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Posted by: Cheryl Lederle
A recent blog post on presidential inaugurations noted that while the Constitution requires only an oath of office, presidential inaugurations have evolved to include many more activities. Many of these elements, including inaugural addresses, are documented in primary sources from the Library of Congress.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Presidents
Posted by: Cheryl Lederle
For centuries, national and global leaders have appeared to take important steps toward peace, while still pursuing political concerns. The Library of Congress’s collections of primary sources can encourage students to explore the impact of a variety of peace settlements and how we can find peaceful solutions in our own lives.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Industrial United States, World Wars and the Great Depression (1914-1945), Lesson Ideas, Young Learners
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.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Fine and Performing Arts
Posted by: Danna Bell
Did you know that debates weren’t a standard part of the presidential election campaign until 1960?
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
Posted by: Anne Savage
Use maps to develop fun, yet meaningful, activities across disciplines for students at any level.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Geography and Maps, Teaching Strategies, Young Learners
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
Have you or your students ever sent letters or care packages to soldiers overseas? The practice isn't new.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Industrial United States, World Wars and the Great Depression (1914-1945), Veterans and Military History
Posted by: Sara Suiter
If I say "monument to Abraham Lincoln," what comes to mind? You might think first of the famous Lincoln Memorial, which has a prominent place on the National Mall in Washington and is featured on the back of the five dollar bill. But there are many other statues that pay tribute to the sixteenth president of the United States, each in their own way.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Fine and Performing Arts
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
At the end of the Civil War, over four million enslaved Americans gained their freedom. Today, we can still hear 26 of them speak to us in their own words, with their own voices.
Posted in: African American History, Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877)
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
"O, fatal day. O, noble victim. Treason has done its worst. The President has been assassinated." This hand-written diary entry, dated half past 10 o'clock PM, April 14, 1865, concludes simply, "I have just come from near the scene, it is too True."
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Lesson Ideas, Presidents