The Library of Congress: A National Treasure

The Library of Congress (LOC) is one of the most important institutions in the United States. It’s more than just a collection of books—it’s a symbol of knowledge and a cornerstone of democracy. From its humble beginnings in 1800 to becoming the most extensive library in the world, the Library of Congress has grown to…

Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song

Ella Fitzgerald, affectionately known as the “First Lady of Song,” was one of the most extraordinary vocalists in jazz history. With a career spanning more than 60 years, she became renowned for her impeccable diction, crystal-clear tone, and unmatched ability to scat sing. Her influence extended beyond jazz, influencing pop, swing, bebop, and blues music,…

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln: A Nation in Mourning and a Legacy Shaped by Tragedy

On the evening of April 14, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer and well-known actor, while attending a performance of Our American Cousin at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The attack came just days after the Union victory in the Civil War, a moment that should have been…

Why President Lyndon B. Johnson Chose Not to Run for Re-Election

On March 31, 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson surprised the nation when he announced that he wouldn’t run for another term as President of the United States. His decision came at a time when the country was deeply divided. The Vietnam War was dragging on with no clear end in sight, protests were growing louder,…

Celebrating Women Firsts

In honor of our founder, the first female Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, we are featuring other women who were pioneers in their fields. As Justice O’Connor shared, “It’s nice to be first, but don’t be the last.” These women broke barriers, reshaped history, and provided an example for generations that followed.

From Coins to Greenbacks: The Story of U.S. Paper Money

In the early days of the United States, coins were the primary form of money, with gold and silver serving as the foundation of the economy. The U.S. Mint, established in 1792, began producing official coins, including gold Eagles, silver Dollars, and copper Cents. These coins were valued based on their metal content, making them…

Frances Perkins: The Woman Who Changed Work in America

Frances Perkins wasn’t just a politician—she was a fighter for working people. She believed that everyone deserved fair wages, safe workplaces, and a secure future. As the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet position, she helped shape policies that still impact millions of Americans today. From Social Security to minimum wage laws, her…

Booker T. Washington: A Visionary Leader in American History

Booker T. Washington was one of the most influential African American leaders of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As an educator, orator, and political advisor, he championed economic self-reliance, vocational education, and racial uplift during a period of extreme racial segregation and discrimination in the United States. His life and work left an…

Abraham Lincoln: His Birthday, Life, and Lasting Legacy

What will I find in this article? Every year on February 12, Americans remember and celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. He was born in 1809 in a small, one-room log cabin in Hardin County, Kentucky (now LaRue County). His parents, Thomas and Nancy Lincoln, were hardworking farmers, but life was tough. The family didn’t have much…

Dr. Charles Drew: The Blood Bank Pioneer

Table of contents: Dr. Charles Drew was not just a brilliant scientist; he was a groundbreaking African American physician whose work changed the face of modern medicine. Born on June 3, 1904, in Washington, D.C., Dr. Drew’s life story is one of overcoming adversity and creating a legacy that would save countless lives. His work…