Library of Congress: New Webcasts

Trance Formation: Music, Trance, Religious Experience, and the Brain

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:03:13 GMT

Dr. Robin Sylvan, Director of the Sacred Center in El Cerrito, Calif. gives a pre-concert presentation, part of the Music and the Brain Series.

Memento: Time Travel for the Web

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:02:44 GMT

This National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (NDIPP) briefing features the project Memento, presented by Herbert Van de Sompel of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and Michael Nelson from Old Dominion University.

From Every End of This Earth

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:02:13 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Steven V. Roberts follows the stories of 13 families in his poignant, eye-opening look at immigration in "From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America."

The Anthropocene: Are We There Yet?

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:01:23 GMT

Historians David Christian and John R. McNeill discuss how rapidly increasing human impact on the biosphere is changing the way scholars and experts view human history.

Free Press in a Time of Terrorism

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:00:45 GMT

In celebration of Human Rights Day, the Law Library of Congress hosts a 90-minute panel discussion. It focuses on how countries around the world are attempting to balance the needs of a free press with an effective strategy against terrorism.

Competing Spheres: Religion, Society and State in Morocco

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:59:58 GMT

The Near East Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division sponsors a noontime lecture given by Fulbright Scholar Moshine El Ahmadi.

Music in Islamic Sufi Rituals

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:17:17 GMT

Dr. Taoufiq ben Amor gives a pre-concert presentation on the music of Islamic Sufi rituals, part of the Music and the Brain series.

The Life and Photography of F. Holland Day

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:16:27 GMT

A fascinating and colorful figure and an extraordinary artist, F. Holland Day was a bibliophile, publisher and photographer. He assembled one of the largest collections in the world of materials relating to the life and work of John Keats and in 1894 traveled to England to dedicate the first ever memorial to the poet.

Fiction Collections at the Library of Congress

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:15:57 GMT

Discussion of the current fiction collections of the Library of Congress with an emphasis on the papers of National Book Award winners in the Manuscript Division.

Opening of the Young Readers Center

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:15:31 GMT

For the first time in its history, the Library of Congress has a center for young people, called the Young Readers Center. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington speak at the event.

Gilbert Rohde: Modern Design for Modern Living

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:14:32 GMT

Few designers did more to change the appearance of postwar American interiors than Gilbert Rohde (1894-1944). In her new book, Phyllis Ross traces Rohde's career at the Herman Miller Furniture Co. in the 1930s and 1940s through the remainder of his brief but influential career.

Americas Awards Ceremony 2009

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:12:19 GMT

Authors Yuyi Morales and illustrator Margarita Engle receive the 2008 Americas Award for Children and Young Adult Literature during the 16th award presentation hosted by the Library of Congress.

Baseball Americana: Afternoon Session

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:11:49 GMT

This event explores the many ways we enjoy baseball at home, from watching it on TV, to following our favorite players and their all-important statistics, to playing baseball, softball and stickball in parks and city streets. (Afternoon Session)

Baseball Americana: Morning Session

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:11:21 GMT

International Literacy Day 2009

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:10:38 GMT

The Center for the Book marks International Literacy Day with a program at the Library of Congress.

Women Who Kept the Songs from India to Israel

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:10:11 GMT

For centuries Jewish women along India's Malabar Coast filled songbooks with Jewish-themed music sung in Malayam at weddings, community celebrations and rituals. The subsequent influx of Jews from other nations splintered the Jews of Cochin (the present day port city of Kochi, India) and caused many to emigrate, principally to Israel. With them went a rich musical heritage that might have been lost to posterity but for the recent efforts of a team of researchers.

Francis McPeake Family Concert

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:09:38 GMT

From March through May 2007, scholars and artists gathered at the Library of Congress and other venues in and around Washington, DC, to present and promote Northern Irish arts and culture through the Rediscover Northern Ireland Programme.

