Today in History: Owen Wister & Cowboy Culture

Today in History: Owen Wister & Cowboy Culture

Home on the Range (.mp3) Today in History–July 14–the Library of Congress features novelist Owen Wister, born on this day in 1860, whose 1902 novel The Virginian helped create the myth of the American cowboy. Click on the image above to zoom into key scenes from the novel highlighted on this literary map, then visit the Today in History section to learn…

Today in History: P.T. Barnum & Circuses

Today in History: P.T. Barnum & Circuses

Today in History–July 5–the Library of Congress features Phineas Taylor Barnum, born on this day in 1810.  Did you know that Barnum and Bailey’s circus pigs were trained to play the xylophone? Uncover more curious curiosities by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to grab more circus primary source goodies. Phineas Taylor Barnum Was Born from…

Today in History: Paul Laurence Dunbar

Today in History: Paul Laurence Dunbar

Today in History–June 27–the Library of Congress features the multifaceted artist Paul Laurence Dunbar, born on this day in 1872. Dunbar produced a lot in his short life–he died at age 33–achieving international acclaim as a poet, short story writer, novelist, dramatist, and lyricist. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to…

Today in History: Summertime!

Today in History: Summertime!

Today in History–June 21–the Library of Congress celebrates the first official day of summer with some summertime resources. Visit the Today in History section to what they’re serving up, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Don’t miss the baseball primary source spotlight either! Summer primary source set Summer sheet music More summer sheet…

Today in History: West Virginia

Today in History: West Virginia

Today in History–June 20–the Library of Congress features West Virginia, which became the 35th state on this date in 1863. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the state’s history and culture, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. West Virginia primary source set with teacher’s guide West Virginia resource guide…