Guided Primary Source Analysis: Black Women Achievements Against the Odds

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Black Women Achievements Against the Odds

Look closely at this source and respond to the questions below. Where is your eye drawn to first? Next? After? What do you notice about the source’s design? What, in particular, stands out to you? Why do you think this source was created? How do you know? (Be sure to point to evidence from the…

TPS Spotlight: Civics! An American Musical

TPS Spotlight: Civics! An American Musical

Civics! An American Musical is a part of the Library of Congress’ Teaching with Primary Sources Program. Created by FableVision in partnership with Maryland Public Television, Maryland Humanities, and Tufts’ Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Civics! An American Musical is designed to teach middle school students the inquiry process…

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Astor Theatre – The Great Ziegfeld

Guided Primary Source Analysis: Astor Theatre – The Great Ziegfeld

Where do you think this photograph was taken? Zoom into the photo and describe this place using details from the image to inform your description. (Save the link in the previous sentence to download the image to your computer which will allow you to zoom in with greater detail.) Next, make a guess at what decade this photo is…

Today in History: George Gershwin & Gullah Culture

Today in History: George Gershwin & Gullah Culture

Today in History–September 2–the Library of Congress features George Gershwin, who completed the orchestral score of the opera—Porgy and Bess—based on the DuBose Heyward novel on this date in 1935. The opera, like the novel, depicted the African-American Gullah culture of South Carolina. Learn more about this remarkable man and his collaborators on the internationally known opera by visiting the Today in History section and clicking…

Today in History: George M. Cohan

Today in History: George M. Cohan

Today in History–July 3–the Library of Congress features theater maestro George M. Cohan, born on this date in 1878. The multitalented Cohan was a playwright, songwriter, dancer, actor, theater owner, and producer. He also was awarded the Congressional medal of honor for his World War I song “Over There“. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links…

Today in History: Works Progress Administration

Today in History: Works Progress Administration

Today in History–April 8–the Library of Congress features the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was funded by the the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935, approved on this day in 1935. This national works program, created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, employed more than 8.5 million people on 1.4 million public projects before it was disbanded in…

Today in History: Lillian Russell

Today in History: Lillian Russell

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: Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Today in History: Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Today in History–June 5–the Library of Congress features Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This iconic American novel originally appeared in serial form, the first installment published on this day in 1851 in the abolitionist weekly the Washington National Era. The following year Stowe’s book was published and became an instant bestseller and later became a theatrical hit….

Today in History: Thornton Wilder

Today in History: Thornton Wilder

Today in History–April 17–the Library of Congress features writer Thornton Wilder, born on this day in 1897. This lauded American writer produced award-winning (3 Pulitzer Prizes and 1 National Book Award) plays, novels, essays, and more. Find out more about this literary master by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Wilder…

Today in History: Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

Today in History: Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.

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…