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….
May 1 May 2 1864: Benjamin Henry Latrobe 1931: Empire State Building 1882: James F. Byrnes 1885: Good Housekeeping May 3 May 4 1494: Jamaica 1626: Manhattan Island 1894: Bird Day May 5 May 6 1862: Cinco de Mayo 1925: Charles Darwin & Teaching Evolution 1856: Robert E. Peary 1864: General James Longstreet May 7…
April 1 April 2 April Fool! 1865: Grant’s Army Attacks Confederate Lines at Petersburg April 3 April 4 1837: John Burroughs 1873: Carrie S. Burnham April 5 April 6 1916: National Park Service 1917: U.S. Enters World War I April 7 April 8 1915: Billie Holiday 1935: Works Progress Administration April 9 April 10 1865:…
March 1 March 2 1692: Salem Witch Trials 1899: Mount Rainier National Park March 3 March 4 1859: Slave Auction 1861: Lincoln’s Inauguration 1863: Idaho March 5 March 6 1770: Boston Massacre 1836: Remembering the Alamo March 7 March 8 1850: Daniel Webster 1965: First March from Selma 1884: Susan B. Anthony March 9 March…
February 1 February 2 1859: Victor Herbert 1902: Langston Hughes 1848: Treaty of Guadalupe February 3 February 4 1880: Theodore Roosevelt 1941: United Service Organization February 5 February 6 1631: Rhode Island 1778: Franco-American Alliance February 7 February 8 1867: Laura Ingalls Wilder 1828: Air Balloons & Airships 1915: The Birth of a Nation February…