Happy 4^th of July and happy new fiscal year! Many of you have expressed a desire to learn more about our Research offerings but don’t know where to start; so in the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting one topical database and one free open web resource.  Let’s kick off the year by celebrating “America’s Birthday” with U.S. History in Context. [1]

“U.S. History in Context provides a complete overview of our nation’s past that covers the most-studied events, decades, conflicts, wars, political and cultural movements, and people. Information is provided on topics ranging from the arrival of Vikings in North America, to the stirrings of the American Revolution, through to the Civil Rights movement, 9/11, and the War on Terror.”

Adhering to Oklahoma curriculum standards, this resource is a good choice for anyone high-school aged and up.  There’s plenty of reference, biographies, primary sources, images, magazines, news, videos, audio, and journals to keep everyone engaged - from the serious researcher to an interested browser. 

Check it out today!

This week’s open site is the National Register of Historic Places [2]. What better way to get back in touch with American history than visit a historical monument or site?

Action Steps

1. Browse or search U.S. History in Context [1]
2. Find a historical place [2] in your home state
3. Using U.S. History in Context [1], answer this question (don’t forget to cite your source):  the 4^th of July is meant to celebrate Congress’s vote for independence but the vote didn’t actually take place on the 4th.  On what date did Congress formally pass the resolution for independence?  

Free pens to the first 3 correct respondents!