Trials of the Century: 19th Century Edition

July 21, 2020 by Heather Thomas

There are some cases that capture the public’s imagination and cause a media frenzy. There’s the political trials, which cover treason, spying, dissidents, and radicals. Celebrity trials that involve high-profile people, whether victims or defendants. And the “whodunit” trials that are surrounded in mystery. Whatever the case, 19th century America has its share of legendary trials that captivate the public interest and newspapers deliver all the sensational details.

“What, to the American Slave, Is Your 4th of July?”

July 15, 2020 by Arlene Balkansky

On July 5, 1852, eminent African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass delivered a brilliant speech that was a powerful indictment of American slavery and racism. Read the speech as printed within days in his own newspaper.

Free Puzzles through Chronicling America: Maze Edition

July 7, 2020 by Malea Walker

Bored sitting at home? Let Headlines and Heroes come to your rescue with free puzzles from Chronicling America! This week we bring you an amazing assortment of mazes!

African American History and Culture in Headlines and Heroes

June 19, 2020 by Arlene Balkansky

In honor of Juneteenth, we highlight our Headlines and Heroes blogs focusing on African American history and culture, ranging from a look at fugitive slave ads to our acquisition of a rare comic book series, Negro Romance.

Harriet Tubman: Conductor on the Underground Railroad

June 16, 2020 by Arlene Balkansky

Harriet Tubman escaped slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore in 1849. She then returned there multiple times, risking her life to bring others to freedom as a renowned conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Theodore Roosevelt: A President of “Firsts”

June 4, 2020 by Heather Thomas

President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) is a man of many “firsts.” Bold and progressive-minded, he’s always on the cutting edge and embraces technological innovations.

Madam C.J. Walker

May 29, 2020 by Amber Paranick

Madam C.J. Walker (1867-1919) was one of the first American women to become a self-made millionaire through her company, Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing. Though she had no formal education, she gained a wide reputation as an African American entrepreneur in the cosmetics industry and manufacturer of a hair remedy, which she coined the “Walker System.” […]

1954 Shooting at the U.S. Capitol

May 19, 2020 by Heather Thomas

Gunfire erupts on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on March 1, 1954, when four Puerto Rican nationalists shoot at random from the spectators’ galleries, shouting “Viva Puerto Rico libre!”–“Long live free Puerto Rico!” Five members of Congress are injured, one seriously.

Heroes for Our Age: Celebrating Nurses

May 12, 2020 by Malea Walker

As COVID-19 changes our world, we rely on our medical community to care for us and our loved ones more than ever. But their names rarely make the headlines despite their tireless efforts and personal risk. So in honor of National Nurses Week, we are dedicating this issue to all of those nurses who are […]

Discover Poetry in Old News!

April 30, 2020 by Arlene Balkansky

As April’s National Poetry Month ends, here’s your chance to read compelling poetry found in the millions of pages in our online historical newspaper collections.