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Archive: 2011 (94 Posts)

Figure of Brahma on bronze door, John Adams Building, Library of Congress.

Pic of the Week: Brahma

Posted by: Jennifer Harbster

In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month our Pic of the Week features Lee Lawrie’s sculptural relief of the Hindu God Brahma on the bronze doors of the John Adams Building. When we first launched Inside Adams, Donna Scanlon wrote about Our Bronze Doors, which symbolize the history of written word. During my college years, I …

masthead for Mida's Criterio A Semi Monthly Journal. Chicago June 1, 1912, Number 11.

Party like It’s 1912

Posted by: Ellen Terrell

While hunting for information related to liquor wholesalers in Boston from the late 19th and early 20th century, I was hoping that a trip to the stacks would be helpful.  While I didn’t find exactly what I needed, I did find some items that were quite interesting and decided to share one for today’s post. …

Silver stylized owl with radiant circles around its head, surrounded by a gold frame

Pic of the Week: A Capitol Sunset

Posted by: Ellen Terrell

A few weeks ago when I was working late, I looked out of the window from the elevator lobby on the 5th floor of the Adams Building and saw this lovely sunset over the Thomas Jefferson Building.  As I stood there admiring it, I was glad I had my digital camera so I could share …

Silver stylized owl with radiant circles around its head, surrounded by a gold frame

One Hundred Years Ago Today

Posted by: Ellen Terrell

Advertisements.  We think of them as a way to find out about products and services, but they can also be useful for learning about companies themselves. I frequently use advertisements to answer historical questions on companies where information is harder to come by.  For example, companies looking for capital will try to lure would-be investors …

Silver stylized owl with radiant circles around its head, surrounded by a gold frame

Grow it Yourself

Posted by: Jennifer Harbster

In 2002, a call came to science to suggest patriotic topics for a Library-wide exhibit. I proposed the Victory Garden and was honored to put together an exhibit for members of the James Madison Council and Congress. I became an expert on the subject from this experience. The concept of Victory Gardens was established in …

Silver stylized owl with radiant circles around its head, surrounded by a gold frame

Pic of the Week: A Great Seal

Posted by: Ellen Terrell

Today’s Pic of the Week features a version of the Great Seal of the United States as a floor medallion in the entrance lobby of the Adams Building.  It has been slightly modified, but has the requisite 13 stars, olive branches with 13 leaves and 13 olives, and a bald eagle.