NCTA Collection, Session 2

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:04:27 GMT

Barry Bergey with the National Endowment for the Arts moderates a group of panelists who discuss the significance and highlights of the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA) Collection (Session 2).

NCTA Collection, Session 1

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:03:57 GMT

The Evolution of Welsh Music

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:35:18 GMT

Musician Gwilym Morus discusses the aspects of Welsh culture, the history of the Welsh folk tradition and performs some pieces of modern folk music.

Norwegian-American Music

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:34:05 GMT

The Berntson family performs traditional Norwegian-American dance music from Virginia.

Chan Heng Chee

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:21:44 GMT

Singapore's Ambassador to the United States, Chan Heng Chee, is the inaugural speaker in the Library's Asian Ambassador Lecture Series.

Black Mesa: Water, Power, and the Story of a Master Theft

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:51:27 GMT

In this era of transnational corporations, the methods of separating indigenous peoples from their lands are many, and often quite legal - at least to those making the laws. When Native lands hold important energy resources, like coal, the human rights and environmental impacts take place far from mainstream media. Judith Nies presents.

Brendan Carey Block & Friends

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:19:26 GMT

Brendan Carey Block, a multi-faceted fiddler from New Hampshire performs some of his musical talents.

Making Music Changes Brains

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:22:59 GMT

Making music is an intense, multi-sensory and motor experience that is typically initiated at an early age and practiced throughout a musician's lifetime. Emerging research over the years has shown that long-term music making and continuous practice of learned skills can be a strong stimulator for neuroplastic changes in the developing, as well as the adult brain and has positive effects on motion, emotion and cognition.

Irish and Jewish Influences on Vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:22:29 GMT

Mick Moloney's illustrated talk on Jewish and Irish collaborations in vaudeville and early Tin Pan Alley explores a fascinating, though largely forgotten, era in American popular culture. His presentation, rich with biographical details and period and contemporary recordings, is a charming story of decades of good natured inter-ethnic flux, competition and cooperation which left a lasting imprint on the history of American popular music.

Digital Accessibility for Blind and Physically Handicapped Individuals

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:21:55 GMT

A discussion of the philosophy, research, planning, and development of the next generation of Library-Services-provided free talking books.

Unsung Heroes: Afternoon Session

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:21:07 GMT

"Unsung Heroes: A Symposium on the Heroism of Asian Pacific Americans During World War II" is a special commemorative program honoring the heroism of Asian Pacific Americans during World War II. This afternoon session includes presentations from members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Congressman Mike Honda and Congresswoman Judy Chu.

Unsung Heroes: Morning Session

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:20:35 GMT

"Unsung Heroes: A Symposium on the Heroism of Asian Pacific Americans During World War II" is a special commemorative program honoring Asian Pacific American heroism during World War II. This session of the symposium includes Maj. Gen. Antonio Taguba's overview of the war in the Pacific Theater, Anna Chennault's recollection of her life with the Flying Tigers and Poet Vince Gotera performing a dramatic reading from his book "Ghost Wars."

Poets Tony Hoagland and Lucia Perillo

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:07:08 GMT

National Book Critics Circle Award finalist Tony Hoagland from Houston, Texas, and MacArthur fellow Lucia Perillo from Olympia, Wash., share their poetry.

Peasant Movement of Papay: Afternoon Session

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:08:50 GMT

Leaders of the Peasant Movement of Papay (MPP) from Haiti gather for an oral history of this movement. The presentation is given in Haitian Creole followed by English translation. (Afternoon Session)

Peasant Movement of Papay: Morning Session

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:08:12 GMT

Leaders of the Peasant Movement of Papay (MPP) from Haiti gather for an oral history of this movement. The presentation is given in Haitian Creole followed by English translation. (Morning Session)

On Thin Ice: Changing Ice Cover on Polar Oceans

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:06:19 GMT

NASA scientist Thorsten Markus shares his expertise on polar ice. He summarizes recent observations and findings-together with pictures from Arctic and Antarctic research campaigns-and puts those results into the bigger climate-system picture. He focuses on recent changes in the Arctic and in Antarctica.

