Ida B. Wells and the Activism of Investigative Journalism
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.
Rosa Parks: In Newspapers and Comic Books
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.
America’s Most Notorious Kidnappings
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 […]
Eva Tanguay, the “I Don’t Care Girl”
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 […]
Frederick Douglass Newspapers, 1847-1874: Now Online
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.
Historian Hymel and the LOC’s Serials Division
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 […]
Top Acquisitions of 2019
Take a look at some of the amazing items that we acquired during 2019! From a 300 year-old newspaper to rare comic books.
Christmas with the Presidents
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 […]
Let’s Talk Comics: Folklore, Comics, and Santa Claus
Dr. Daniel Peretti, Assistant Professor of Folklore at the Memorial University of Newfoundland, is the author of “Superman in Myth and Folklore” (University Press of Mississippi, 2017), as well as other essays on folklore, myth, and popular culture. His current research focuses on Santa Claus, ritual, and the traditions of Christmas. Here Dr. Peretti answers […]
Wallgren and Baldridge: Illustrating World War I in The Stars and Stripes Newspaper
Wally Wallgren and C. LeRoy Baldridge, the two-person art department of the WWI era military newspaper, The Stars and Stripes, created cartoons that took the paper’s motto to heart: “By and For the Soldiers of the A. E. F.”