Today in History - December 31

12/31/2025

Today in History - December 31

On December 31, 1837, Democrat Amasa J. Parker, congressman from New York, sat down in his quarters in Mrs. Pittman's boarding house in Washington, D.C. to write a letter to his wife. Continue reading.

On December 31, 1881, Charles J. Guiteau, the assassin of President James Garfield, wrote a New Year's greeting to his jailer. Continue reading.

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Nature’s Ornaments: Icicles in Photographs

12/31/2025

Nature’s Ornaments: Icicles in Photographs

12/31/2025 09:00 AM EST

Whether you enjoy being out in cold weather or would rather observe a frozen landscape through a window, you’ll find it hard to deny the beauty -- and drama -- of the icicle-laden views featured in this post. Let’s lean into the cold temperatures and feast our eyes on these eye-catching winter scenes.

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Patron Services: Notice - Adams Building Entry/Exit Doors Closed Jan 2

12/31/2025

Notice - Adams Building Entry/Exit Doors Closed Jan 2

The Library of Congress John Adams Building public and staff entry/exit doors will be closed on Friday, January 2, 2026. Science & Business Reading Room patrons may enter via the Thomas Jefferson Building at 10 First Street, SE or the James Madison Building at 101 Independence Ave, SE and follow signs to the John Adams Building via the tunnel.

Regular access to all Library of Congress buildings will resume on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Click here for more information.

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Inspiration for New Year’s Resolutions from Teens of the Past

12/31/2025

Inspiration for New Year’s Resolutions from Teens of the Past

12/31/2025 10:00 AM EST

Find inspiration in setting your New Year's Resolutions from commitments sent by teens of the past.

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Israel: Law Requires Future New Governments to Adopt National Security Strategy

12/31/2025

Israel: Law Requires Future New Governments to Adopt National Security Strategy

12/31/2025 01:20 PM EST

On June 10, 2025, the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, passed the National Security Strategy Law, 5775-2025. (NSS Law.)Under the NSS Law, when a new government is established, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) must formulate “the state’s political-security strategy proposal to advance Israel’s political and security interests in order to strengthen the national resilience of the State …

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More Favorite Scrooges

12/31/2025

More Favorite Scrooges

12/31/2025 02:34 PM EST

Do you have a favorite version of “A Christmas Carol” or a favorite “Ebenezer Scrooge?” We do too, including: Seymour Hicks, Lionel Barrymore, and other early interpreters of Scrooge in film and sound.

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It’s a Wrap: A Look Back at a Selection of U.S. Cookbooks Digitized in 2025

12/31/2025

It’s a Wrap: A Look Back at a Selection of U.S. Cookbooks Digitized in 2025

12/31/2025 05:02 PM EST

A look at a selection of cookbooks the Library of Congress digitized in 2025, including – a couple of community cookbooks, a 1928 Girl Scout camp and trail guide, an early Chinese-American recipe book and a book on candy-making.

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