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Archive: November 2012 (11 Posts)

One woman watches as another examines with a magnifying glass an ornate, decorative image on a printed page

Crossing the Delaware: General George Washington and Primary Sources

Posted by: Cheryl Lederle

When I've asked my students, “Would anyone be interested in a trip on a ferry?” they've all cheered with excitement. But I wonder how many of us would be brave enough to take a night voyage through an ice-clogged river on a boat battered by snow and high winds. Primary sources from the Library of Congress can let students explore this momentous--and shivery--event.

One woman watches as another examines with a magnifying glass an ornate, decorative image on a printed page

The Civil War in Songs and Song Sheets

Posted by: Danna Bell

As part of the continuing commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War, the Library of Congress just opened an exhibition The Civil War in America, displaying more than 200 items from the Library’s unmatched collections. Students may look at maps, letters, diaries, or photographs to learn about the experiences of those who fought in the war and those who were left behind to tend the homestead. While these sources are excellent, make sure to include music as a way to help students learn about life during the Civil War.

One woman watches as another examines with a magnifying glass an ornate, decorative image on a printed page

Edward S. Curtis and The North American Indian

Posted by: Cheryl Lederle

Photographs offer a snapshot of a particular time and place, telling a careful viewer as much about the photographer as about the subjects of the pictures. That’s often particularly true when the photographer isn’t a member of the group being photographed. One example from the Library of Congress’s collections is Edward S. Curtis, who dedicated most of his career to photographing Native American cultures and traditions to publish in a multi-volume book titled The North American Indian.

One woman watches as another examines with a magnifying glass an ornate, decorative image on a printed page

Teachers: Meet Library of Congress Staff at NCTE and NCSS

Posted by: Danna Bell

Are you going to either the National Council of Social Studies Conference November 16-18 in Seattle or to the National Council for Teachers of English Conference November in Las Vegas? The Library of Congress Educational Outreach Team will be exhibiting and presenting at both conferences.