Dawn Sturdevant Baum: Native American Heritage Month

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:05:38 GMT

Dawn Sturdevant Baum, a staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund (NARF), delivers the keynote address for the Library's 2009 celebration of Native American Heritage Month. This year's national theme is "Pride in Our Heritage. Honor to Our Ancestors."

The Geneva Conventions at 60: Taking Stock

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:04:59 GMT

The Law Library of Congress, the American Red Cross and the Friends of the Law Library of Congress present a program to mark the 60th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

Is There Truth in Interpretation? Law, Literature and History

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:15:05 GMT

Ronald Dworkin, professor of jurisprudence at University College London and the New York University School of Law, delivers the inaugural Frederic R. and Molly S. Kellogg Biennial Lecture on Jurisprudence in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress.

Coping with Onset and Progressive Disabilities

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:14:35 GMT

Eric Eldritch gives a presentation on how individuals cope and succeed with disabilities that become more pronounced over time.

Russim: On Russian Immigration and Culture in Israel

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:14:09 GMT

Since the former Soviet Union opened its doors to mass emigration 20 years ago, more than one million Russians have moved to Israel. The impact on Israel of Russian immigration and culture is the subject of this lecture delivered by author and artist David Stromberg.

Jazz Conversation: Lyricist Iola Brubeck

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:13:40 GMT

Denise Gallo, Head of Acquisitions and Processing with the Library of Congress Music Division, conducts a conversation with lyricist Iola Brubeck, wife of famed jazz musician Dave Brubeck.

Jazz Conversation: Pianist & Composer Dave Brubeck

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:13:07 GMT

Larry Appelbaum, Senior Music Reference Specialist with the Library of Congress, conducts a conversation with jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck.

Petroglyphic Art in North Africa

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:57:01 GMT

Dr. Ahmed Achrat speaks about petroglyphic art in North Africa.

Slow Medicine for Elders

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:54:18 GMT

Dr. Dennis McCullough speaks about his book, "My Mother, Your Mother: Embracing Slow Medicine, the Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones."

Is Israeli Classical Music Jewish?

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:53:45 GMT

Ronit Seter discusses the music of Israel, a unique combination of Jewish and non-Jewish traditions that have come together over the course of a century to create a distinctive musical culture.

Lying, Stealing, and Other Theatrical Crimes

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:52:47 GMT

This lecture offers a case study of the events surrounding the acquisition, translation, and production of Ferenc Molnar's play "The Devil" (Az Ordog) by two rival American theatre managers, Henry W. Savage and Harrison Grey Fiske.

Innovative Non-invasive Observation Methods

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:51:56 GMT

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging technologies have been actively developed in recent decades. THz waves (0.1-10 THz) are non-invasive, can penetrate opaque materials, and can be used to obtain fingerprint spectra whose characteristics depend upon intermolecular behavior.

The Cartoons and Art of Ding Cong

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:51:21 GMT

Sponsored by the Library's John W. Kluge Center, this symposium celebrates the life and work of China's famous cartoonist and artist, Ding Cong, who provided daring social commentary on Chinese society during China's turbulent 20th century.

The Royal Commentaries of the Inca

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 15:50:58 GMT

"The Royal Commentaries of the Inca," by El Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, considered by historians to be the earliest and most important literary work of the Americas, was published 400 years ago, in 1609. The book is a keenly observant account of the Inca Empire, its conquest by Spain and the first years of colonial rule in the Americas.

The Life of Gypsy Rose Lee

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:46:18 GMT

Most people's knowledge of the entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee was gained through the stage musical and film of her extraordinary life. In Noralee Frankel's biography "Stripping Gypsy: The Life of Gypsy Rose Lee," the author reveals another side of this complex and enigmatic figure.

My Prison, My Home: One Woman's Story of Captivity in Iran

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:45:29 GMT

Haleh Esfandiar, author and director of the Middle East Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars speaks on her recently published memoir.

