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…
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…
Today in History–March 6–the Library of Congress remembers the Alamo, which was recaptured by Mexican General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on this day in 1836. An estimated 1,000 to 1,600 Mexican soldiers died in the the 13-day siege and all 189 Texan defenders officially listed were killed. Learn more about the circumstances that helped Texas forces to gain independence from…
Today in History–February 29–the Library of Congress features captivity narratives. On this day in 1704, French soldiers and their Native American allies raided a frontier settlement in Massachusetts, killing many and forcing more to march through heavy snows to Canada (New France). Read more about this incident and other captivity narratives by visiting the Today in History section, then click the…
Today in History–February 24–the Library of Congress features Arizona, which was organized as a separate territory on this day in 1863. Find out more about this southwestern state that gained U.S. statehood in 1912 by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to learn more about the culture and history of the 48th state through a review…
Today in History–February 13–the Library of Congress features the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) founded on this date in 1914 by composer Victor Herbert. Learn more about Herbert and other ASCAP artists by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more resources. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) founded from America’s Library ASCAP: One Hundred Years…
Today in History–February 10–the Library of Congress features singer Leontyne Price, born on this date in 1927. This opera star earned 20 Grammy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Learn more about Price by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources about opera from across the Library. Leontyne Price Born from America’s Library Leontyne Price image set…
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–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–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–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–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…