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,…
Today in History–September 17–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Constitution. After much debate and compromise, the members of the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the Constitution on this day in 1787. It would take just over nine months to ratify this document that would become the supreme law of the land. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and by delving into…
Today in History–July 26–the Library of Congress features Liberia, declared an independent republic on this day in 1847. Formerly a colony of the American Colonization Society—organized in 1817 to resettle free black Americans in West Africa—Joseph Jenkins Roberts was elected the first president of the republic in 1848. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–May 22–the Library of Congress features America’s first, first lady Martha Washington, who died on this day in 1802. Unfortunately, few of the letters written by Martha and George remain since she burned most before her death to protect their privacy. Learn more about this upstanding woman and consummate hostess by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the…
Today in History–May 1–the Library of Congress features Benjamin Henry Latrobe, born on this day in 1764. Find out more about early American engineer and architect who helped plan the U.S. Capitol and the White House and many more influential buildings by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Latrobe and architecture. Benjamin Henry…
Today in History–April 13–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, born on this day in 1743. (Actually, he was born on April 2 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Find out more about this multitalented man…
Today in History–March 16–the Library of Congress features James Madison, born on this day in 1751. (Actually, he was born on March 5 under the Julian calendar but when Great Britain and its colonies switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 his birthday, along with everyone else’s, was shifted 11 days forward.) Learn more about the man known…
Today in History–February 22–the Library of Congress features George Washington, born on this day in 1732. Find out more about the Library of Congress resources related to our first president by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about this founding father, then check out the many links below. About George…
Today in History–February 17–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson, who was elected by the House of Representatives on this day in 1801. The House voted to break a tie in the Electoral College. Find out more about this acrimonious third presidential election by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary…
Today in History–January 30–the Library of Congress features Thomas Jefferson’s Library, which Congress agreed to purchase on this day in 1815. The nearly $24,000 sale more than doubled the original 3,000-volume Library of Congress collection that was destroyed the year before when the British captured Washington D.C. and burned the U.S. Capitol. Learn more by visiting…
Today in History–January 23–the Library of Congress features John Hancock, born on this date in 1737. Best known for his big, bold signature on the Declaration of Independence, you can learn more about this Massachusetts politician and key member of the Continental Congresses by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more primary sources. John…
Today in History–January 17–the Library of Congress features innovative leader Benjamin Franklin, born on this date in 1706. Learn more about this fascinating self-educated man who was a printer, writer, scientist, and statesman by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources about Ben Franklin. Benjamin Franklin Papers The select works of Benjamin Franklin; including his autobiography 1857 Benjamin…