The Meeting of Cortés and Montezuma

Primary Source Spotlight: Hispanic Heritage

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1996 Kids Quilt; Mississippi

State Spotlight: Mississippi

The September 25, 2012 Today in History post featured William Faulkner, creator of the fictional Yoknapatawpha County which was based upon and inspired by Lafayette County, Mississippi. Find out all about the real state of Mississippi through a review of thousands of primary sources available online from the Library of Congress. Mississippi primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Mississippi…

map of New Mexican missions

Today in History: New Mexico

Today in History–September 21–the Library of Congress features New Mexico. On this day in 1595, Don Juan de Oñate’s petition and contract for the conquest of New Mexico was presented to Luís de Velasco, the viceroy of Nueva Vizcaya. The petition was ultimately granted and Oñate’s expedition set out in 1598. A brutal leader, Oñate was later stripped…

Painting depicting signing of the U.S. Constitution

Today in History: U.S. Constitution

Today in History–September 17–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Constitution. After much debate and compromise, the members of the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the Constitution on this day in 1787. It would take just over nine months to ratify this document that would become the supreme law of the land. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section and by delving into…

Vermont [Pictorial envelope]
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Today in History: Vermont

Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features Vermont, which revised its constitution on this day in 1793 and became the first state to prohibit slavery. Learn more about the “Green Mountain” state known for its independent-minded citizens by visiting the Today in History section, then following the links below to access more primary sources. Vermont stories from America’s Library Vermont primary source set with Teacher’s Guide…

Atlantic City, New Jersey c. 1900

Today in History: Atlantic City

Today in History–June 26–the Library of Congress features Atlantic City, New Jersey. On this day in 1879, the first stretch of the Atlantic City boardwalk opened, paving the way for this shoreline spot to become a premier resort destination. Learn more about the boardwalk by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary sources related to…

Hot Springs, Arkansas. Bath houses

Today in History: Arkansas

Today in History–June 15–the Library of Congress features Arkansas, which became the 25th state on this day in 1836. Over the years, this state has adopted many different nicknames, including the “Bear State”, the “Wonder State”, the “Land of Opportunity”, and, most recently, the “Natural State”. Learn more about Arkansas by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more…

Frederick C. Robie House

Today in History: Frank Lloyd Wright

Today in History—June 8—the Library of Congress features architect Frank Lloyd Wright, born on this day in 1867. Famous for his Prairie School houses, Wright also produced innovative yet practical plans for public buildings. His personal life, however was quite the opposite of his architecture. Learn more by the Today in History section, then click the links below to access…

Apostle Islands, L[ake] S[uperior], Temple Gate

Today in History: Wisconsin

Today in History–May 29–the Library of Congress features Wisconsin, which became the 30th state in the Union on this day in 1848. Learn more about the “badger state” by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures about this midwestern state. Wisconsin stories from America’s Library Wisconsin primary source set with Teacher’s Guide Pioneering the Upper Midwest: Books from Michigan, Minnesota,…

Bugaboo Schottisch

Analyzing Primary Sources: Learning from Music

Music can trigger powerful emotions and brain research has shown the strong link between emotion and memory. Songs and sheet music, also referred to as musical scores, are great primary sources to use with students to enable them tap into the feelings and emotions surrounding historical events and figures. Analyzing recorded songs and sheet music, which often…

Kentucky Derby, racehorses racing to the finish line in the first race, held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky

Today in History: Kentucky Derby

Today in History–May 17–the Library of Congress features the Kentucky Derby, first run on this day in 1875. The oldest thoroughbred horse race in the United States, this famous event held at Churchill Downs in Kentucky was begun by Meriwether Lewis Clark, child of William Clark who named his son after his exploration partner Meriwether Lewis. Learn more about the race and…