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Photography

Unveiling America’s Past: 440 Rare Snapshots from the Library of Congress

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

Library of Congress Unveils Hidden Treasures: 440 Rare Snapshots from America’s Past

Photographic Archives Unearthed

The Library of Congress is proud to present “Not an Ostrich: And Other Images from America’s Library,” an exhibition showcasing 440 extraordinary photographs from its vast archives. These images, spanning three centuries, offer a captivating glimpse into the nation’s cultural heritage.

Curating a Visual Tapestry

Over a year of meticulous research and curation went into selecting these photographs. Curator emerita Anne Wilkes Tucker sought to present a diverse and inclusive representation of America, encompassing different regions, religions, and demographics. The result is a collection that elevates obscure images to iconic status, alongside well-known masterpieces.

From Daguerreotypes to Digital

The exhibition traces the evolution of photography from its earliest days to the present. Visitors can marvel at Robert Cornelius’s “world’s first selfie” from 1839, the earliest known portrait of Harriet Tubman, and a 2006 snapshot of a couple dining at Wendy’s on Halloween.

Beyond the Obvious

The title of the exhibition, “Not an Ostrich,” encourages viewers to question their assumptions and delve deeper into the stories behind the images. As photographic theorist Susan Sontag observed, photographs are both objective records and personal interpretations of reality.

A Window into History

These photographs serve as powerful access points into American history. They capture moments of glamour, worship, invention, bravery, humor, cruelty, and love. They offer insights into the lives of ordinary people and extraordinary events that have shaped the nation.

Digitized for Accessibility

To enhance public access, the Library of Congress has digitized high-resolution versions of the original images. Hundreds of previously unseen snapshots are also available online, many of which are free for public use.

Annenberg-LOC Collaboration

“Not an Ostrich” is a collaboration between the Library of Congress and the Annenberg Space for Photography in Los Angeles. The exhibition is on view through September 9, 2018, with free admission.

Exploring America’s Past

Through this exhibition, the Library of Congress aims to make the public aware of the incredible resources available in its photographic archives. These images provide a unique and invaluable lens through which to understand and appreciate America’s rich cultural heritage.

Additional Highlights:

  • “Balanced Rock, Garden of the Gods, Colorado” (1908) captures the grandeur of the American West.
  • “Allied soldiers, one with a bandaged head, sitting on the ground during World War I” (1914-18) depicts the horrors of war.
  • “Nice Feather Duster” (1891) showcases a peculiar and memorable peddler.
  • “Brünnhilde” (1936) reveals the playful side of photography with a cat in a Viking helmet.
  • “Portrait of Harriet Tubman” (1868-69) honors the legacy of a courageous abolitionist.
  • “Bodybuilder Gene Jantzen with wife Pat, and eleven-month-old son Kent” (1947) showcases the strength and determination of an American family.
  • “Robert Cornelius, self-portrait” (1839) marks a groundbreaking moment in the history of photography.
  • “Migrant Mother” (Dorothea Lange, 1936) is an iconic image of the Great Depression.
  • “Not an Ostrich” (1930) features actress Isla Bevin holding a prize-winning goose, prompting viewers to question their perceptions.
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Sound Art

Jim Metzner’s Sonic Legacy: Preserving the World’s Soundscapes at the Library of Congress

by Kim
written by Kim

Jim Metzner’s Sonic Legacy: A World of Soundscapes Preserved by the Library of Congress

The Sonic Explorer

Jim Metzner, the renowned radio producer behind the acclaimed series “Pulse of the Planet,” has donated his prolific collection of sound recordings to the Library of Congress. Spanning over three decades, Metzner’s work has captured the vibrant tapestry of sounds from around the world, inviting listeners to embark on extraordinary sonic journeys.

Pulse of the Planet: A Global Symphony

From the deep calls of an elephant to the haunting shrieks of beached whales, “Pulse of the Planet” showcased the rich diversity of our planet’s soundscapes. Through two-minute daily episodes, Metzner transported listeners to remote corners of the globe, immersing them in the rhythms of nature and human cultures.

A Treasure Trove of Sonic Delights

The Metzner collection is a veritable treasure trove for sound enthusiasts. It umfasst thousands of recordings, including audio cassettes, digital audio tapes, and digital sound files. The collection also includes photographs, handwritten journals, and storybooks, offering a glimpse into Metzner’s creative process and the behind-the-scenes stories behind his iconic recordings.

Digital Preservation: Ensuring Accessibility

The Library of Congress is embarking on a meticulous digitization process to preserve Metzner’s collection for future generations. This effort will ensure that the recordings remain accessible to researchers, educators, and the general public through the Library’s digital archives.

Metzner’s Enduring Legacy

Metzner’s passion for sound extends beyond his radio work. He continues to share his knowledge and inspire others through various projects, including “American Soundscapes,” a growing online library where anyone can contribute their own soundscapes.

Sound as Art: Elevating Appreciation

Metzner believes that soundscapes deserve the same recognition as other art forms. He advocates for the elevation of sound art, arguing that it can be just as powerful and expressive as visual art. Through his work, Metzner has helped to reshape our understanding of the role that sound plays in our lives and the world around us.

Preserving the Sonic Tapestry

The acquisition of Metzner’s collection by the Library of Congress is a significant milestone in the preservation of our sonic heritage. It ensures that future generations will have access to this extraordinary archive of soundscapes, allowing them to explore the world through the ears of a master sonic explorer.

