Primary sources, as described by the Library of Congress, "are the raw materials of history — original documents and objects that were created at the time under study. They are different from secondary sources, accounts that retell, analyze, or interpret events, usually at a distance of time or place. Bringing young people into close contact with these unique, often profoundly personal documents and objects can give them a sense of what it was like to be alive during a long-past era. Helping … [Read more...]
World Spotlight: Brazil
Brazil: Places in the News Brazil country study Country profile: Brazil BBC Brazil timeline BBC Capoeira: From Crime to Culture In Custodia Legis blog October 9, 2012 Brazil primary source set from the World Digital Library Brazil images Brazil maps Brazilian literary recordings Brazilian song recordings Brazilian sheet music Brazil books and documents U.S. historical newspaper articles mentioning Brazil Service in Brazil: U.S. veteran oral … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Buffalo Bill Cody
Stories from America's Library Buffalo Bill Cody brief bio Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Buffalo Hunting with the Duke Little Sure Shot and the Gang Nebraskaland Days: Buffalo Bill Rodeo American Treasures Buffalo Bill’s Special Service Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show Buffalo Bill image set Buffalo Bill films Bucking broncho 1894 Buffalo dance 1894 Sioux ghost dance 1894 Buffalo Bill--peaux rouges/redskins 1896 Buffalo Bill's wild west parade … [Read more...]
Today in History: The Gettysburg Address
Today in History–November 19–the Library of Congress features the Gettysburg Address, delivered by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery on this date in 1863. Edward Everett, a well-known orator, delivered a two-hour speech. President Abraham Lincoln’s speech lasted only a few minutes. As the Library notes, "In spite of Lincoln's disclaimer that 'the world will little note, nor long remember what we say here,' his brief speech continues to resonate in the American … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: Teaching Ideas for Different Primary Source Types
The Fall Issue of the TPS Quarterly is out and the featured article--"Beyond Typescript and Photographs: Using Primary Sources in Different Formats"--provides teaching ideas for using different primary source types in learning activities. Read the article to get tips on using handwritten manuscripts; posters, prints, and drawings; motion pictures; oral histories; historic sheet music and sound recordings; and maps. For more ideas related to specific primary source types, take a look at these … [Read more...]