The Fourth Part of the World

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:44:56 GMT

In 1507 Martin Waldessmuller created a map that depicted what was then known as "the fourth part of the world"; the other three parts being Asia, Europe and Africa. When Toby Lester heard about the map, he set out on a journey to tell the story of how the map was created and eventually came to the Library of Congress.

Korean Culture Art Program and Concert

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:43:52 GMT

Musicians and artists from around the world traveled to participate in a program acknowledging and celebrating traditional Korean music, which includes the use of 17 instruments.

The Tale of Joseph and Zulahkha

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:43:12 GMT

The ancient tale of Joseph, son of Jacob, was a "best seller" on the Silk Road from Russia to China. Before the Bolshevik revolution of 1917, Tatars, a Turkic-speaking people living in the Middle Volga, used it to propagate Islam and address the internal communal fractures caused by Russian colonization. Today, proponents of national Islamic identity call for the re-appropriation of such tales to restore boundaries between Tatars and Russians.

Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:59:21 GMT

Considered one of America's leading authorities on children's books, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus discusses his new book, "Funny Business: Conversations with Writers of Comedy." Marcus' special guest is National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Jon Scieszka, himself a pretty funny guy.

Herblock: The Life and Work of the Great Political Cartoonist

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:58:17 GMT

Marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of political cartoonist Herbert Block, authors Haynes Johnson and Harry L. Katz discuss their book "HERBLOCK: The Life and Works of the Great Political Cartoonist."

Philip Trager, Architectural Photographer

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:57:33 GMT

Architecture and dance photographer Philip Trager, whose work is now on display at the National Building Museum exhibition "Form and Movement," discusses his art and technique in an illustrated lecture at the Library of Congress.

Place Making and the Religious Imagination in Italian New York

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:57:06 GMT

This presentation examines how Italian Americans create and use vernacular architecture, material culture, and ceremonial display to inscribe meaning on New York City's religious and cultural landscapes.

Legends and Legacies

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:56:34 GMT

A Legends and Legacies concert celebrates Joseph T. Wilson and the NCTA Collection coordinated and produced by the National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA).

Barbara Lynn and Friends

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:21:51 GMT

Barbara Lynn and friends perform Texas rhythm and blues at the Library of Congress.

Mark Ozer: The Litvak Legacy

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:21:09 GMT

Mark Ozer discusses his book "The Litvak Legacy" documenting the contributions of Lithuanian Jews to the English speaking world and Israel.

Hear, O Isreal: Yiddish-American Radio 1925-1955

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:20:36 GMT

While all other aspects of Yiddish culture existed wherever Ashkenazic Jews lived, it was only in America that radio realized its greatest and most fulfilling use by and for Jews. Yiddish scholar Henry Sapoznik discusses and shares some of the most memorable and powerful moments in this nearly lost world of ethnic American broadcasting.

Amy Tan: Writing in the Schools Program

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:20:00 GMT

Amy Tan discusses her work, especially "The Joy Luck Club," during a program for area schoolchildren. Part of the PEN/Faulkner Foundation's Writers in Schools program, the event is co-sponsored by the Center for the Book.

'Wednesday Is Indigo Blue'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:24 GMT

Neurologist Richard Cytowic rediscovered the involuntary joining of different senses in 1980 and returned it to the scientific mainstream. In his recent book, "Wednesday is Indigo Blue," Cytowic sums up 30 years of exploration into synesthesia's place in both science and art. Far from a mere curiosity, it is an elevated form of the perception everyone already has.

Rock Hall of Fame Guitarist Chris Hillman

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:15:15 GMT

Rock pioneer Chris Hillman talks about the craft of the songwriter and about his prolific career with the Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers and others.

Hubble: A New Beginning

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:14:10 GMT

Dave Leckrone, just-retired senior project scientist for the Hubble Space Telescope Program speaks about Hubble's final mission.

