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Archive: March 2025 (2 Posts)

Image of title page of Eliot Bible.

Early Owners of an Eliot Algonquian Bible

Posted by: Marianna Stell

A closer look at the Library’s copy of the Eliot Algonquian Bible (1663) reveals a connection to the local history of the greater Washington area. Family birth and death inscriptions within the Bible show that it was once owned by the famous Gaither family of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland. How and when did it arrive at the Library? Read this post to learn more.

Posted in: 17th Century, 18th Century, American History, Indigenous Peoples, Provenance

First Division school class exercising with barbells in schoolyard, Washington, D.C.

Club-Swinging for a New You!

Posted by: Amanda Zimmerman

During the 19th century in both England and America, physical fitness became an important aspect of structured health and education programs. In 1880, recognizing the public's growing interest in the use of dumbbells and clubs, New York City champion strongman Guss Hill (1858 – 1937) made his publishing debut with an early exercise book.

Posted in: 18th Century, 19th Century, Sports and Games