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Category: History

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

The Registry — and Beyond

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

The closing days of the year are always exciting here at the Library of Congress, because the Librarian of Congress names the 25 films that are this year’s selections to the National Film Registry, which designates films that are to be preserved for posterity due to their cultural, aesthetic and historical value. But keep in …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Gateway to Knowledge Guest Post #23

Posted by: Erin Allen

This is the 23rd in a series of guest posts by Abigail Van Gelder, who with her husband, Josh, is journeying across the country on the Library’s “Gateway to Knowledge” traveling exhibition: Now that we are back to our normal schedule of visiting two communities a week, I think it’s time to talk about the …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Gateway to Knowledge Guest Post #22

Posted by: Erin Allen

This is the 22nd in a series of guest posts by Abigail Van Gelder, who with her husband, Josh, is journeying across the country on the Library’s “Gateway to Knowledge” traveling exhibition: Every once in a while we hear from a guest that has traveled a good distance to see the exhibit. In Waco, Texas, a …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

All That Jazz … and Humor, Opera, Dance Music …

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

Today the Library of Congress, in conjunction with Sony Music Entertainment, launched a website – “the National Jukebox” – that streams 10,000 sound recordings from the historic Victor Records collection.  It’s a fun and fascinating ramble for anyone who loves American music and wants to dig down into the roots of jazz, opera, a vast …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

Gateway to Knowledge Guest Post #20

Posted by: Erin Allen

This is the 20th in a series of guest posts by Abigail Van Gelder, who with her husband, Josh, is journeying across the country on the Library’s “Gateway to Knowledge” traveling exhibition: See y’all later! This was my affectionate farewell to Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama. The Gateway to Knowledge tour was able to visit …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

3-D Viewing for Civil War Photos

Posted by: Jennifer Gavin

This guest post is by Photography Curator Carol Johnson of the Library of Congress. The sesquicentennial of the Civil War coincides with renewed interest in 3-D images for movies, cameras, and television. Although 3-D technology seems new, stereo photography first became popular around the time of the Civil War. In fact, many Civil War photographs …

Image of an ornate clock showing 2:05 with sculpted male figures sitting on each side of the clock face

A Fashion Faux Pas of Epic Proportions

Posted by: Erin Allen

What exactly is a “shirtwaist?” The American shirtwaist was a fashion trend for women at the turn of the 20th century, noted for the pairing of tailored shirt and skirt – offering a glimpse of the ankles – and was very fashion-forward during its day. “Shirt-waist sets are among the attractive dress accessories to tempt …