the first submarine to sink a battleship and more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related…
Today in History–March 15–the Library of Congress features Maine, which became the twenty-third state in the Union on this day in 1820. Learn more about the pine tree state well known and loved for its dense woodlands and beautiful, often rugged coastline by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this most…
Capturing an Oral History Oral histories help us to understand people and communities, giving personal and cultural context to history. Capturing an oral history is not difficult as long as you prepare for the interview in advance. Preparing for the Interview Students should conduct research to know the context for terms, events, and people linked…
History textbooks give overviews of people and events of the past. Primary sources provide varied perspectives, adding details, nuance and, often, a sense of immediacy that make history come alive. Oral histories and personal narratives allow us to step into someone else’s shoes for a moment and make personal connections to history. Students who completed…