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By: Neely Tucker
The Library has six letters that Albert Einstein wrote to Margarita Konenkova, a Russian national with whom he had a passionate, late-in-life affair while he was at Princeton. Einstein was a widower, Konekova was married to a famous Russian sculptor. The affair was not revealed until 1994. The letters, our staff experts write, mix Einstein’s humanity with his genius.
Posted in: Timeless
By: Libby Smigel
Drawing from the recently processed Barry Sisters Papers housed in the Library of Congress Music Division, archivist Maya Lerman introduces the Barry Sisters vocal duo and their artistic contribution to the development of "Yiddish Swing."
Posted in: In The Muse
By: Danna Bell
Learn how teachers can use interviews from the Veterans History Project to help students learn more about the Holocaust.
Posted in: Teaching with the Library
The Library of Congress is proud to offer free digital programming from its collections for the enjoyment of audiences that are not able to attend our live events in Washington, D.C. The Music Division works with colleagues throughout the Library to ensure that past events in the Concerts from the Library of Congress series, educational …
Posted in: In The Muse
While our nation continues to mourn the loss of First Lady Rosalynn Carter (1927-2023), here in the Music Division, we are reflecting on her lasting relationships with artists, performers, and creators, both during her time in The White House and the decades that followed. America’s civic leaders cross paths with many of the leading musicians, …
Posted in: In The Muse
By: Heather Darnell
It’s that time of the year when many Americans gather with their families to cut the turkey, gobble up pumpkin pie, and feel grateful for one another. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s look at heartwarming photos our favorite artistic families from the Music Division’s Digital Collections: Sylvia Fine and Danny Kaye Sylvia Fine …
Posted in: In The Muse
Tonight at sunset (Friday, September 15, 2023) through Sunday after nightfall, Jewish Americans and Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to welcome the year 5784 in the Jewish calendar! The Music Division does not disappoint with its holdings of both religious and secular music for this time. Here is a small sample of the gems in our holdings so that we may celebrate together.
Posted in: In The Muse
By: Suzanne Schadl
This is a question-and-answer guest post by Irene Madrigal — a Brooklyn native in her senior year at Barnard College in New York City where she studies English, History, and Spanish. Irene was selected for an internship in the Latin American, Caribbean, and European Division (LACE) through The Washington Center (TWC). When she’s not watching …
Posted in: 4 Corners of the World
By: Neely Tucker
No Jewish marriage is complete without a ketubah, a traditional legal document introduced during the wedding ceremony. The ketubah not only legitimizes the marriage but, following Jewish law, also spells out the groom’s financial and conjugal obligations to his bride during their life journey. The Library holds 11 of these ornate, beautiful traditional documents, spanning centuries and many nations.
Posted in: Timeless
By: Malea Walker
The following is a guest post by Robin Pike, Head, Digital Collection Services Section in the Serial and Government Publications Division. Robin conducted the following interviews with Ann Sneesby-Koch from History Colorado in Denver, CO, and Melissa Jerome from the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Chronicling America* has grown its collection of newspapers by …
Posted in: Headlines & Heroes