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, the surroundings are unfamiliar, and the inhabitants speak in strange tongues. In some ways, the immigrant experience is like the dizzying journey taken by the … [Read more...]
Today in History: Happy Hanukkah
December 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for related resources. American Hanukkah lamp 2004 A large menorah, a candalabrum lit … [Read more...]
Today in History: George Gershwin & Gullah Culture
September 2, 2013 by 1 Comment
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 the links below. Porgy and Bess: American Treasure (online … [Read more...]
Today in History: Thornton Wilder
April 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
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 and the theater. Playwright Thornton Wilder Was Born from America's Library Thornton Wilder image … [Read more...]
Today in History: Valentine’s Day
February 14, 2012 by 1 Comment
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 fabulous primary sources. Valentine's Day from America's Library Primary sources St. … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Alcotts
November 29, 2011 by 1 Comment
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 links below to access more Alcott sources. Educator Amos Bronson Alcott, Father of Louisa May Alcott, … [Read more...]
Today in History: Orson Welles’ First Macbeth
July 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment
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 links below to access more primary source treasures … [Read more...]
Transcontinental railroad completion celebrated. Check out our 
