Today in History–September 17–we celebrate Citizenship Day, which was designated in 1952 and combined with Constitution Day into a single day of recognition in 2004. The joint September 17 celebration commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution by the delegates to the 1787 federal convention and recognizes all who “by coming of age or by…
Today in History–July 17–the Library of Congress features the Spanish Civil War, which began on this day in 1936. The Spanish Civil War has sometimes been called the first chapter of World War II as it was the first major military contest between left-wing forces and fascists and attracted international involvement on both sides. Learn more…
Today in History–June 10–the Library of Congress features Mrs. Abby Fisher, who went from being an enslaved plantation cook to an upscale caterer and cookbook author after migrating West to San Francisco, California. On this day in 2003, The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation opened a lunch-style restaurant, Mrs. Fisher’s Southern Cooking, in Dearborn, Michigan. Discover more tantalizing…
On May 17, 1954, the United States Supreme Court handed down its decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared segregated public educational facilities unconstitutional. Click the links below to access resources to help you dig deeper into this seminal event in U.S. history. U.S. Reports Notes concerning Chief Justice Warren’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education 1954…
Today in History–April 17–the Library of Congress features pioneering gay rights activist Frank (Franklin E.) Kameny, who led the first organized White House picket for gay rights on this date in 1965 with the Mattachine Society of Washington. Prior to that, in 1961, he was the first person to petition the Supreme Court with a discrimination claim based on sexual…
Today in History—March 25—the Library of Congress features the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. On this date in 1911, nearly 150 workers, many of whom were young, recent immigrants, lost their lives in this tragic incident. The tragedy did, however, help spur countless workers to organize for greater safety protections. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below…
The Equal Rights Amendment, or ERA, may not be dead, but it is not currently part of the U.S. Constitution. The resources below will help you understand the evolution of the ERA from its introduction in 1923 through today. S.J. Res. 21 – Proposing an Equal Rights Amendment to the Constitution 68th Congress December 10,…
Today in History–September 14–the Library of Congress features Dr. Carla Hayden, the 14th and current Librarian of Congress, who was sworn in by Chief Justice John G. Roberts on this date in 2016. Once named Librarian of the Year by the Library Journal, Dr. Hayden is the first woman and the first person of African American descent to…
Today in History–August 6–the Library of Congress features Susie King Taylor, a teacher, nurse, and author who was born on a plantation in Georgia on this date in 1848. Learn more about Taylor and her Civil War service and remembrances by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary sources related to this lifelong…
Today in History–July 26–the Primary Source Nexus features two presidential edicts signed by President Harry S. Truman on this date in 1948. Executive Orders 9980 and 9981 mandated, respectively, that “All personnel actions taken by Federal appointing officers shall be based solely on merit and fitness. . .” and “equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons…
Today in History–November 15–the Library of Congress features Elizabeth Hobbs Keckley, whose emancipation deed was signed on this date in 1855. Although best known for her role as confidante and dressmaker to President Lincoln’s wife, Mary Todd, Keckley was also an author and a generous philanthropist who assisted escapees from southern slavery. Find out more…
Today in History–June 23–Congress passed the landmark legislation, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which, as amended (20 U.S.C. § 1681, et seq.) prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in educational institutions and programs receiving federal funding. Learn more in this research guide overview and the resources linked to above and below….