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: 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…

Learning from the Source: Dust Bowl Songs & Photographs

Learning from the Source: Dust Bowl Songs & Photographs

The Photographs from the FSA and OWI collection provide vivid scenes of the harshness of life in rural America during the Great Depression. Students can observe the effects of New Deal relief work by comparing pictures of makeshift shelters and tent cities with resettlement camps and showcase housing. Look at images of tents, migrant camps, and labor camps for examples. You might…

Today in History: California Folk Music Project

Today in History: California Folk Music Project

Qanun solo: performed by Bedros HaroutunianToday in History–June 15–the Library of Congress features the California Folk Music Project. Visit the Today in History section to grab hold of some fun trivia and learn about the misnice and the qanun—now there’s a great SCRABBLE® word. Then follow the links below to access more primary source collections related to recorded…