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Posted by: Amber Paranick
Chronicling America provides free access to more than 16 million pages (and growing!) of historic American newspapers. Below is a sampling of guides we’ve created over the years that help you explore African American history in our digital newspaper collections. Stay tuned: we have big plans to add more guides – if you have any …
Posted in: African American History, Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers
Posted by: Heather Thomas
Two days after Mississippi is readmitted to the Union on February 23, 1870, Hiram Revels, a schoolmaster and preacher, becomes the first African American to serve in the U.S. Senate.
Posted in: African American History, Biography, Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers
Posted by: Malea Walker
In a time of extreme racism and yellow journalism, documenting and speaking the truth about lynchings in the South was a rare and dangerous act. But that did not stop journalist Ida B. Wells.
Posted in: African American History, Biography, Digitized Newspapers, Journalism, Women's History
Posted by: Arlene Balkansky
Events in Rosa Parks' life are chronicled in newspapers and comic books and reinforce her well-justified iconic status. At times, though, their simplified coverage perpetuates the myth of Parks as the quiet seamstress who was too tired to stand to give up her seat.
Posted in: African American History, Biography, Comic Books, Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers, Women's History
Posted by: Heather Thomas
One minute they’re here, the next they’re gone. The history of infamous kidnappings in America is long and stretches back centuries. In some cases, the missing are released and recovered alive, while others are not so lucky. Other disappearances remain unsolved. Cynthia Ann Parker May 19, 1836, Waco—The 9-year-old Texan girl is kidnapped by Comanche …
Posted in: Crime, Digitized Newspapers, Mystery, Newspapers
Posted by: Amber Paranick
Introducing the great, cyclonic, Eva Tanguay—the world’s most eccentric comedienne and most loved musical comedy star on the American stage that you probably never even heard of! Eva Tanguay was the highest-paid and billed as the most outrageous star of vaudeville’s golden age. Born in Marbleton, Canada, her family relocated to Holyoke, Massachusetts when she …
Posted in: Biography, Digitized Newspapers, Women's History
Posted by: Arlene Balkansky
See hundreds of issues of newspapers edited by African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass, one of the most significant writers and orators of the 19th century, on the Library of Congress website.
Posted in: African American History, Digitized Newspapers
Posted by: Valerie Haeder
Ever wondered what you can do with a history degree? Teacher, lawyer, librarian—all valid options. But how about working as, well, an historian? Yes, such a profession exists…and even outside the hallowed halls of academia! Kevin Hymel is one such historian who eschewed the teaching route and is now an historian with the Army. He …
Posted in: Biography, Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers, World War I
Posted by: Heather Thomas
Holidays at the White House have evolved over the years from intimate family gatherings to national celebrations, ranging from an indoor snowball fight between grandchildren, to a first lady ride on a cherry picker! Discover how U.S. Presidents of the past celebrated Christmas. “Old Hickory,” President Andrew Jackson, threw an elaborate party for his grandchildren …
Posted in: Digitized Newspapers, Holidays, Newspapers, U.S. Presidents