Top of page
Posted by: Danna Bell
In the October 2014 issue of Social Education, the journal of the National Council for the Social Studies, our "Sources and Strategies" article focused on the presidential election of 1864.
Posted in: Civil War and Reconstruction (1861-1877), Constitution, Presidents
Posted by: Stephen Wesson
History and images have a complex relationship. Many turning points in history passed with no one there to record them. Others are so thoroughly documented that it can be difficult to find the unique human stories beneath the clouds of images that surround them.
Posted in: Presidents, Primary Source Highlights
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
When I've asked my students, “Would anyone be interested in a trip on a ferry?” they've all cheered with excitement. But I wonder how many of us would be brave enough to take a night voyage through an ice-clogged river on a boat battered by snow and high winds. Primary sources from the Library of Congress can let students explore this momentous--and shivery--event.
Posted in: Fine and Performing Arts, Presidents, Revolution and the New Nation (1764-1815)
Posted by: Stacie Moats
Sometime before the age of 16, Washington transcribed 110 “Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” into his school copybook. Did Washington live his adult life according to these rules?
Posted in: Culture and Folklife, Presidents, Revolution and the New Nation (1764-1815)
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