Lincoln Statue, Capitol

Learning from the Source: The Art of Tribute

From the Library of Congress bicentennial exhibition—With Malice Toward None—we learn a bit about the profound effect Abraham Lincoln’s death had on people all over the world. The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln on Good Friday, April 14, 1865, had a tremendous impact both in the United States and abroad. People in Great Britain, which…

National calamity! Lincoln & Seward assassinated!!

Today in History: Lincoln Shot!

Today in History–April 14–the Library of Congress features the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, who was shot on this day in 1865. Learn more about tragic day in United States history by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access secondary sources, all types of primary sources, and teaching resources related to the death of President Lincoln….

Planting of trees, Arbor Day, N.Y. Public School #4, 173rd St. & Fulton Ave., New York

Today in History: First Arbor Day

Today in History–April 10–the Library of Congress features Arbor Day, first celebrated by Nebraskans on this day in 1872.  Today people celebrate Arbor Day worldwide on the last Friday in April. Learn more about this holiday by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access related primary sources. Arbor Day primary source set Arbor Day image…

The surrender of General Lee and his entire Army to Lieut. General Grant April 9th 1865

Today in History: Lee Surrenders

Today in History–April 9–the Library of Congress features the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee to U.S. General Ulysses S. Grant on this day in 1865. Learn more about the surrender by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access thousands more Civil War resources. Lee’s surrender primary source set “THE END! SURRENDER OF LEE!…”,…

I'm hitting the trail to Normandy so kiss me good-bye.

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Hitting the trail to Normandy

Using details from the cover of this sheet music, describe what you think this song is about. Use the Primary Source Nexus search box to find out about Normandy. Where is it? What was happening there in 1917? Look inside at the song lyrics and music notation. What is the tone of the song? Does…

Today in History: Ice Jam on the Niagara

Today in History: Ice Jam on the Niagara

Today in History–March 29–the Library of Congress features Niagara Falls. On this day in 1848 an ice dam stopped the Niagara Falls from flowing for more than 24 hours. Learn more about this event and the beauty of this natural wonder by reviewing the Today in History section, then clicking the primary source links below. Ice Dam at Niagara’s…

Today in History: The Brewer & Baseball

Today in History: The Brewer & Baseball

Today in History–March 28–the Library of Congress features brewing magnate and baseball team owner August Anheuser Busch Jr., born on this day in 1899. As CEO of the Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc., Busch convinced the company board of directors to purchase the St. Louis Cardinals team, halting the team’s move to another city. Learn more about Busch and baseball by visiting the Today in History section, then clicking the links…

Jefferson Memorial with cherry blossoms, Washington, D.C.

Today in History: Cherry Blossoms

Today in History–March 27–the Library of Congress features Washington D.C.‘s cherry trees. On this day in 1912 two Yoshino cherry trees were planted on the northern bank of the Potomac River Tidal Basin by First Lady Helen Herron Taft and the Viscountess Chinda, the Japanese ambassador’s wife, to celebrate the Japanese government’s gift of 3,000 trees to…

Today in History: Conde Nast, Vogue & Clothing Styles

Today in History: Conde Nast, Vogue & Clothing Styles

Today in History–March 26–the Library of Congress features publisher Condé Nast, born on this day in 1874. While working as an advertising executive for Collier’s, Nast created the concept of magazines based on targeted groups of readers. In 1909 he purchased Vogue and five years later created Vanity Fair. Learn more about American clothing styles by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…

Today in History: Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

Today in History: Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

Today in History–March 21–the Library of Congress features showman Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr., born on this day in 1869 (or, possibly, 1867). Learn more about this entertainment impresario who produced the Ziegfeld Follies by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to Ziegfeld and the theater. Ziegfeld images Florenz Ziegfeld historical newspaper coverage Ziegfeld Follies historical newspaper…