May 3 has been designated as World Press Freedom Day in recognition of a "free, pluralistic and independent press" and its essential part of a democratic society. Indeed, the purpose of journalism, said Chicago newspaper columnist Peter Finley Dunne in the early 1900s, is to "comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable." Although modern journalists have often been the targets of severe criticism, it is also true that throughout the centuries, and even today, journalism has been a force for making America a better place to live.

The Newseum "educates the public about the value of a free press in a free society." Located in Washington, D.C., the Newseum is open to the public and offers a unique interactive map that shows you the front pages of 800 daily newspapers from around the world, with direct links to the online versions of those newspapers. Keep up with events across the globe, use it for your personal interests, or for research.