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Posted by: Erin Allen
Earlier this month, a few news outlets ran a story about a rare document signed by George Washington up for auction at Christie’s. According to a Christie’s spokesperson, the item in question had the potential to fetch $8 to $12 million, potentially setting a record for the most expensive American manuscript ever sold at auction. …
Posted in: Collections, History, Manuscripts
Posted by: Erin Allen
The Library of Congress has one of the most extensive preservation programs for library materials in the world. Each year the Library’s preservation staff provides preservation treatment for countless objects in its collection of more than 155 million items. The Conservation Division cares for the Library’s special collections, including rare books and manuscripts, works of …
Posted in: Collections, Manuscripts, Preservation
Posted by: Erin Allen
Mexican anthropologist and historian Miguel León-Portilla is the newest recipient of the Library of Congress Living Legend Award for his work in studying the Náhuatl language and literature — the ancient, still-spoken tongue of the Aztecs. The award will be conferred upon León-Portill at the Library’s “Celebration of Mexico”on Dec. 12. The Living Legend Award honors those who have …
Posted in: Audiovisual, Events, Podcasts, Uncategorized, Washington DC
Posted by: Erin Allen
A 10-year veteran of the film and television production industry, Jonathan Hennessey is a Los Angeles-based writer. Hennessey is the author of “The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation,” on which he collaborated with illustrator Aaron McConnell. In their newest work, “The Gettysburg Address: A Graphic Adaptation,” the duo commemorate the 150th anniversary of this …
Posted in: Abraham Lincoln, Books, Civil War, History, Researcher Stories, Today in History
Posted by: Erin Allen
One in 10 people living in the United States of America is of Mexican origin. One in five Americans is Hispanic. The Library of Congress is hosting a special “Celebration of Mexico” next month to honor this segment of the population and provide some important educational opportunities along the way. The Library has the largest …
Posted in: Audiovisual, Collections, Events, Exhibitions, History, Maps, Video
Posted by: Erin Allen
On Tuesday, the Library of Congress celebrated the life and work of noted astronomer and educator Carl Sagan with an event that featured a veritable who’s who of the science community. The event also launched the official opening of The Seth MacFarlane Collection of the Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan Archive to the public at the …
Posted in: Events, News, Science, Uncategorized
Posted by: Erin Allen
On Nov. 19, 1862 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the cemetery at the Civil War battlefield. One of the most famous speeches in American history, the speech is recognized as a literary masterpiece. In three short paragraphs—some 270 words—Lincoln proclaimed the principles upon which the nation was founded, honored …
Posted in: Abraham Lincoln, Audiovisual, Civil War, Education, Events, Exhibitions, History, Manuscripts, Thomas Jefferson Building, Today in History, Washington DC
Posted by: Erin Allen
(The following is a guest post from Michelle Springer in the Office of Strategic Initiatives.) On Veterans Day, Monday, November 11, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, you’re invited to a special public event. Twice each year, the Library of Congress opens its magnificent Main Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., …
Posted in: Audiovisual, Capitol Hill, Events, Photos, Social Media, Thomas Jefferson Building, Uncategorized, Washington DC
Posted by: Erin Allen
The Library of Congress has made headlines in the last month with a variety of initiatives and projects, including some of its preservation efforts. In early September, the Library ran a blog post discussing some work its Preservation Directorate was doing to conserve its pulp-fiction magazine collection. CBS News picked up the story to run in …
Posted in: News, Newspapers, Uncategorized