The Learning Commons will be closed for the holiday on Friday, July 4. Regular hours will resume on Monday, July 7.
Library resources on Independence Day
Independence Day (topic page from Credo Reference) Includes many reference articles about the history of the holiday.
The Fourth of July Encyclopedia (online book, 2013) by James R. Heintze
“This is the first comprehensive reference work on America’s Independence Day Bringing attention to persons, places, and events of historical significance, the book focuses on the Fourth of July as it has been commemorated over the span of more than two centuries, starting with the first celebrations: public readings of the Declaration of Independence that occurred within days of its signing. Biographical sketches feature presidents (and how each celebrated the Fourth) and other politicians, famous soldiers, educators, engineers, scientists, athletes, musicians, and literary figures.”
1776 (print book, 2005) by David McCullough
“Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost–Washington, who had never before led an army in battle.”
Revolutionary mothers: women in the struggle for America’s independence (print book, 2005) by Carol Berkin
“The American Revolution was a home-front war that brought scarcity, bloodshed, and danger into the life of every American. The author shows that women played a vital role throughout the struggle: we see women boycotting British goods in the years before independence, writing propaganda that radicalized their neighbors, raising funds for the army, and helping finance the fledgling government. We see how they managed farms, plantations, and businesses while their men went into battle, and how they served as nurses and cooks in the army camps; risked their lives carrying intelligence, participating in reconnaissance missions, or seeking personal freedom from slavery; served as spies, saboteurs, and warriors; and lived with the daily knowledge that their husbands could be hanged as traitors if the revolution did not succeed.
“In liberty’s cause: black freedom in revolutionary America, 1770-1790” (chapter in the book Between slavery and freedom, 2014) by Julie Winch
“In a concise narrative and selected primary documents, noted historian Julie Winch shows the struggle of black people to gain and maintain their liberty and lay claim to freedom in its fullest sense. Refusing to be relegated to the margins of American society and languish in poverty and ignorance, they repeatedly challenged their white neighbors to live up to the promises of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” enshrined in the Declaration of Independence.”
Related Articles:
The timing of fireworks-caused wildfire ignitions during the 4th of July holiday season
Pets and Fireworks – Tips to Keep Pets Happy and Safe on July 4th
National Myth: The Goddess Behind America’s Independence Day