The United States is a nation of immigrants, many of whom have served the country in times of need. Below you will find links to news articles about immigrant soldiers, historical background resources, and related primary sources and teaching resources. How does studying sources from the past inform your understanding of the contemporary debate surrounding…
Today in History–June 4–the Library of Congress features Fort Necessity near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. On this date in 1754, the young Colonel George Washington and his troops were hard at work constructing the makeshift stronghold to protect themselves from French aggression. Less than a month later, however, Washington and his troops were surrounded and forced to surrender to French troops on…
Today in History–May 13–the Library of Congress features the opening day of the Governors’ Conference on the Conservation of Natural Resources on this day in 1908. President Theodore Roosevelt delivered the stirring opening address but the conference was spearheaded by Chief Forester of the United States Gifford Pinchot. The conference helped put the spotlight on conservationism. Pinchot later went on to…
Today in History–October 14–the Library of Congress features the religious and social reformer William Penn, born on this day in 1644. Having no luck in his campaign for religious freedom for Quakers and others in England, Penn received an American land grant in payment of a debt owed his father. He named the colony Pennsylvania in honor of…
Today in History–September 26–the Library of Congress features Valley Forge. On this day in 1777, the Continental Congress was forced to flee when British troops marched into the city of Philadelphia. The Continental Army under General George Washington spent the winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania while British troops held Philadelphia. Find out more about this difficult season…
Today in History–July 22–the Library of Congress features artist Alexander Calder, born on this date in 1898 in Pennsylvania. Calder’s mother was a painter and his father was a sculptor but Alexander began his career as a mechanical engineer. That early career choice served him well as an artist later when creating his first motor-driven sculptures, later…
Today in History–October 3–the Library of Congress features the Anthracite coal strike. On this day in 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt met with miners and coalfield operators in an attempt to settle the five-month-old strike; he was the first U.S. president to intervene in a labor dispute. Roosevelt appointed a commission to help negotiate terms of a settlement, which…
Today in History–April 4–the Library of Congress features Carrie S. Burnham, who continued to present her arguments before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on the right of women to vote on this day in 1873. Learn more about her appeal and the suffrage movement by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links below. Carrie Burnham Argued for the Right…
Today in History–December 12–the Library of Congress features Pennsylvania, which became the second state to ratify the U.S Constitution on this day in 1787, though it was not a unanimous decision. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of Pennsylvania through…
Today in History–November 9–the Library of Congress features mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker, born on this day in 1731. This largely self-taught surveyor and scientist influenced how African Americans were viewed during the Federal period. Learn more about Banneker by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and other resources related to Banneker,…