A Conversation with Film Producer Louis Stroller

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:16:58 GMT

Film producer Louis Stroller ("Scarface," "The Bone Collector," "Lara Croft Tomb Raider," "Carrie," "Carlito's Way") talks about film, the industry and current projects involving travel to Africa and Israel.

Killing Neighbors: Webs of Violence in Rwanda

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:17:26 GMT

Author Lee Ann Fujii addresses some of the causes of the genocide that took place in Rwanda 15 years ago, killing nearly one million people in a span of 100 days.

The Early Herblock

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:16:02 GMT

Scholar Warren Bernard discussed Herb Block's early life and the rise of his career as a political cartoonist in one of several outreach programs for the "Herblock!" exhibition at the Library of Congress.

The Jews of Brazil

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:15:39 GMT

Daniel R. Pinto of the Embassy of Brazil delivers an illustrated lecture on the Jews of Brazil.

U.S. Writers Translating Hispanic Writers

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:13:41 GMT

Part of the Hispanic Heritage celebration at the Library of Congress, American authors share their work translated into Spanish.

Sloan Foundation Book Scanning Project

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:36:34 GMT

Discussed is the Scanning for Access Program in partnership with Internet Archive and sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

Community College Poetry Project Launch

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:37:42 GMT

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan, at a reading to open the literary season, announces a national poetry project that embraces community colleges through an online poetry page "Poetry for the Mind's Joy" and a poetry-writing contest.

Coptic Orthodox Liturgical Chant & Hymnody

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:38:16 GMT

Staff and guests gather to mark the launch of a new presentation on the Library's website on Coptic Christian chant. A demonstration of the site is given by the project curator, Carolyn Ramzy. With its roots in Ancient Egyptian music, Coptic Christian chant is one of the oldest liturgical genres still performed today.

The Arabic Souvenir of Valentine Mott

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:37:12 GMT

Author Andrew Oliver speaks on his investigation of "The Arabic Souvenir of Valentine Mott."

On Higher Education in Lebanon and the Role of USEK

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:36:46 GMT

Father Hady J. Mahfouz, Rector of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Lebanon, gives a presentation on the private Catholic higher education institution, which was established by the Lebanese Maronite Order in 1961.

A Century of Change: China and Modernization (Part 2)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:35:37 GMT

Weihua Niu presents a lecture titled "Test Fanaticism in the 21st Century of China: The Reality and Rationales."

A Century of Change: China and Modernization (Part 1)

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:35:13 GMT

Dr. Mi Chu discusses Chinese collections in the context of U.S.-China relations.

Cresencio Cris Arcos

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:34:36 GMT

Cresencio Arcos, former U.S. ambassador to Honduras, marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month events with a keynote address.

Take Me Out to the Library of Congress

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:20:25 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington kicks off the Library's Baseball Americana Symposium with the help of Martha Madden, Ernie Banks and Rep. Zach Wamp. Baseball Hall of Famer Ernie Banks is presented with the Living Legend Award given by the Library of Congress.

World Digital Library Demonstration

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:19:58 GMT

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington provides an overview of the newly launched World Digital Library website with Rachel Goslins, Executive Director of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. High school teachers and their students explain how they will use the World Digital Library in their studies.

The Unknown Saroyan

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:19:13 GMT

Dedicated to the celebration of the centenary of Pulitzer Prize-winning Armenian author William Saroyan's birth, Dickran Kouymjian delivers the 14th Annual Vardanants Day Lecture.

Physician Writers, Past and Present

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:18:37 GMT

Sherif Meleka M.D., Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University, discusses physician writers.

Pre-Qin Gold and Its Application in Ancient China

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:17:48 GMT

Based on archaeological findings, Junchang Yang introduces the use of gold and the development of the making of gold artifacts during the pre-Qin period, including the type and the scope of gold being utilized at different dynasties of pre-Qin period.

