The graphic above from the Chicago Metro History Fair (CMHF) is a great encapsulation of how to choose a topic for a history fair project. In addition, ask yourself the questions listed below. Does the topic relate to the 2021 National History Day (NHD) theme Communication in History: The Key to Understanding? Does the topic relate to local or state history? Does the topic really interest you? Do you have a personal connection to the topic? (It’s not necessary but it can be a good … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: Searching the Primary Source Nexus
October 9, 2014 by Leave a Comment
There is a search box at the far right of the top menu bar. You can use it to search the content of posts and pages published on the TPS-Barat Primary Source Nexus. It is generally good practice to limit your search query to 3-5 words. The search engine used on this website does not recognize search operators (i.e., quote marks or +) and will ignore certain words such as articles, conjunctions, prepositions, pronouns and question words. Search results are sorted by the following criteria: … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: Searching the Prints & Photographs Online Catalog
March 20, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Overview The Library of Congress Prints & Photographs Online Catalog (PPOC) provides access to over a million digitized images, including photographs, fine and popular prints and drawings, posters, and architectural and engineering drawings. While there are collections with an international scope, the 70 collections are particularly rich in materials produced in and about the history and people of the United States. PPOC Homepage From the PPOC homepage you can search across all … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: Chronicling America Historic Newspapers Advanced Search Tips
March 12, 2013 by 2 Comments
Overview Chronicling America Historic Newspapers is produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress, as a long-term effort to develop an Internet-based, searchable database of U.S. newspapers with coverage from 1836-1922. As of March, 2013, the Chronicling American digitized database contained more than 700 publications that were published in 26 states; the NDNP eventually plans to … [Read more...]
Finding Resources: Searching Across LOC.gov
March 5, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Searching Across LOC.gov The Library of Congress is continually making improvements to the search functions of the online Library. Although the Library is vast and contains many sections, fruitful searches across LOC.gov are possible. Keyword Search Tips Remember when searching for historical primary sources that you may need to try different terms applicable to the time period you are searching and which may be uncomfortable today. For help, consult the Library's Research Guides, which … [Read more...]
Today in History: Library of Congress Building Opens
November 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–November 1–the Library of Congress features the opening of the Library of Congress building, now known as the Jefferson building, on this day in 1897. Find out more about this spectacular place by visiting the Today in History section, then read this In Custodia Legis blog post: The Library of Congress and its Librarians. Don't miss these other PSN posts about the fabulous Library of Congress! Tech Tips & Tutorials Finding Resources America’s Library Ask … [Read more...]
President Abraham Lincoln inaugurated for the first time. Check out our 
President Lincoln signed an act creating Idaho Territory. Check out our 