Today in History–November 22–the Library of Congress features musical theater star Lillian Russell, who made her debut at Tony Pastor’s Theatre in New York City on this date in 1880. Performing light opera and vaudeville shows, Russell had a successful career for nearly three decades. After, she devoted much of her time to politics. Learn more…
Today in History–November 20–the Library of Congress features Howard University, founded on this day in 1866. Originally established as a seminary for African-American clergymen, the founders soon broadened their mission to include liberal arts and medicine. The university was named for one of its founders, Major General Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero and commissioner of the Freedmen’s Bureau. Find out…
Today in History–November 13–the Library of Congress features Montreal, Canada, captured on this day in 1775 by American troops led by General Richard Montgomery. The occupation was short-lived and Montgomery was killed a few weeks later in a failed attempt to capture Quebec. Fighting between the United States and Canada ended with the War of 1812….
Today in History–November 12–the Library of Congress features mapmaker Albert Ruger, who died on this day in 1899. Ruger was one of the first panoramic map artists to achieve success for his birds-eye views of places. Learn more about his craft by visiting the Today in History section and clicking the links below. Albert Ruger maps Panoramic map artists &…
Today in History–November 8–the Library of Congress features architect skyscrapers. On this day in 1906, cameraman Fred A. Dobson began filming The Skyscrapers of New York atop an uncompleted skyscraper at Broadway and 12th Street. To learn more about how engineering and architectural innovations in the mid-to-late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries transformed the skylines of American cities,…
Today in History–November 7–the Library of Congress features Elijah Lovejoy, who was killed by a pro-slavery mob on this day in 1837. As editor of The St. Louis Observer–a newspaper started to promote religious and moral education–wrote editorials supporting emancipation. Learn more about the life and death of this champion of freedom by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links…
Today in History–November 6–the Library of Congress features Jefferson Davis, elected president of the Confederate States of America on this day in 1861. Davis was a celebrated veteran of the Mexican War and served as secretary of war under Franklin Pierce. As a U.S. senator, Davis worked to keep the Union in tact but when his home state of Mississippi seceded,…
Today in History–November 5–the Library of Congress features James K. Polk, elected president of the United States on this day in 1844. Not so well known, Polk’s victory by a narrow margin over Whig candidate Henry Clay was a surprise. A proponent of western expansion, Polk oversaw the addition of Texas and the acquisition of territory…
Today in History–November 2–the Library of Congress features North Dakota, which entered the Union as the 39th state on this day in 1889. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the history and culture of the “Peace Garden” state, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. North Dakota primary source set with teacher’s guide North Dakota resource guide…
Today in History–October 29–the Library of Congress features quilter Harriet Powers, born on this day in 1837. Harriet Powers used a traditional appliqué technique to record local legends, Bible stories, and astronomical events. Find out more about the quilting tradition by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources about this folk art form….
Today in History–October 26–the Library of Congress features the Erie Canal, which opened on this day in 1825. Harnessing gravity, the 363-mile waterway flowed from Buffalo, New York on the east coast of Lake Erie to the upper Hudson River at Albany. Decried by many as “Clinton’s Folly”, New York Governor DeWitt Clinton, the canal proved to be tremendously successful and encouraged settlement of the…
Today in History–October 25–the Library of Congress features Abigail Adams, who was married to John Adams on this day in 1764. Abigail Adams was well educated and her husband frequently discussed political issues with her. Learn more about this famous first lady and first mother who was also a staunch supporter of women’s rights by visiting the Today in History section,…