Ever wondered what happened on this day in 1915? Travel back in time using the Library of Congress online historic newspapers! LOC digitally archives newspapers from all over the US; read the real paper–ads included. Get firsthand accounts of historic events, like the election of Abraham Lincoln or the sinking of the RMS Lusitania (which [...]
On July 9, 2011 just 5 days after the U.S. celebrated its 235 birthday the newest country, South Sudan, declared independence from its northern neighbor, Sudan. According to the CIA World Factbook, “when Sudan gained its independence in 1956, it was with the understanding that the southerners would be able to participate fully in the [...]
The U.S. Census Bureau has released population predictions for 2050. If you are a Millennial, the generation defined by Pew Research as being born between 1981 and 2000, you can expect to retire about that same time. What changes can you expect? The world will definitely be more crowded, the population is expected to reach [...]
Jacob Riis was a reformer, journalist and photographer who lived and worked at the turn of the 20th century. His stories and photographs chronicled the desperate poverty of tenement dwellers. Riis’s work brought the hidden world of urban slums to middle class eyes–and to those of political leaders like Theodore Roosevelt. His work led to reforms in [...]
American History in Video brings high-quality streaming video to JTCC. American History in Video gives students and faculty online access to 2,000 hours of vintage newsreels, archival footage, and award-winning documentaries. View synchronized, scrolling transcripts for each video Search transcripts with keywords Create playlists and clips Share clips via permanent URLs through Blackboard or email Access [...]
SmartHistory is an open source, web-based textbook created by two art historians. Study art in a modern way with video, commentary and interactive content. SmartHistory.org won a Webby for Best Education Website in 2009. Watch videos of two scholars analyzing work while viewing it in person. (The Starry Night video includes discussion about how difficult it [...]
Most people living in Virginia have visited Colonial Williamsburg. Some were dragged as fourth graders, others visited as amateur historians, others breezed through on the way to the outlet malls. But Williamsburg is not just the Governor’s Mansion and Duke of Gloucester Street; the foundation also owns a large collection of antiques which are rarely [...]
Struggling with Pride and Prejudice? Have a class discussion on Hamlet and no idea what to say? Do a bit of extra reading and get the clues you need–free and online. A bit of reading and research can increase your understanding–and your grade! Check out the following websites for extra help: SparkNotes: No Fear Shakespeare! [...]
Tuesday night will be very close to heaven for political junkies. Even if you don’t live and breathe Fox News or MSNBC, you may be fascinated to watch the results come in. For immediate, easy access to results from the Old Dominion, the Virginia State Board of Elections website will post results from the presidential [...]
Tuesday’s the day – get out and vote! Election officials are forecasting a record turnout, so allow extra time in case you face a line at the polls. If you are a first time voter and registered to vote by mail, check the State of Virginia website to see what identification you will need to [...]