Additional Highlights:

  • Metzner’s recordings have been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition” and other prestigious platforms.
  • The Fulbright Program has recognized Metzner’s contributions, sending him to New Zealand to share his expertise and continue his sound recording work.
  • Metzner’s goal is to use sound as a window through which to explore the world and foster appreciation for the power of sound.
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Education

The Library of Congress: A Monument to Democracy and Knowledge

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

The Library of Congress: A Monument to Democracy

History

The Library of Congress, the world’s largest repository of knowledge, has evolved far beyond its humble beginnings as a collection of books. Today, it houses a vast array of materials, including sound recordings, digitized collections, and even telephone directories.

Jefferson’s Legacy

The Library of Congress owes its existence to Thomas Jefferson, who sold his personal library to the government in 1815 to help rebuild the collection that had been destroyed by the British Army during the War of 1812. Jefferson’s vision for the library was to make it a resource for all Americans, regardless of their background or location.

Growth and Expansion

Over the years, the Library of Congress has grown exponentially, both in terms of its collections and its physical presence. In 1897, the main library building, now known as the Thomas Jefferson Building, opened its doors to the public. This iconic structure is adorned with ornate ceilings, plush reading rooms, and artwork by American masters.

Digitized Collections

In the 1990s, the Library of Congress embarked on a massive digitization project to make its collections more accessible to the public. Today, millions of books, manuscripts, and other materials are available online through the library’s website.

Crowdsourcing Initiatives

The Library of Congress has also embraced crowdsourcing to help digitize its collections. In 2018, the library launched Letters to Lincoln, a project that invited the public to transcribe scanned pages of President Abraham Lincoln’s correspondence. Over 2,800 volunteers participated, helping to make these important documents digitally accessible.

Educational Ideals

The Library of Congress is more than just a repository of knowledge. It is also a symbol of the nation’s commitment to education and democracy. The John Adams Building, which houses the library’s rare book collection, is inscribed with Jefferson’s words: “Educate and inform the mass of the people… and they will preserve them.”

The Thomas Jefferson Building

The Thomas Jefferson Building is a testament to the nation’s educational ideals. Its elaborate Corinthian columns, sculpted figures, and vibrant murals depict the evolution of knowledge and the importance of literacy. The building’s design reflects Jefferson’s belief that the library should be a place where all Americans can come to learn and grow.

Impact on American Society

The Library of Congress has played a vital role in American history and culture. It has preserved the nation’s literary heritage, provided access to information for scholars and researchers, and inspired countless writers, artists, and musicians. The library continues to be a vibrant and dynamic institution, dedicated to serving the American people and promoting the ideals of democracy and knowledge.

The Library of Congress Today

Today, the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with over 25 million books and 170 million other items in its collections. It is a global leader in digital preservation and access, and its online resources are used by millions of people around the world. The library also continues to host public programs, exhibitions, and lectures, making it a vital part of the cultural landscape of Washington, D.C.

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Social Science

Twitter Archive: Library of Congress Prioritizes Historic Tweets for Preservation and Research

by Rosa
written by Rosa

Twitter Archive: Library of Congress to Prioritize Historic Tweets

Background

In 2010, the Library of Congress (LOC) entered into an agreement with Twitter to archive every public tweet ever sent. This ambitious project aimed to preserve a vast repository of social commentary and communication for future generations.

Challenges of Archiving Twitter Data

Over the years, several challenges have emerged in managing the Twitter archive.

  • Volume and Size of Tweets: The sheer volume of tweets has grown exponentially, making it increasingly difficult to store and process the data. In 2010, Twitter users sent approximately 50 million tweets per day. Today, that number has skyrocketed to over 500 million tweets per day.

  • Changing Nature of Tweets: Tweets have evolved significantly since their inception. Initially, tweets were limited to 140 characters and primarily consisted of text. However, the character limit has since been expanded to 280, and tweets now often include images, videos, and animated GIFs. The LOC only archives the text of tweets, which means that a significant amount of context is lost.

  • Limited Resources: The LOC did not have the necessary resources or expertise to effectively manage the Twitter archive. The library lacked full-time engineers to process the massive influx of tweets, and this resulted in significant delays and challenges in making the archive accessible to researchers.

Decision to Prioritize Historic Tweets

In light of these challenges, the LOC has decided to prioritize the archiving of tweets that are deemed to be of historic importance. This decision was announced in a white paper published by the LOC, which outlined the reasons for the change in policy.

The LOC acknowledges that Twitter is a constantly evolving platform, and it is impossible to predict how it will continue to change in the future. The library’s goal is to collect and preserve a representative sample of tweets that can provide insights into the social, political, and cultural landscape of our time.

Current Status of the Archive

The current 12-year archive of tweets is not publicly accessible, and the LOC has not yet announced a timeline for when it might become available. The library intends for the archive to serve as a snapshot of the early years of social media communication, similar to the way the LOC preserves telegraphs from the early days of that technology.

Potential Value of the Archive

Researchers in various fields, including sociology, psychology, political science, and communication, have expressed interest in accessing the Twitter archive. They believe that the data could provide valuable insights into human behavior, social trends, and political discourse.

Conclusion

The LOC’s decision to prioritize the archiving of historic tweets is a recognition of the challenges involved in managing and preserving social media data. While the full archive is not yet publicly accessible, it is hoped that the LOC will eventually find a way to make it available to researchers and the public, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding of our digital past and present.

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