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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
By: Neely Tucker
The handwritten Esther scroll, inked onto parchment and protected by a cylindrical case of silver filigree, is a delicate work of beauty and religious faith, more than a century old. It tells the biblical story of Queen Esther of Persia and how she helped save the nation’s Jews from annihilation by a wicked ruler. The …
Posted in: Timeless