Secrets

of the Serial Set

A HISTORICAL BLOG SERIES

The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal. The Manhattan Project. The Louisiana Purchase.

These are just a few of the gems to be found in the U.S. Congressional Serial Set, a must-have publication for studying American history. With more than two centuries of documents spanning more than 17,000 volumes, no other publication so beautifully reflects the maturation of the United States as a nation.

The Serial Set is an indispensable resource for any history lover. To prove it, we’ve created “Secrets of the Serial Set,” a fascinating blog series dedicated to revealing the historic material hidden throughout the immense publication. Each month, join HeinOnline as we explore notable events in U.S. history using the primary sources themselves.

Miss a post? Browse the secrets we’ve revealed so far below.

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photo of radiation warning signs posted on a gate

Secrets of the Serial Set: The Three Mile Island Disaster

During the mid-20th century, nuclear power was one of the fastest growing areas of science and technology. However, in 1979, a partial nuclear meltdown at Three Mile Island put the health and safety of employees and nearby civilians at risk.

photo from William McKinley's final address at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York in 1901

Secrets of the Serial Set: The Assassination of William McKinley

It was none other than HeinOnline’s hometown of Buffalo, New York, where the third assassination of an American president took place on September 6, 1901. In this month’s Secrets of the Serial Set, we explore William McKinley’s violent death.

photo of Chinese flag

Secrets of the Serial Set: The Chinese Exclusion Act

The United States has a dark history regarding its immigration policies. One example of these laws was the Chinese Exclusion Act, which restricted immigration from China for decades after its passage in 1882.

U.S. troops from Company A, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) wade toward Omaha Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944.

Secrets of the Serial Set: D-Day

A massive collaboration between the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other Allied nations, the storming of the beaches of Normandy required careful planning, hundreds of thousands of equipment and artillery, and immeasurable bravery.

portrait of U.S. Army occupation of Mexico City in 1847

Secrets of the Serial Set: The Mexican-American War

When America’s pursuit of Manifest Destiny collided with Mexican interest, all out war broke out, leading to the Mexican-American War. The conflict only lasted two years, but it would shape the future of both of these neighbor nations.

driving of the Golden Spike

Secrets of the Serial Set: The First Transcontinental Railroad

It’s hard to imagine the days when traveling across the country didn’t take hours, or days, but rather months. Horses and boats are not the most efficient means of travel, but they are all Americans had—until the railroads.

Orville Wright in flight over Huffman Prairie in Wright Flyer I

Secrets of the Serial Set: The Legacy of the Wright Brothers

The holiday season tends to be the busiest time of year at airports across the United States. However, it is possible that nobody would be flying home for the holidays if it hadn’t been for the ingenuity and determination of the Wright brothers.