Today in History–July 7–the Library of Congress features the Solomon Islands, which became an independent nation on this day in 1978. Learn more about this far-out place by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more related resources. Solomon Islands background information Places in the News Solomon Islands country profile BBC Solomon Islands timeline BBC…
Today in History–July 5–the Library of Congress features Phineas Taylor Barnum, born on this day in 1810. Did you know that Barnum and Bailey’s circus pigs were trained to play the xylophone? Uncover more curious curiosities by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to grab more circus primary source goodies. Phineas Taylor Barnum Was Born from…
Today in History–July 1–the Library of Congress features postage stamps. On July 1, 1847, the United States Post Office issued a five-cent stamp honoring Benjamin Franklin, the first postmaster general under the Continental Congress, and a ten-cent stamp honoring George Washington. Philatelists and the just plain curious can find more tantalizing tidbits by visiting the Today in History section, and clicking the…
Today in History–June 28–the Library of Congress features World War I. Two events bracketing this global conflict happened on June 28. The assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria and his wife Sofia in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, set off a chain of events leading to the first world war. Five years later, on June 28, 1919, Germany and…
Today in History–June 24–the Library of Congress features Siam, now Thailand. On this day in 1932 a coup brought 700 years of absolute rule under a series of Siamese kings to an end. Visit the Today in History section to get more historical tidbits about the history of the monarchy and the World’s Transportation Commission, which visited in 1898…
Today in History–June 23–the Library of Congress features renowned choreographer Bob Fosse, born on this day in 1927. It seems Fosse was born into the business since his father worked in vaudeville. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access more resources about Fosse, dance, and vaudeville. Robert “Bob”…
Today in History–June 22–the Library of Congress features Harry Houdini, king of handcuffs. Houdini married on this date in 1894 and never once attempted to escape from his wife Beatrice. Did you also know that before Google was a verb, Houdini was? Get more amazing information by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below…
Today in History–June 21–the Library of Congress celebrates the first official day of summer with some summertime resources. Visit the Today in History section to what they’re serving up, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. Don’t miss the baseball primary source spotlight either! Summer primary source set Summer images Summer oral histories and…
Today in History–June 20–the Library of Congress features West Virginia, which became the 35th state on this date in 1863. Visit the Today in History section to learn about the state’s history and culture, then follow the links below to access more primary source treasures. West Virginia primary source set with teacher’s guide West Virginia resource guide…
Today in History–June 17–the Library of Congress features the Battle of Bunker Hill, which was fought on this day in 1775 in Boston, Massachusetts. Find out more in the Today in History section and through the links below. Battle of Bunker Hill maps Battle of Bunker Hill images Battle of Bunker Hill sheet music Bunker Hill (song recording)…
Today in History–June 16–the Library of Congress features the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. On this date in 1775, Congress authorized the position of chief engineer for the army to help build forts, survey terrain, and clear roads during the war. The work was so valuable that four years later Congress resolved, “That the engineers in the service…
Qanun solo: performed by Bedros HaroutunianToday in History–June 15–the Library of Congress features the California Folk Music Project. Visit the Today in History section to grab hold of some fun trivia and learn about the misnice and the qanun—now there’s a great SCRABBLE® word. Then follow the links below to access more primary source collections related to recorded…