Ground Control: Beyond an Environmental History of the Space Race

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:37:21 GMT

Historians usually depict the space race of the 1960s and 1970s as a pitched technological battle between Cold War political rivals. Yet while U.S. and Soviet spacecraft forced the world to look upward towards the Moon, they also encouraged citizens across the globe to gaze back down at "spaceship Earth" with a newfound environmental awareness. In this lecture, Neil Maher not only examines this environmental history of the space race, but argues that it influenced many of the social movements of the postwar era, including the fight for civil rights, equality for women, an end to the Vietnam War, and the rise of suburbia and the military industrial complex.

Early Colonial Mexico

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:36:16 GMT

Focusing on surviving documents requesting and endorsing indigenous coats of arms, this talk by Monica Dominguez Torres analyzes some of the complex negotiations behind the heraldic production of early colonial Mexico.

Nazi Propaganda: The Machinery of Evil

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:35:20 GMT

Gabriel Weimann, professor of communication at Haifa University in Israel, explores the period of Nazi seizure of power in 1933 and their takeover of all communications in Germany, turning them into a sophisticated propaganda machine.

James Madison Carpenter Collection

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:34:41 GMT

This lecture by Julia Bishop showcases the variety and importance of the James Madison Carpenter Collection. The talk describes some of the editorial challenges facing the James Madison Carpenter Project team as they prepare a critical edition of the collection.

Comedy Icon Carl Reiner

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:28:44 GMT

Carl Reiner, a giant of American comedy for nearly six decades, spoke at the Library of Congress as part of the Books & Beyond author series sponsored by the Library's Center for the Book. Following his talk, Reiner signed his recently published book "Just Desserts" as well as his children's book "Tell Me a Scary Story, But Not TOO Scary."

World Digital Library Demonstration

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:19:30 GMT

The Librarian of Congress James H. Billington provides an overview of the newly launched World Digital Library with Rachel Goslins, Executive Director of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, assisting in welcoming the new website. Teachers and students from two high schools explain how they will use the World Digital Library in their studies.

Between European and Ottoman: Turn of the 18th Century

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:21:46 GMT

By the nineteenth century, philhellenic Europeans had appropriated the classical Greek world as their distinct cultural patrimony. However, sources composed in the late 1600s and early 1700s by Ottoman dignitaries, Greek Orthodox intellectuals, and French and English travelers reveal a more fluid period when the Greco-Roman tradition exerted an influence on the perceptions all these (sometimes overlapping) groups had of themselves and one another. Lecture by Karen Leal, Kluge Fellow.

South Indian Classical Music from Oregon

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:20:48 GMT

Sreevidhya Chandramouli plays the vina, a plucked Indian lute with a fret board spanning three and a half octaves. She was trained in the Karaikudi vina tradition, the only school of south Indian vina players that goes back more than ten generations. Also featured is Poovalur Sriji on the mridangam.

James Reston: Defenders of the Faith

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:20:18 GMT

James Reston discusses his newest book "Defenders of the Faith" which focuses on Charles V, Suleyman the Magnificent, and the Battle for Europe, 1520-1536.

Traditional Passamaquoddy Music from Maine

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:19:25 GMT

Wayne Newell and Blanch Sockabasin, members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe in Maine, perform at Coolidge Auditorium. They share music and culture of the Passamaquoddy Tribe.

Peering into the Storm: NASA's Exploration of Hurricanes

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:18:56 GMT

Dr. Scott Braun provides an overview of questions that motivate NASA's research on hurricanes and describes how NASA addresses these questions with the use of satellites, aircraft field campaigns, computer modeling, and other instrumentation.

Russian-American Jazz Summit

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:18:10 GMT

Conversations on the American influence in Russian Jazz were led by two world-renowned jazz experts, Russian Cyril Moshkow and American Larry Appelbaum.

Cowboys Paul Zarzski & Wylie Gustafson

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:17:37 GMT

Poet Paul Zarzyski and singer-composer Wylie Gustafson perform at Coolidge Auditorium as part of the Homegrown Concert Series.

