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HISTORICAL FACTS: The library of congress | History Defined

Hispanic Heritage Month 2026: Key Dates, Free Events and the Smithsonian Exhibit Everyone's Anticipating

A Smithsonian lowrider exhibit, free concerts and citywide festivals anchor Hispanic Heritage Month 2026, running Sept. 15–Oct. 15 nationwide.

Latin Times

In 1921, Italian immigrant Simon Rodia began hand-building Los Angeles’s Watts Towers from steel, mortar and broken tile; 33 years later the construction had ended

Simon Rodia built the Watts Towers in Los Angeles over 33 years. He used steel, wire mesh, and mortar, embedding glass and shells. Rodia constructed the tallest tower to 99½ feet without welding or scaffolding. He left the property in 1954, and it later faced demolition threats. The Watts Towers…

The Times of India

A Wisconsin newspaper publisher in 1866 tried to automate ticket numbering. Then one question from a fellow inventor eventually helped create the typewriter and QWERTY keyboard we still use today

The year 1866 marked a pivotal moment in communication history with Christopher Sholes' invention of the QWERTY keyboard layout. This groundbreaking design not only reshaped how people wrote but also facilitated quicker business transactions. The Sholes and Glidden typewriter emerged after its patent by E. Remington & Sons, showcasing the…

The Economic Times

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In 1911, Mona Lisa was stolen in one of history’s most bizarre heists: The thief hid it under his clothes and nobody realised it was gone for more than a day

In 1911, an Italian worker named Vincenzo Peruggia famously stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. This dramatic event captured the attention of media around the world and piqued public interest to an unprecedented level. Peruggia managed to conceal the masterpiece for more than two years before it was recovered,…

The Economic Times

California built Shasta Dam in the 1940s, but the project flooded Kennett, a copper-mining town that now lies beneath Lake Shasta

Once a bustling northern California mining hub, Kennett was swallowed by the depths of Shasta Lake following the construction of the Shasta Dam. This ambitious federal project aimed at water management inundated the town, which thrived on copper mining and railroads. Today, only historical accounts and the lake itself hint…

The Times of India

Of thee I sing: A guide to US patriotic songs, from 'The Liberty Song' to Jay-Z and Kanye West

Even before there was a United States of America, there were patriotic songs

The Independent UK

Right-wing pundit tries to erase Black women’s contributions to America’s founding — so a Washington doctor snaps back with receipts

“Documented. Verified. Present at the founding.”

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Buried Until 2276! America's Time Capsule Packed With Whale Bones, Diamonds, and Historic Treasures for Future Generations

America's Time Capsule, sealed underground in Philadelphia, contains artefacts from all 50 states, showcasing history and technology for future generations to discover in 2276.

International Business Times UK

Supreme Court says Library of Congress official can stay in job

The Supreme Court allowed Shira Perlmutter to continue to serve as register of copyrights for the Library of Congress in an order issued Tuesday, denying a request from the Trump administration to remove her while she fights her firing in court. The two-sentence decision leaves open the issue of whether…

Roll Call

As Native American boarding schools project ends, survivors describe feeling honored and restored

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition is wrapping up an oral history project in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Independent UK

The AIDS Memorial Quilt made a fearful epidemic powerfully human

The Library of Congress describes the AIDS Memorial Quilt as the largest communal art project in the world

The Independent UK

House votes to take over librarian of Congress appointment power

House lawmakers passed a bill Monday aimed at preventing future executive branch interference in some legislative branch agencies, a year after President Donald Trump fired the librarian of Congress. It would allow House and Senate leaders to appoint the heads of both the Library of Congress and the Government Publishing…

Roll Call

Panel on Free Speech at the Library of Congress This Tuesday (June 2), 5:30 to 7:30 pm (Moderated by David Lat)

Mary Anne Franks (GW), Emerson Sykes (ACLU), and I will be discussing a wide range of free speech matters.

Reason

How a 15-year-old boy gave millions of blind people the ability to read

Louis Braille, a teenager, created a revolutionary dot-based reading system. This system, based on a six-dot cell, allows blind individuals to read and write through touch. Its simplicity and effectiveness made it a global success. Even today, Braille remains a vital tool for education and daily life, aiding millions worldwide…

The Economic Times

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The Economic Times

In 1903, the Wright brothers studied bird wings and bicycle mechanics, and helped launch modern aviation

The Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight in 1903. Their success stemmed from a unique focus on aircraft stability and control. Inspired by bird flight and their bicycle business experience, they meticulously tested designs. This careful, step-by-step engineering approach revolutionized transportation history. Their invention marked the dawn of aviation.

Player One

Original 'Doom' Soundtrack Inducted Into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress

The original Doom soundtrack released in 1993 has been inducted into the 2026 National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress.

PC Gamer

The original Doom soundtrack joins 'our national playlist' in the US Library of Congress

Bobby Prince's groundbreaking soundtrack is one of 25 recordings inducted into the famed Library of Congress today.

Roll Call

Librarian should be chosen by Congress, House panel agrees

One year after President Donald Trump fired the librarian of Congress, support is growing for a bill that would prevent it from happening again. The heads of both the Library of Congress and the Government Publishing Office should be appointed not by the president but by a congressional commission, lawmakers…

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The Independent UK

Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan and Vince Gill recordings enter national registry

Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Chaka Khan, and The Go-Go’s are joining America’s audio canon

The Independent UK

Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden cheered as she wins Authors Guild honor

Former Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden received the Champion of Writers Award from the Authors Guild

The Independent UK

Library of Congress appoints Arthur Sze to a second 1-year term as US poet laureate

U.S. poet laureate Arthur Sze has been appointed to a second one-year term by the Library of Congress

The Independent UK

Full list: The 25 classic movies being added to National Film Registry this year

As if they’d leave Clueless off the list

Roll Call

Filing is the latest battle in war over whether the head of copyright office can remain in office despite Trump firing her.

Roll Call

GAO, Library of Congress avoid cuts in Legislative Branch bill - Roll Call

Senate appropriators Sunday unveiled a $7.3 billion fiscal 2026 Legislative Branch appropriations bill, part of a deal to end the shutdown.

Roll Call

Capitol Historical Society names Library of Congress alum Roswell Encina new CEO - Roll Call

Roswell Encina, former communications officer for the Library of Congress, will be president and CEO of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society.

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