A New Way of Viewing Primary Sources

Have you ever wanted to further your students curiosity with primary sources instead of them staring at a boring database? Well, Today’s Document can do just that!  Today’s Document is an application that displays a significant historical document that was created on that day in history.  It was created by the National Archives and Records Administration and was designed for iPhone and iPad.  With Today’s Document, you can learn what happened on your birthday, search documents via keyword, or browse for your own curiosity.  Some of the significant documents that you can view on Today’s Document include President John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, the Declaration of Independence, and even the Emancipation Proclamation. 

When viewing a specific primary source, you can pinch to zoom and examine individual documents and photos.  On the application Today’s Document, you can tap the calendar icon to select a specific date or browse at random.  There is even an information icon to read background information on the document itself including who created it and why it was created.  If there is a specific document you like on the application, you can add it to a favorites list by tapping a star icon.  Finally, Today’s Document even has a feature where you can share your favorite documents on social media.  This would further the curiosity of other individuals who have a fascination for what happened historically on their birthday or any other significant event in their life.  Today’s Document is a great application to further your students curiosity about primary sources.  I would highly recommend this application for any history teacher who wants to introduce primary sources to their students!