The Revolutionary War pushed newspaper publishers to choose Loyalism to the British Crown or Patriotism for the nascent United States. Some publishers chose a third approach, switching sides to continue publishing during periods of British occupation. Learn more about the politics of newspapers during the Revolutionary War as well as resources and tips for doing research in these newspapers.
The Serials and Government Publications Division invites you to join us for two special display events in June 2026 where we will display historic newspapers reflecting early American history and the founding of our nation. This post features a selection of the items that will be on display.
Some of our most exciting newspapers to share with our researchers are our oldest, dating back to the 18th century. But one of their features draws curiosity: why are some of these newspapers – but not all – blue?
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, historic newspaper issues from the Serial and Government Publications Division will be on display in the Great Hall during the month of June. This post features a selection of the items that will be on display.
John Snider, a 20th century legendary barbecue master of the Texas Panhandle, made three cross-country journeys to the Washington, D.C. area to cater to thousands at the National Press Club’s annual meetings including a president and dignitaries. Read more about when the Barbecue King came to Washington in this delicious story!
: Obituaries as we know them today are rich records of a person’s life. But did you know that this information-rich article is a very recent development? Learn more about what newspapers published from the very earliest death notices to today’s modern obituaries.
During the Revolutionary War, many newspapers were run as family businesses. Read more about two women who inherited newspapers from their deceased husbands and continued to publish these newspapers during the war: Hannah Watson of the Connecticut Courant and Ann Timothy of the Gazette of the State of South-Carolina.
As part of the effort for World War I, the Women’s Bureau of the American Red Cross Association organized a nationwide knitting campaign to support soldiers overseas by keeping them warm with handmade garments. Many U.S. newspapers published articles to rally support for these campaigns and provide instructions for creating and shipping the garments. Read more about it!
