Today in History: Michigan

Today in History: Michigan

Today in History–January 26–the Library of Congress features Michigan, which joined the Union as the twenty-sixth state on this day in 1837. The name Michigan is derived from a Native American word Michigama, meaning great water. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Great…

Today in History: Gold Discovered in California

Today in History: Gold Discovered in California

Today in History–January 24–the Library of Congress features gold, discovered in California on this day in 1848. The discovery was first met with skepticism and the California gold rush did not begin in full until after an endorsement from President James Polk in December, 1848. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to discover…

I wonder where my easy rider's gone?; Hard luck racetrack story. 1913 Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920 (from Duke University)

Today in History: Sophie Tucker

Today in History–January 13–the Library of Congress features Sophie Tucker, born on this date in 1884 or 1886 as Sonya Kalish. Learn more about the life of this much loved entertainer by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources related to Sophie Tucker and musical entertainment styles of her day. Sophie Tucker sheet music Sophie Tucker images…

Today in History: Florida

Today in History: Florida

Today in History–January 10–the Library of Congress features Florida, which seceded from the Union on this day in 1861. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the “Sunshine state” through the review of primary sources. Florida stories from America’s Library Florida primary source set with teacher’s guide…

Today in History: Connecticut

Today in History: Connecticut

Today in History–January 9–the Library of Congress features Connecticut, which became the fifth state to ratify the U.S Constitution on this day in 1788. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of Connecticut through the review of primary sources. Connecticut stories from America’s Library Connecticut primary source set with…

Today in History: Dizzy Gillespie

Today in History: Dizzy Gillespie

Today in History–January 6–the Library of Congress features jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, who died on this date in 1993. Learn more about the terrific trumpeter-composer-bandleader who was one of the key figures in modern jazz music by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below for related primary sources. Dizzy Gillespie from America’s Library Dizzy Gillespie, Carl Van Vechten image set Dizzy Gillespie, William…

Today in History: Burma / Myanmar

Today in History: Burma / Myanmar

Today in History–January 4–the Library of Congress features Burma (Myanmar), which gained independence on this date in 1948. Learn some more about this Asian country by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related primary sources. Burma (Myanmar) maps Contemporary U.S. legislation related to Burma (Myanmar) Burma (Myanmar) books Burma historical newspaper coverage Burma (Myanmar) historical images Myanmar…

Today in History: Andrew Johnson

Today in History: Andrew Johnson

Today in History–December 29–the Library of Congress features Andrew Johnson, born on this date in 1808. Learn more about our nation’s 17th president (1865-69), a self-educated career politician and infamous for being the first of three presidents impeached by the House of Representatives by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more stories and primary…

Today in History: Woodrow Wilson

Today in History: Woodrow Wilson

Today in History–December 28–the Library of Congress features Woodrow Wilson, born on this date in 1856. Learn more about our nation’s 28th president (1913-21) and Nobel peace prize winner by visiting the Today in History section then click the links below to access more stories and primary sources about President Wilson. Woodrow Wilson Papers Woodrow Wilson books & articles Woodrow Wilson manuscripts Woodrow Wilson speeches…

Today in History: Winter Solstice

Today in History: Winter Solstice

Today in History–December 21–the Library of Congress features winter, as the winter solstice most frequently falls on this day each year. Learn more about the shortest day in the northern hemisphere and more fascinating frosty facts about the season by reading the Today in History section, then click the links below for loads of wintery primary source treasures and…

Today in History: Old Fort Niagara Captured

Today in History: Old Fort Niagara Captured

Today in History–December 19–the Library of Congress features the capture of Old Fort Niagara on this day in 1813. Learn more about this battle between American and British forces in the War of 1812 by reviewing the Today in History section, then click the links below for primary sources related to the fabulous Niagara Falls and New York. Fort Niagara…

Today in History: Nashville, Tennessee

Today in History: Nashville, Tennessee

Today in History–December 16–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Nashville, won by Union forces on this day in 1864. Learn more about the battle by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the history and culture of Tennessee’s “Music City” through this collection of primary sources. Battle of Nashville:…