Today in History–May 21–TPS-Barat features Clarissa "Clara" Barton, who founded the Red Cross on this date in 1881. A former teacher, Barton was working in the U.S. patent office at the start of the Civil War. Despite having little nursing training, Barton administered aid to soldiers at several battlefields. After the war she established the Missing Soldier Office in Washington, D.C., led the effort to establish a national cemetery at Andersonville Prison, and, in 1881, founded the American Red … [Read more...]
Today in History: Alexander Graham Bell
March 10, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 10–the Library of Congress features Alexander Graham Bell, who made the first successful telephone call to his assistant Thomas Watson on this date in 1876. An audiologist, speech therapist and teacher of the deaf, Bell's knowledge of the nature of sound likely encourage his experimentation. Another Bell invention was a metal detector, that was created to help save President James A, Garfield. Unfortunately, the attempt to locate the assassin's bullet was unsuccessful. … [Read more...]
Today in History: Electricity
September 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 30–the Library of Congress features electricity. On this day in 1882, the first hydroelectric central station in the world began operation on the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. This and other hydroelectric plants provided inexpensive electricity, spurring industrial growth in many regions of the country around the turn of the 20th century. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to uncover more primary source treasures … [Read more...]
Today in History: Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–January 15–the Library of Congress features civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. King entered Morehouse College at 15, received a bachelor of divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, and a Ph.D from Boston University in 1955. Armed with his doctorate and belief in the use of non-violent action to end racial discrimination, King founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and joined the civil right movement. In less than a … [Read more...]
Today in History: Wright Brothers’ First Flight
December 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–December 17–the Library of Congress features the first flights of the Wright brothers, flown on this day in 1903. Orville piloted the first flight that lasted 12 seconds and 120 feet and Wilbur piloted the fourth and final flight, remaining airborne for 59 seconds and traveling 852 feet. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access a plethora of Wright and other early flight resources. Wilbur and Orville Wright's First Flight from … [Read more...]
Today in History: Jackie Robinson
October 15, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 that first season as baseball's Rookie of the Year, batting .297 and leading the National League with 29 stolen bases. Learn more … [Read more...]
Today in History: Frederick Douglass
September 3, 2012 by 2 Comments
Today in History–September 03–the Library of Congress features the escape from slavery of Frederick Douglass on this day in 1838. Born into slavery, Douglass became a renowned abolitionist, journalist, author, and human rights advocate. Learn more about this remarkable man who never ceased advocating for freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and primary source learning activities related to Frederick Douglass. Primary … [Read more...]
Today in History: First Telegraphic Message Sent
May 24, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–May 24–the Library of Congress features the first telegraphic message, sent on this day in 1844 by Samuel F. B. Morse. This invention opened up a whole new era in communications. Learn more about Morse the inventor, Morse the painter, and the telegraph by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access numerous related primary sources. Samuel F.B. Morse Sent the First Telegraphic Message from America’s Library "The Magnetic Telegraph - it's … [Read more...]
Today in History: Thomas Jefferson
April 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 13–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, born on this day in 1743. (Actually, he was born on April 2 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Find out more about this multitalented man by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access teaching resources, primary sources and secondary sources … [Read more...]
Today in History: James Madison
March 16, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features James Madison, born on this day in 1751. (Actually, he was born on March 5 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else's, was shifted 11 days forward.) Learn more about the man known as the "Father of the Constitution" by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about … [Read more...]
President Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act. Check out our