Today in History–April 12–the Library of Congress features the first call for American independence, made by North Carolina on this day in 1776. Referred to as the “Halifax Resolves“, the document listed grievances against Great Britain and encouraged the Continental Congress to push for sovereignty. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related…
There are two Revolutionary War heroes depicted on this print who experienced very different outcomes. Who were the two men and what happened to each in the war? Review the 13 scenes related to Afro-American history on this lithograph. Which scene speaks most powerfully to you? Explain the reasoning for your choice. What person or event…
Today in History–March 5–the Library of Congress features the Boston Massacre, which occurred on this day in 1770 when British soldiers shot into a crowd of colonists. This skirmish became a rallying point for American patriots, led by Samuel Adams. Learn more about the incident and one of the fatal victims, Crispus Attucks, by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking…
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–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…
Today in History–October 19–the Library of Congress features the surrender at Yorktown of British General Charles Cornwallis to General George Washington on this day in 1781. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about Cornwallis and the American Revolution. General Cornwallis primary source set Surrender of Yorktown primary source set Cornwallis surrender at Yorktown historical…
Today in History–October 17–the Library of Congress features James Monroe, who wrote wrote a letter on this date in 1823 to friend and former president Thomas Jefferson seeking advice on foreign policy. Both Jefferson and James Madison, another former president, advised Monroe to join with Great Britain in a declaration warning other European nations not to intervene in the affairs of Central and South America….
Activity Guidelines Gather minutemen-related primary sources and print them out or make them available to your primary students digitally. As a class or in groups, have students review different primary sources and note what they see, think, and wonder. Next, you may choose to have students review source bibliographic information or secondary source materials and…
Today in History–June 17–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was fought on this day in 1775 in Boston, Massachusetts. Find out more in the Today in History section and through the links below. Battle of Bunker Hill maps Battle of Bunker Hill images Battle of Bunker Hill sheet music Bunker Hill (song recording)…