“True and Candid Compositions: The Lives and Writings of Antebellum Students at the University of North Carolina” is an interesting online exhibit from Documenting the American South at UNC-Chapel Hill. The site breaks down this period (1795-1869) into six chapters and each one has essays on key topics and relevant primary sources. One particularly interesting […]
30
Sep
09
“True and Candid Compositions"
Posted by sailerd Published in 19th Century (1840-1880), Images, Letters & Diaries1 comment
28
Sep
09
Civil War Museum of Philadelphia
Posted by sailerd Published in Civil War (1861-1865), Places to Visit, Recent NewsThe Civil War Museum of Philadelphia, which remains closed as it plans for moving into a new building, has announced that items from their collection will be on display at several institutions in Pennsylvania. Tentative plans call for the museum to partner with the Gettysburg National Park Visitors Center, the National Constitution Center, and the […]
25
Sep
09
"John Brown’s Day of Reckoning"
Posted by sailerd Published in Antebellum (1840-1861), Recent ScholarshipThe Smithsonian recently published “John Brown’s Day of Reckoning,” an interesting article by Fergus Bordewich that discusses Brown’s attack on Harpers Ferry. While the raid took place 150 years ago, Bordewich observes that Brown “remains one of the most emotive touchstones of our racial history.” In addition, both the attack and Brown’s execution in early […]
22
Sep
09
Check out Debating Emancipation Online, a new interactive site developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Students assume “the role of Lincoln’s closest advisers” and use primary sources to “learn how they would advise the President on this controversial issue.” Be sure to download the teacher guide for an overview of this online program, […]
18
Sep
09
Diary of Horatio Nelson Taft, 1861-1865
Posted by sailerd Published in Civil War (1861-1865), Letters & Diaries, Recent ScholarshipHoratio Nelson Taft’s diary (January 1861-May 1865) is available online from the Library of Congress and provides an interesting look at life in Washington D.C. during the Civil War. While Taft worked at the US Patent office, his children played with “Willie” and “Tad” Lincoln. “Our three boys and the Two Lincoln boys have been […]
6
Sep
09
Civil War Letters – University of Washington
Posted by sailerd Published in Civil War (1861-1865), Letters & DiariesThe University of Washington offers a great collection of Civil War letters that provide interesting accounts on a wide range of topics. The collection contains correspondence from both Union and Confederate soldiers, including a description of General Robert E. Lee’s surrender. “It all seems like a dream,” as M. Adelaide Smith explained to his “dear friends” back in […]
21
Aug
09
Illinois Periodicals Online
Posted by sailerd Published in 19th Century (1840-1880), Historic Periodicals, Images, Lesson PlansThe Northern Illinois University offers digital access to a number of different publications. Nine magazines are available from the Illinois Periodicals Online, such as Illinois Heritage (1997-2007). Teachers may want to check out Illinois History Teacher (1994-2009). Each article provides suggestions on how to use it in your classroom. For example, take a look at […]
14
Aug
09
California Digital Newspapers
Posted by sailerd Published in 19th Century (1840-1880), Images, Lesson PlansDigital collections of Civil War era newspapers are great resources and are available at a number of different sites. One that I want to highlight is UC Riverside’s California Digital Newspaper Collection, which includes the Daily Alta Californian (1849-1891) and the Sacramento Daily Union (1856-76). Each issue can be downloaded as a PDF file. Several […]
10
Aug
09
PBS now offers on their website selected full-length episodes from programs like the American Experience. While these documentaries cover a wide variety of subjects, several episodes are on 19th century American history – Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, Walt Whitman, and Kit Carson. “We Shall Remain,” a documentary on Native American history, is also available. Also be […]
5
Aug
09
American history teachers may want to check out Emory University’s “The Martyred President,” which provides full text access to fifty seven sermons on Abraham Lincoln’s death. The site includes sermons from different regions and religious denominations, such as Rev. Richard Eddy’s “The Martyr to Liberty” (Universalist) and Rev. Samuel T. Spear’s “The Punishment of Treason” […]