Conservatives in a Marketplace of Ideas

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:34:35 GMT

Through a case study of the American Enterprise Institute, Jason Stahl examines the interrelationship of these increases with changing conceptions of public policy expertise -- namely, a move from a liberal technocratic ideal to a conservative "marketplace of ideas."

RDA: Recursos: Descripcion y Acceso

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:34:04 GMT

Barbara Tillett presenta, en espanol, un breve panorama de los antecedentes de la reglas actuales de catalogacion y provee una vista "entre bastidores" del desarrollo de la nuevas pautas para catalogacion: "RDA: Recursos: Descripcion y Acceso." La Dra. Tillett destaca la importancia e influencia en RDA de los Principios Internacionales de Catalogacion de la IFLA y los modelos conceptuales FRBR y FRAD. La videoconferencia fue coordinada por el Departamento de Estado EE.UU. y la Biblioteca Nacional de Chile para las bibliotecas en Chile.

James Patterson: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:33:08 GMT

Mystery and young adult author James Patterson appears at the National Book Festival.

James L. Swanson: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:32:45 GMT

New York Times best-selling author James L. Swanson appears at the National Book Festival.

Liz Kessler: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:32:19 GMT

Known for her Emily Windsnap series, author Liz Kessler appears at the National Book Festival.

Kay Ryan: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:50:36 GMT

U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan appears at the National Book Festival.

James Patterson: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:49:48 GMT

Author James Patterson appears at the National Book Festival.

Shannon Hale: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:48:24 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale appears at the National Book Festival.

Ana Menendez: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:47:45 GMT

Journalist and author Ana Menendez appears at the National Book Festival.

George Pelecanos: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:47:15 GMT

Author of 15 crime novels George Pelecanos appears at the National Book Festival.

John Grisham: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:46:46 GMT

International best-selling author John Grisham appears at the National Book Festival.

John Irving: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:46:04 GMT

Best-selling author John Irving appears at the National Book Festival.

Katherine Neville: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:45:35 GMT

Katherine Neville, author of best-sellers in more than 30 languages, appears at the National Book Festival.

Julia Alvarez: 2009 National Book Festival

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:45:06 GMT

Fiction and fantasy author Julia Alvarez appears at the National Book Festival.

Julia Glass: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:28:07 GMT

Fiction writer and freelance journalist Julia Glass appears at the National Book Festival.

David A. Taylor: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:27:37 GMT

Writer of award-winning documentaries David A. Taylor appears at the National Book Festival.

Ann Kidd Taylor: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:27:04 GMT

Ann Kidd Taylor, co-authoring a memoir with her mother Sue Monk Kidd, appears at the National Book Festival.

Patricia Sullivan: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:26:29 GMT

Professor and history author Patricia Sullivan appears at the National Book Festival.

Simon Schama: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:25:53 GMT

Professor and history author Simon Schama appears at the National Book Festival.

Valerie Martinez: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:25:23 GMT

Poet Valerie Martinez appears at the National Book Festival.

Jane Hirshfield: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:24:46 GMT

Jane Hirshfield, author of six collections of poetry, appears at the National Book Festival.

Edward Hirsch: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:24:10 GMT

Best-selling poet Edward Hirsch appears at the National Book Festival.

Michael Connelly: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:27:15 GMT

Mystery and thriller author Michael Connelly appears at the National Book Festival.

Craig Johnson: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:26:54 GMT

Craig Johnson, author of the Walt Longmire series appears at the National Book Festival.

Mary Brigid Barrett: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:26:33 GMT

Award-winning children's book author and illustrator Mary Brigid Barrett appears at the National Book Festival.

Lisa Scottoline: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:26:12 GMT

Lisa Scottoline, author of 16 best-selling legal-suspense novels appears at the National Book Festival.

Mark Kurlansky: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:25:49 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Mark Kurlansky appears at the National Book Festival.

