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Posted by: Erin Allen
What do leaping frogs and composer Gioachino Rossini have in common? Well, thanks to today’s Google doodle the two are brought together rather comically – not only does today mark the cosmic anomaly of leap day but it’s also the 220th birthday of Rossini … or his 53rd, depending upon which way you roll. After …
Posted in: Audiovisual, Music, Today in History, Uncategorized
Posted by: Erin Allen
J. Edgar Hoover – former Library of Congress employee, longtime director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a highly respected but feared individual – has been the subject of admiration and controversy alike. Some 40 years since his death, he has returned to the spotlight thanks to Clint Eastwood’s biopic “J. Edgar,” the DVD …
Posted in: Events, History, Manuscripts, Uncategorized, Video, Washington DC
Posted by: Erin Allen
One would be hard-pressed not to appreciate the splendor of the Library of Congress Main Reading Room. Granted, I may have an employee bias, but it truly is a magnificent space. A local blogger once referred to it as the “Sugar Ray Robinson” of interior spaces, with grandeur that “can’t be beat.” Twice each year, …
Posted in: Capitol Hill, Events, Thomas Jefferson Building, Uncategorized, Washington DC
Posted by: Erin Allen
The following is a guest post from Taru Spiegel, reference specialist in the Library’s European Division. How would you like to receive a phone call out of the blue, asking if you are interested in a gift of priceless original letters by your favorite author? When you work at the Library of Congress, fairy-tale offers …
Posted in: Collections, Manuscripts, Uncategorized
Posted by: Erin Allen
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. So, following in the footsteps of our other wonderful blogs, In Custodia Legis and Inside Adams, the Library of Congress blog launches its very own Pic of the Week feature. Our hope is to highlight some of the comings and goings here, the people and patrons …
Posted in: Books, Uncategorized
Posted by: Erin Allen
This is the 21st 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: We just finished up our visit to the wonderful state of North Carolina. I am not shy about admitting that I truly do …
Posted in: Exhibitions, Uncategorized
Posted by: Erin Allen
This is the 19th 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: After spending almost an entire month in Texas, we were beginning to feel like residents, sporting cowboy hats and all. Before we left …
Posted in: Uncategorized
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 …
Posted in: History, Newspapers, Today in History, Uncategorized
Posted by: Erin Allen
This is the 17th 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: It’s not supposed to snow in Texas, so we are starting to think the snow clouds are following us! After grinding through many …
Posted in: Exhibitions, Uncategorized