The sensory exploration graphic organizer is a great way to introduce students, especially younger ones, to primary source analysis. It also helps with vocabulary development. Encourage students to write words in each column for each sense or allow them to draw pictures. After, you may have students create a poem of their choice using the words they brainstormed; they may choose to write the poem from the point of view of someone outside the image or from a person, animal, or thing inside the … [Read more...]
Today in History: The New Deal
June 16, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 16–the Library of Congress features the New Deal. On this date in 1933, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) signed the National Industrial Recovery Act, which created the Public Works Administration. FDR's New Deal domestic agenda provided jobs through a series of public works programs. In fact, millions of Americans found work through programs such as the Works Progress Administration, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Find out more … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Teddy Bears
February 13, 2014 by Leave a Comment
Teddy bears got their name from Theodore Roosevelt. He had a soft heart for animals in general and in particular for a bear that his aides cornered and thought he would like as a hunting trophy. The incident inspired the cartoon illustration above which, in turn, inspired a New York toy store owner to create a toy stuffed bear he called "Teddy's bear". Below you can find out more of the story and then explore teddy bear resources from the Library of Congress. The teddy bear story from … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: A Thanksgiving Truce
November 21, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Why do you think the creator titled this cartoon "A Thanksgiving Truce"? Use specific details from the source to support your response. What do you think the bear meant when it said (with deep feeling), "Here's hoping that when next we meet, we see you first"? What more can you learn by reading the source record? Now read some short articles to learn some more about Theodore Roosevelt. What discoveries did you make? What new perspectives of this cartoon do you have now? What other … [Read more...]
Today in History: William McKinley
September 6, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–September 06–the Library of Congress features President William McKinley, shot on this day in 1901 just six months after his second inauguration. President McKinley died eight days later, reportedly while singing his favorite hymn, "Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee". Anarchist Leon Czolgosz is found guilty of assassinating the president and is executed less than two months later. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Lessons for My Community
May 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment
This source is listed as a letter with illustrated fable. What is the moral or lesson of the story? Read more about the author and recipient of this letter. What interesting information did you uncover? Write and illustrate your own brief fable that contains a lesson useful for your school or local community. What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! … [Read more...]
Today in History: John Burroughs
April 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–April 3–the Library of Congress features writer and naturalist John Burroughs, born on this day in 1837. Learn more about this contemporary of John Muir and Henry David Thoreau by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access images and some of his writings and photographs as well as more environment and conservation teaching resources and primary sources from the Library. John Burroughs Was Born from America's Library Winter sunshine by John … [Read more...]
Today in History: Theodore Roosevelt
February 3, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 3–the Library of Congress features Theodore Roosevelt, who penned a personal love missive about his future wife on this day in 1880. That first marriage was, unfortunately, cut short by his wife's untimely death. But Roosevelt would marry again and had a long, prosperous life as a conservationist, progressive politician, and Nobel Peace Prize winner. Find out more about this larger than life figure in our nation's history by visiting the Today in History section, then … [Read more...]
Today in History: John James Audubon
January 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–January 27–the Library of Congress features John James Audubon, who died on this date in 1851. Audubon was a naturalist and artist, earning fame for his drawings and paintings of North American birds. Learn more about the namesake of the National Audubon Society by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more related primary sources. John James Audubon Died from America's Library John James Audubon primary source set Select Audubon … [Read more...]
Today in History: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
January 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–January 20–the Library of Congress features Franklin Delano Roosevelt, inaugurated as U.S. President in January on this day in 1937. This was the first inauguration held in January but FDR's second of four inaugurations, his first was held on March 4, 1933. Find out more about the longest serving president in our nation’s history by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources and individual primary sources related to the 32nd … [Read more...]
The island of Jamaica is first spotted by Christopher Columbus. Check out our 
William M. Inge born. Learn 