For baseball fans, there’s no more quintessential pastime then spending a delicious summer day at the park watching their favorite players slug it out. Some may say the delight at the ballpark depends on the final score of the favored team, but coming from a family of die-hard Chicago Cubs fans I can say that come what…
Today in History–June 19–the Library of Congress features the Statue of Liberty, which arrived in in New York Harbor on this day in 1885. The 151-foot-tall statue was a gift from France to commemorate the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to this…
Today in History–June 15–the Library of Congress features Arkansas, which became the 25th state on this day in 1836. Over the years, this state has adopted many different nicknames, including the “Bear State”, the “Wonder State”, the “Land of Opportunity”, and, most recently, the “Natural State”. Learn more about Arkansas by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more…
Today in History–June 14–the Library of Congress features Flag Day, which celebrates the adoption of the first design of the United States flag by the Continental Congress on this date in 1777. Did you know that there have been 27 official versions of the flag? Get more fascinating flag facts by visiting the Today in History section (see the April…
Today in History–June 7–the Library of Congress features Daniel Boone, who laid eyes on the woodlands of modern-day Kentucky on this day in 1769. He arrived there after ignoring a British ban on westward migration. Find out more about this famous frontiersman known for his coonskin cap by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. The…
Today in History–June 5–the Library of Congress features Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This iconic American novel originally appeared in serial form, the first installment published on this day in 1851 in the abolitionist weekly the Washington National Era. The following year Stowe’s book was published and became an instant bestseller and later became a theatrical hit….
Today in History–June 1–the Library of Congress features the New York City police department, whose annual parade was filmed on this day in 1899. Learn more about “New York City’s Finest” by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover primary sources about police officers in New York City and other places. Films Police…
Today in History–May 31–the Library of Congress features writer Walt Whitman, born on this day in 1819. Whitman was a journalist, essayist, and poet whose poems written after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln cast him into the national spotlight. Learn more this American literary icon by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover more Whitman…
Today in History–May 30–the Library of Congress features Memorial Day, first celebrated on this day in 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery, where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried. Learn more about this national day of observance celebrating those who died in defense of the United States by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more related primary sources….
Today in History–May 29–the Library of Congress features Wisconsin, which became the 30th state in the Union on this day in 1848. Learn more about the “badger state” by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this midwestern state. Wisconsin stories from America’s Library Wisconsin primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Pioneering the Upper Midwest: Books from Michigan, Minnesota,…
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…