Primary Source Learning: U.S. Constitution

Primary Source Learning: U.S. Constitution

Congress.gov Constitution Annotated analysis & interpretation of the U.S. Constitution Timely Connections: Constitutional Rights of Students Guided primary source analysis activities The Constitutional Amendment National Anti-Suffrage Association Lessons from the Citizen U Multidisciplinary Civics Lesson Library Find Your Freedom Beyond the Bill of Rights Citizen U Constitutional Rights Foundation Introduction to the Constitution California History-Social…

Primary Source Spotlight: Alexander Hamilton

Primary Source Spotlight: Alexander Hamilton

Today in History: Alexander Hamilton background information & select primary sources Alexander Hamilton Papers collection Alexander Hamilton primary source set & teacher’s guide Alexander Hamilton image set Alexander Hamilton items in the Creating the United States online exhibition Report of the Committee of Detail with annotations by Alexander Hamilton Report of the Committee of Style…

Today in History: War of 1812

Today in History: War of 1812

Today in History–June 18–the Library of Congress features the War of 1812. On this date in 1812 President James Madison signed a declaration of war against Great Britain. Reasons for the war included frustration with Britain’s maritime practices and their support of Native American resistance to western expansion as well as a desire to conquer Canada. The war lingered on…

Today in History: United States Military Academy at West Point

Today in History: United States Military Academy at West Point

Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features United States Military Academy at West Point, founded on this date in 1802. Located on the Hudson River north of New York City,  West Point is one of the world’s oldest military service academies and was attended by many of the nation’s leading military commanders.  The academy is well…

Today in History: Vassar College

Today in History: Vassar College

Today in History–April 29–the Library of Congress features Vassar College. College founder Matthew Vassar was born on this date in 1792. Vassar donated half of the fortune he made in the brewing business and 200 acres in Poughkeepsie, New York to establish a premier women’s college. The college was opened in 1861 and includes many alumnae of distinction….

Presidential Spotlight: John Quincy Adams

Presidential Spotlight: John Quincy Adams

From America’s Library: Born: July 11, 1767 Died: Feb. 23, 1848 John Quincy Adams was the sixth president of the United States and the first son of a former president who himself became president. (George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush are the only other father-son presidents.) John Quincy Adams was well known for his diplomatic success…

Presidential Spotlight: John Adams

Presidential Spotlight: John Adams

From America’s Library: Born: October 30 (October 19, Old Style), 1735, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts Died: July 4, 1826, in Braintree (now Quincy), Massachusetts John Adams worked as a teacher and lawyer before dedicating himself to a life of patriotism and politics. He was America’s second president. Adams was well known for his extreme political independence,…

Today in History: Robert R. Livingston

Today in History: Robert R. Livingston

Today in History–November 27–the Library of Congress features statesman Robert R. Livingston, born on this day in 1746. Born into a prominent New York family, Livingston was a politically active lawyer. He was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence, helped draft New York’s first constitution, and served as minister to France at the…

Today in History: Abigail Adams

Today in History: Abigail Adams

Today in History–October 25–the Library of Congress features Abigail Adams, who was married to John Adams on this day in 1764. Abigail Adams was well educated and her husband frequently discussed political issues with her. Learn more about this famous first lady and first mother who was also a staunch supporter of women’s rights by visiting the Today in History section,…