Want to see what was in President Abraham Lincoln’s pockets when he was assassinated? The “Wanted” poster for his assassin, John Wilkes Booth? A perfect copy of the Gutenberg Bible, the first book published by metal type (in 1454), thereby revolutionizing human communication?
Well, you can! The Library and the History Channel teamed up several years ago to produce a collection of more than two dozen short, entertaining videos that showcased some of the Library’s greatest, most unusual and startling treasures. All of the above and many others are featured in the series. We’ll be highlighting them in the weeks to come.
Maybe the best news is that this isn’t a huge time commitment — each video is only a couple of minutes long. Each is explained on camera by a curator and there’s a short essay in the link that explains the contents of each. You can watch one at a time if you like, but that’s like trying to each just one chocolate chip cookie when you’ve got a box full of them. (Good luck with that!) It’s also a smart, fun introduction to the world’s largest Library.
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Comments (3)
Thank you! I am so proud of the Library of Congress – and of all of the nation’s libraries that have Risen to this Occasion! You remind us of why we love and will continue to have faith in our troubled nation!
I think it’s fantastic to have the items of one of, if not the most admirable and respected Presidents in our history, the things he had in his pockets when he was shot and ultimately died from an assassin’s bullet ! It gives all Americans the chance to consider his reasoning for his life’s actions and priorities! These items are not normally publicized. It usually is only known but to a few family members. In this case everyone has this information!…
Mr Evans how excited you must have been to have your position
When did you first take interest in America’s history and artifacts?
Second what sort of budget does the library have to make new aquisitions
3 what is one thing you would like to have if you could have ANYTHING