This post was written by Alli Hartley-Kong and Sarah Peet, educational specialists in the Library of Congress’s Informal Learning Office. In the Library’s Informal Learning Office, we find ourselves sifting through digital versions of primary sources every day to identify collections materials we want to connect children and families to. Every so often you find …
What’s the most famous document in American history? Most of us would probably guess it’s the Declaration of Independence — which is exactly what pops up if you search that question online. The full story behind the creation and keeping of this remarkable text is a fascinating tale closely bound up with the Library …
Marking Father’s Day with a cookout is as American as apple pie. As I was thinking about how to organize this most traditional of celebrations for Sunday, June 18th this year, I wondered about the custom itself. What’s the history of grilling, and of the backyard barbecue? When and why did “the man of the …
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, falling on Sunday, May 14th in the U.S. this year. If you’ve already cycled through giving flowers, chocolates, and similar traditional gifts, why not hold a Mother’s Day tea? Like many British people, I grew up experiencing a mid-afternoon tea break as a widespread institution at home and at work. …
If your family is in the Washington D.C. area on Saturday, April 1st, we would love to see you at the Thomas Jefferson Building for Japanese Culture Day. This celebration is one of the Library’s most popular family-friendly traditions, and a chance for children of all ages to learn about Japanese culture through stories, …
This year, Hanukkah runs from December 18th to 26th. The winter festival of lights celebrates the 2nd century B.C. victory of the Jewish Maccabees over the Greco-Syrian King Antiochus and his forces. When the Jews sought to rededicate the temple in Jerusalem, the remaining one day’s supply of sacred oil miraculously lasted for a full …
The winter holidays are almost here! If you can’t face any more shopping, prefer to make gifts, or would simply like to brighten someone’s day, this post has suggestions for last-minute treats you can whip up yourself. Homemade candy is a welcome seasonal confection that’s perfect to share. It’ll mean a trip to the grocery …
On Saturday, October 22, the Library of Congress hosted a Halloween Family Day, featuring Goosebumps author R.L. Stine and Magic Tree House author Mary Pope Osborne discussing 30 years of their series. The Library’s Informal Learning Office also hosted spooky art and reading activities for families in the Jefferson Building before the author program. One …
