Last October I had a lot of fun writing a column with a “what happened on this day in history” theme. I discovered that a single date can be jam-packed with potential reading suggestions because history is so, well, historical! Not every event is riveting (tax reform — meh), but there is usually more than enough intriguing stuff to satisfy this librarian. So without further ado, here is a reading list devoted to July 9. May you find something intriguing below; if not, visit the library — physically or virtually (www.fvrl.org) — and chances are you’ll uncover a world of knowledge.
• 1540: King Henry VIII, the monarch who went through a lot of wives, had his marriage to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, annulled. Well, at least she didn’t lose her head. If you have a thing for the House of Tudor and enjoy seeing history brought to life, check out the Showtime series “The Tudors.” The library has all four seasons on DVD for your viewing pleasure. By the way, if you just started humming the Herman’s Hermits version of “I’m Henry the VIII I Am,” it’s OK — I just did, too.
• 1776: Yes, yes, the Fourth of July gets all the glory when it comes to this momentous year in American history, and deservedly so. But July 9, 1776, should get some recognition as well. While members of the Continental Army in Manhattan prepared for battle against British troops, George Washington ordered the Declaration of Independence to be read aloud to his men. It’s amazing to me that this founding document — which was literally just days old — was already reaching the public — and they didn’t even have Twitter! If the American Revolution is of interest to you, try “The American Revolution: A Visual History,” by Smithsonian Institution.
• 1811: We may have declared our independence in 1776, but Great Britain would continue to play a part in the development of the United States for a long time. On this date in 1811 British explorer David Thompson posted a sign near what is now Sacajawea State Park in Washington state claiming the area for the United Kingdom. Blimey! To learn more about David Thompson and the Northwest’s early British connections check out “Columbia Journals” by David Thompson. You’ll come away knowing bits ‘n bobs about our region, so Bob’s your uncle.
