The Metropolitan Opera House and Its Predecessors - Social Features of Opening Night

Today in History: Metropolitan Opera House

Today in History–October 22–the Library of Congress features New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, which opened its doors on this day in 1883. In addition to staging operas, the Met and other opera houses also hosted charity events, community dances, fairs, plays, vaudeville shows, and even funerals. Find out more about this prestigious cultural institution by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…

The Meeting of Cortés and Montezuma

Primary Source Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage

World Spotlight source sets Primary source sets Library Collections Image Sets Veterans History Project Chronicling America Research Guides Teaching Resources Online Exhibitions Spotlights, Features & Special Presentations Library blog posts Hispanic Heritage More themes Resource Guides Recorded Literature Webcasts Writers Themes More Recorded Webcasts Congressional Activity Recommended Links to Resources Outside the Library of Congress

Jesse James and associates. Guns and equipment

Today in History: Jesse James

Today in History–September 05–the Library of Congress features infamous outlaw Jesse James, born on this day in 1847. James left his home in Missouri at age 17 to fight as a Confederate guerilla in the Civil War. Later he and his gang of outlaws, which included his brother Frank and several other ex-Confederates, robbed banks, trains, stagecoaches, and stores across the western…

Today in History: W.C. Handy & the Blues

Today in History: W.C. Handy & the Blues

Today in History–September 28–the Library of Congress features William Christopher Handy, whose song the “Memphis Blues” was published on this date in 1912. Handy introduced the blues into mainstream music and became known as the father of the blues. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access a rich collection of blues music…

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 images Summer oral histories and…