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Explore the Legacy of Black Dance with a New Research Guide

Posted by: Heather Darnell

The Library of Congress Music Division is excited to announce the release of Black Dancers and Choreographers: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress, a comprehensive research guide showcasing the Library’s unique resources on the rich history and cultural impact of Black artists in American dance. Since the 19th century, Black dancers and …

Posted in: Uncategorized

Photo of Civil War-era snare drum with sling and eagle depiction painted on the drum.

A Bugle, a Drum, and the Joy of Discovery

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Former Stanford University Liljenquist Fellow Ben Limric discusses his experience creating two StoryMaps for the Music Division. The StoryMaps are interactive digital webpages that share the stories of several Civil War instruments and the soldiers they belonged too. The instruments were generously donated to the Library by James Madison Council member Tom Liljenquist and provide insights into the life of Union musicians during the Civil War.

Posted in: American history, Digital Collections, Instrumentalists, Musical Instruments, Special Collections

Sheet music cover for "On Patrol in No Man's Land" features a black and white photograph of James Reese Europe posing with his Hellfighters band in military uniform, with an additional portrait of James Reese Europe featured below the ensemble.

New Research Guide: James Reese Europe Resources at the Library of Congress

Posted by: Cait Miller

The Music Division’s newest research guide, James Reese Europe: A Guide to Resources at the Library of Congress, provides a gateway to accessing historic sheet music, unique literary manuscripts, newspaper archives, recordings, photographs and scholarly research by and related to leading cultural figure James Reese Europe (1881-1919).

Posted in: African American History, American history, Jazz, Research Guides, World War I

Image of actors onstage for Porgy and Bess.

Catfish Row Comes to New York: The Genesis of “Porgy and Bess”

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

Curator of the George and Ira Gershwin Collection Ray White discusses the origins of the Gershwins' "Porgy and Bess" in commemoration of the work's 90th anniversary. The Library and Washington National Opera present a concert and panel discussion to celebrate the anniversary on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:00 p.m. in the Coolidge Auditorium.

Posted in: African American History, American history, Composers, Concerts and Events, Curators, Musical Theater, Special Collections, Staff

Photo of Scala in 1903 at his home. Seated outdoors.

A Note from President Lincoln

Posted by: Nicholas A. Brown-Cáceres

University of Kentucky MLS candidate Jay Stringer-Vaught discusses a unique item in the Music Division’s collections written by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 to Francis Maria Scala, then-leader of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Also learn about several past appearances by "The President's Own" on the Concerts from the Library of Congress series, which celebrates 100 years in 2025.

Posted in: American history, Arrangers, Composers, Concerts and Events, Conductors, Instrumentalists, Musicians, Sheet Music, Special Collections

Brandee Younger standing next to her harp

Reminder: March 12, 2025 Ticket Release for Concerts from the Library of Congress

Posted by: David Plylar

*** Registrations for May-June 2025 events will be available starting at 10 a.m. EST on Wednesday, March 12, 2025*** The 100th season of Concerts from the Library of Congress continues with an exciting lineup of concerts through June 2025. Tickets for May and June events will be available starting at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday, …

Posted in: African American History, Choreographers, Commissions, Composers, Concerts and Events, Dance, Electronic Music, Instrumentalists, Jazz