Carol Highsmith is a distinguished and richly-published American photographer who has donated her work to the Library of Congress since 1992. Her growing archive includes tens of thousands of photographs from all U.S. states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, as well as Havana, Cuba. The photos showcase landmark buildings, architectural renovation projects, landscapes, Americans at work…
Find out some intriguing ways to connect to one of the most beloved stories of all times with various primary sources. The Immigrant Experience: Down the Rabbit Hole Library of Congress Relocating to a new country can be a disorienting experience. Immigrants often find themselves in a strange new world where the rules have changed,…
Today in History–December 17–the Library of Congress features Hanukkah. On this date in 1979 President Jimmy Carter participated in the first National Menorah Lighting. Also known as the Feast or Festival of Lights, Hanukkah reflects the story of a one-day supply of oil at the temple miraculously burning for eight days. Find out more by…
Today in History–September 2–the Library of Congress features George Gershwin, who completed the orchestral score of the opera—Porgy and Bess—based on the DuBose Heyward novel on this date in 1935. The opera, like the novel, depicted the African-American Gullah culture of South Carolina. Learn more about this remarkable man and his collaborators on the internationally known opera by visiting the Today in History section and clicking…
Today in History–April 17–the Library of Congress features writer Thornton Wilder, born on this day in 1897. This lauded American writer produced award-winning (3 Pulitzer Prizes and 1 National Book Award) plays, novels, essays, and more. Find out more about this literary master by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Wilder…
Today in History–February 14–the Library of Congress features St. Valentine’s Day, celebrated yearly by many on this date. Did you know that the romantic emphasis on this holiday may have stemmed from the medieval belief that birds select their mates on February 14. Learn more about this lovely holiday by visiting the Today in History section and then clicking the links below to access some…
Today in History–November 29–the Library of Congress features the Alcott family. The family patriarch, educator Amos Bronson Alcott was born on this date in 1799. His second of four daughters, author Louisa May Alcott was born in 1832, also on November 29. Learn more about both father and daughter as well as other Alcott family members by visiting the Today in History section then click the…
Today in History–July 25–the Library of Congress features Macbeth, “The Play That Electrified Harlem“. The closing night performance of Macbeth, produced by John Houseman and directed by Orson Welles for the Federal Theatre Project (FTP) of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), was staged on July 25, 1936 and featured an all African-American cast. Find out more about this production by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…