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Archive: June 2015 (9 Posts)

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Researcher Spotlight: Simona Tobia

Posted by: Megan Harris

This past spring, the Veterans History Project (VHP) has had the pleasure of hosting Kluge Fellow Simona Tobia of Reading University in the UK. Simona’s interest in the human experience of war fits beautifully with VHP’s mission and collections. Her research on interrogation during World War II is fascinating, and in order to share it …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Celebrating All the Molly Pitchers

Posted by: Stephanie Hall

On June 28, 1778, at the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, women brought aid to the wounded, assisted doctors as nurses, did laundry, made clothing, brought food and water to soldiers, brought more water to cool the cannons, and more. These were the most common tasks performed by the wives and families of the soldiers …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Treasures of the AFC Archive Banner #2

Posted by: Stephen Winick

This is the second in a series of six posts presenting AFC’s new traveling exhibit Treasures of the American Folklife Center Archive. The exhibit takes the form of lightweight, colorful vinyl banners containing information about AFC, the Library of Congress, and (as the title suggests) some of the treasures found in our archive. We’ll be …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Songs and Music of Refugees of the First World War

Posted by: Stephanie Hall

War disrupts populations, and refugees fleeing the conflict may leave their country permanently to settle elsewhere. The first World War caused such disruptions throughout Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Crossing one border was no longer an escape for many of these people on the move. Refugees fled to countries distant from their …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Treasures of the AFC Archive Banner #1

Posted by: Stephen Winick

Two short weeks ago, I mentioned the new traveling exhibit Treasures of the American Folklife Center Archive. The exhibit takes the form of lightweight, colorful vinyl banners containing information about the American Folklife Center, the Library of Congress, and (as the title suggests) some of the treasures found in our archive. I promised at that …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

American Folklife Center Fellowships and Awards 2015

Posted by: Stephen Winick

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress is pleased to announce the recipients of its fellowships and awards for 2015.  This year, AFC awarded support to eight researchers or teams in six states and the District of Columbia.  To find out how to apply for next year’s awards, please visit our research awards …

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I Want YOU, U.S. Army, to Have a Happy Birthday

Posted by: Lisa Taylor

June 14, 2015 marks the United States Army’s 240th birthday. Let that sink in. The U.S. Army has been around longer than light bulbs, steam locomotives, the U.S. Constitution and the Library of Congress. For nearly two and a half centuries, valiant soldiers have given selfless service to our nation, placing themselves in harm’s way …

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Jean Ritchie, 1922-2015

Posted by: Stephen Winick

Note: The whole AFC staff was saddened by the death of Jean Ritchie earlier this month.  We paid tribute to her immediately in a Facebook post, which you can see here, and the Chairman of our Board of Trustees, C. Kurt Dewhurst, made a moving statement about Jean at the Board’s June meeting.  However, I …

A man playing a guitar and singing to a close crowd of a dozen or so men and women

Treasures from the AFC Archive Traveling Exhibit

Posted by: Stephen Winick

The American Folklife Center is pleased to announce the arrival of our new traveling exhibit, Treasures from the American Folklife Center Archive. The exhibit is a series of lightweight, colorful vinyl banners containing information about the American Folklife Center, the Library of Congress, and (as the title suggests) some of the treasures found in our …