Today in History–November 21–the Library of Congress features North Carolina, which ratified the Constitution on this day in 1789, becoming the 12th state in the new United States. Find out more about the history and culture of the “Tar Heel” state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more prime primary sources. North…
Today in History–November 16–the Library of Congress features Oklahoma, which became the 46th state on this day in 1907. Find out more about the history and culture of the Sooner state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access prime primary sources. Oklahoma stories from America’s Library Oklahoma primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Oklahoma historical newspapers Oklahoma…
Today in History–November 11–the Library of Congress features Washington, which was declared a state on this day in 1889. Find out more about the history and culture of the Evergreen state by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access a plethora primary sources. Washington primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Washington maps Pictorial Americana: Selected images of Washington…
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,…
Today in History–November 7–the Library of Congress features Hawaii, which ratified a state constitution on this day in 1950 (it officially became the 50th state on August 21, 1959). Find out more about the history and culture of the Crossroads of the Pacific by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more fabulous primary sources. Oahu Railway…
Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features South Dakota, which entered the Union as the 40th state on this day in 1889. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the history and culture of the “Mount Rushmore” state, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. South Dakota primary source set with Teacher’s Guide South Dakota maps…
“The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.” The Teaching with the Library of Congress blog provides some great starting points for using the Veterans History…
Today in History–October 31–the Library of Congress features Halloween. On this day many Americans celebrate spookiness and becoming someone else by dressing in costumes. To learn more about the origins of this fun-filled holiday and ideas for finding unique Halloween primary sources, visit the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Halloween, ghosts,…
Today in History–October 26–the Library of Congress features Mahalia Jackson, born on this day in 1911. The “Queen of Gospel Song” performed at national venues and sang for four presidents in addition to singing “I’ve Been ‘Buked and I Been Scorned” just before Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech during the 1963 march on Washington. If…
The Teaching with Library of Congress blog highlights a collection of videos featuring Library curators briefly describing treasured items and their historical importance and provides some ideas for using the treasure videos with students. You can access the collection of Hidden Treasure videos at the Library of Congress or from the Hidden Treasures playlist on…
Today in History–October 14–the Library of Congress features Sarah Winnemucca, who died on this day in 1891. Winnemucca was first Native American woman to publish a book in English, Life Among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and Claims, which is an autobiographical account of her tribe’s experiences during their first forty years of contact with white explorers and settlers….
Today in History–October 12–the Library of Congress features Columbus Day, celebrating the date in 1492 when Christopher Columbus sighted land in the Bahamas. Learn more about the man and the national holiday by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources related to Columbus. Christopher Columbus Saw Land! from America’s Library Columbus Day primary source…