Bats Bat image set Bats in historical newspaper articles "Unsuccessful effort to draw bats from the belfry of W.A. White" sketch by Theodore Roosevelt Bat wildlife reports (California, South Dakota, Utah, United States; Alberta, Canada; New Zealand) Bats: Spooky Superheroes? Folklife Today blog October 27, 2016 Creatures of the Night: Bats Inside Adams blog, October 31, 2012 Vampires "The press" and "Vampire press" in Three Parts 1889 The Vampires of Onset, Past and … [Read more...]
Today in History: William Shakespeare
April 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 26–the Library of Congress features William Shakespeare, baptized on this day in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Shakespeare's birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23, because babies generally were baptized about three days after birth. Learn about the Folger Shakespeare Memorial Library by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access Shakespeare's works and other resources related to the bard. Works by William … [Read more...]
Today in History: Zora Neale Hurston
January 7, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–January 7–the Library of Congress features writer Zora Neale Hurston, born on this date in 1891. She grew up in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated black town in the United States. Trained as an anthropologist, Hurston documented life histories and folklore, later using what she learned to inform her novels and plays. Learn more about this Harlem renaissance woman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. The … [Read more...]
Today in History: Hippodrome
August 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 16–the Library of Congress features the Hippodrome Theater, which closed permanently on this day in 1939. Opened in 1905, this gigantic theater seated up to 5,200 people and was the stage for the most popular vaudeville performers of the time, including Harry Houdini. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more Library resources related to the Hippodrome Theater and theater in general. Curious about the Hippodrome in … [Read more...]
Today in History: James Baldwin
August 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–August 2–the Library of Congress features novelist, essayist, and playwright James Baldwin, born on this day in 1924. Influenced by a teacher—poet and Harlem Renaissance leader Countee Cullen—Baldwin went on to earn his own place in literary history. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access some of the Library's top literary treasures. Novelist, Essayist, and Playwright James Baldwin Was Born from America's Library James … [Read more...]
Dutch colonist Peter Minuit arrived on Manhattan Island. Check out our 
Bird Day is first celebrated. Check out our 