Today in History–July 23–the Library of Congress features the invention of the ice cream cone, purportedly conceived by Charles E. Menches on this day in 1904 . This confectioner was one of several who were given credit for this delectable invention and who participated in the 1904 St. Louis World Fair. Find out more about the invention of ice cream…
Today in History–July 20–the Library of Congress features Anne Marbury Hutchinson, baptized on this day in 1591 (according to the Old, or Julian, Calendar). This well-educated daughter of an outspoken clergyman silenced for criticizing the Church of England emigrated to the American colonies where she was later persecuted for her own outspoken religious beliefs. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click…
Today in History–July 19–the Library of Congress features naturalist John Muir, who captured his experience of awakening in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California on this day in 1869. Read his thoughts and find out more about the subsequent founder of the Sierra Club by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related resources. Books…
Today in History–July 17–the Library of Congress features Columbia University, first opened as King’s College in New York on this day in 1754. There were quite a few influential men among its first students and trustees, including Gouverneur Morris, a primary author of the Constitution; Alexander Hamilton, Federalist Paper author and the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury; and John Jay,…
Today in History–July 13–the Library of Congress features minuteman John Parker, born in Lexington, Massachusetts on this day in 1729. Find out more about the first shots in the U.S. war for independence and those who fought by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources and learning resources. Statue of Captain Parker, on the green at Lexington, Mass….
Today in History–July 12–the Library of Congress features writer, philosopher, and naturalist Henry David Thoreau, born on this day in 1817. Thoreau put his belief in living simply to the test by spending two years in a cabin on the edge of Walden Pond, a small glacial lake near Concord, Massachusetts. Find out more about this fascinating man by visiting…
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…
Today in History–July 9–the Library of Congress features sewing machine inventor Elias Howe, born on this day in 1819. Find out more about Howe’s struggle to get recognized for his work and how the mechanical sewing machine helped transform the nature of work during the nineteenth century by visiting the Today in History section. Then click the links below to check out this…
Today in History–July 7–the Library of Congress features Leroy Robert “Satchel” Paige, born on this day in 1906. Did you know that Paige was 69 years old when he pitched in his final game, shutting out all but one hitter in three innings? Learn more about this extraordinary baseball player by visiting the Today in History section, then check out these baseball…
Today in History–July 6–the Library of Congress features Althea Gibson, who won the women’s singles title at Wimbledon on this date in 1957. This tennis star fought hard against racism just for the right to compete. In addition to more Wimbledon singles and doubles titles, Gibson won U.S. Nationals titles as well as French and Italian Open…
Today in History–July 4–the Library of Congress features Independence Day, marking the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on this day in 1776. The first anniversary was a spontaneous celebration, as John Adams recounted in a letter to his daughter Abigail. After the War of 1812, Independence Day celebrations became more common. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section,…
Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Gettysburg, which ended on this date in 1863. This three-day battle was won by the Union, but at tremendous cost to both sides–over 51,000 soldiers were killed or wounded. Find out more about this battle in the Today in History section (see July 1 and July 2 as…