Today in History–February 1–the Library of Congress features composer Victor Herbert, born on this date in 1859 in Dublin, Ireland. After immigrating to the United States in 1886 with his wife, opera singer Therese Foerster, Herbert quickly became active in the musical life of New York City. Herbert worked with worked for the Metropolitan Opera, was bandmaster of the 22nd Regiment…
Today in History–January 28–the Library of Congress features Julia Ward Howe, who became the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Letters on this date in 1908. Howe and her husband were active in the abolitionist movement. Later, time spent with Union troops inspired Howe to write the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” to the tune…
Today in History–January 21–the Library of Congress features Confederate general Stonewall Jackson, born on this date in 1824. An orphan, Thomas Jonathan Jackson devoted his life to the military as a soldier, teacher, and leader. Learn more about this man known for standing his ground by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources…
Today in History–January 15–the Library of Congress features civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr., born on this date in 1929. King entered Morehouse College at 15, received a bachelor of divinity from Crozer Theological Seminary in 1951, and a Ph.D from Boston University in 1955. Armed with his doctorate and belief in the use of non-violent action to…
Today in History–January 9–the Library of Congress features the Fisk School (later known as Fisk University), which held its first classes on this day in 1866. Fisk is one of several historically black colleges–others include Atlanta University, Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), and Howard University. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources…
New Year images The day after short film New Year song recordings New Year sheet music New Year books & other texts New Year’s books & articles New Year’s Eve historical newspaper coverage New Year’s Day historical newspaper coverage Select historical newspaper articles: Mummer’s New Year Parade (modern-day Mummer’s Parade info) Library New Year’s blog…
Today in History–December 27–the Library of Congress features temperance zealot Carrie Nation, who smashed the bar at the Carey Hotel in Wichita, Kansas on this day in 1900. Abandoning the nonviolent agitation of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, Nation argued that destroying saloons was an acceptable way to battle the liquor trade. To learn more about why Nation and many…
Today in History–December 24–the Library of Congress features the famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas” penned by Clement C. Moore on this day in 1822. Today the poem is best known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Find out more about Moore and his famous tale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to…
Today in History–December 11–the Library of Congress features the boll weevil, a cotton crop destroying insect which was honored by the town of Enterprise, Alabama on this day in 1919. Why? Because although the pest devastated the area’s cotton fields, residents were forced to end their dependence on cotton and to pursue mixed farming and…
Today in History–December 10–the Library of Congress features Wyoming, which granted women the right to vote on this day in 1869 while still a U.S. territory. Three months later the first women jurors reported for duty in Laramie, attracting international attention. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture…
Today in History–December 6–the Library of Congress features the Washington Monument, completed on this day in 1884. Construction began on July 4, 1848 but stopped for 20 years owing to a lack of funds. Construction was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under order from President Ulysses S. Grant. The 555-foot, 5-1/8″ marble obelisk honors…
Today in History–December 4–the Library of Congress features New York City politician William “Boss” Tweed, who escaped from jail on this day in 1875. As leader of New York City’s Democratic Party, Tweed and his Tammany Hall cronies stole millions of dollars from the city. A vigorous campaign to unseat Tweed was ultimately successful when he was tried and convicted on charges…