Rickey Minor: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:25:24 GMT

Emmy-nominated music director and author Rickey Minor appears at the National Book Festival.

S.J. Rozan: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:25:01 GMT

Mystery author S.J. Rozan appears at the National Book Festival.

Jon Meacham: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:24:39 GMT

Jon Meacham, author and 2009 Pulitzer Prize winner appears at the National Book Festival.

Haynes Johnson: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:24:28 GMT

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author Haynes Johnson appears at the National Book Festival.

Sue Monk Kidd: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:23:52 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Sue Monk Kidd appears at the National Book Festival.

Dayton Duncan: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:23:25 GMT

Award-winning writer, documentary filmmaker and author Dayton Duncan appears at the National Book Festival.

Ken Burns: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:23:01 GMT

Ken Burns, producer of groundbreaking documentaries for more than 30 years, appears at the National Book Festival.

Annette Gordon-Reed: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:22:20 GMT

Pulitzer Prize winning author Annette Gordon-Reed appears at the National Book Festival.

Jerry Pinkney: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:21:49 GMT

Children's illustrator Jerry Pinkney appears at the National Book Festival.

Kadir Nelson: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:21:22 GMT

Children's illustrator Kadir Nelson appears at the National Book Festival.

Craig Hatkoff: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:21:00 GMT

Award-winning children's author Craig Hatkoff appears at the National Book Festival.

Douglas Brinkley: 2009 National Book Festival

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:20:29 GMT

Professor and author Douglas Brinkley appears at the National Book Festival.

Margaret Coel: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:46:51 GMT

Mystery author Margaret Coel appears at the National Book Festival.

David Baldacci: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:46:21 GMT

Trial and corporate attorney turned author David Baldacci appears at the National Book Festival.

David Wroblewski: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:44:24 GMT

New York Times best-selling author David Wroblewski appears at the National Book Festival.

Colson Whitehead: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:44:04 GMT

Fiction and fantasy author Colson Whitehead appears at the National Book Festival.

Jeannette Walls: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:43:41 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Jeannette Walls appears at the National Book Festival.

Kate DiCamillo: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:43:19 GMT

Teens and children's author Kate DiCamillo appears at the National Book Festival.

Still Invisible: Women, Gender and Decolonization

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:36:39 GMT

Philippa Levine, a professor at the University of Southern California, discusses why decolonization studies rarely include the contributions of women, from the perspectives of women involved in anti-colonial movements and women who were part of the colonial authority structure.

Bagit: Transferring Content for Digital Preservation

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:37:15 GMT

The Library of Congress's steadily growing digital collections arrive primarily over the network rather than on hardware media. But that data transfer can be difficult because different organizations have different policies and technologies. The Library - with the California Digital Library and Stanford University - has developed guidelines for creating and moving standardized digital containers, called "bags."

Limited War, Unlimited

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:36:11 GMT

Historian Marilyn B. Young, in a lecture at the Library of Congress, discusses the nature of America's limited wars, from Korea to the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Carmen Agra Deedy: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:27:44 GMT

Children's book author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy appears at the National Book Festival.

Charles Santore: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:27:11 GMT

Children's illustrator Charles Santore appears at the National Book Festival.

Rick Riordan: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:26:49 GMT

Children's and adult author Rick Riordan appears at the National Book Festival.

Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:26:23 GMT

In collaboration with Carmen Agra Deedy on "14 Cows," Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah appears at the National Book Festival.

Jeff Kinney: 2009 National Book Festival

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:25:56 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Jeff Kinney appears at the National Book Festival.

Mo Willems: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:03:36 GMT

Children's author and illustrator Mo Willems appears at the National Book Festival.

Tim O'Brien: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:03:06 GMT

Fiction author Tim O'Brien appears at the National Book Festival.

Marilynne Robinson: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:02:05 GMT

Pulitzer Prize winning author Marilynne Robinson appears at the National Book Festival.

Tony DiTerlizzi: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:01:36 GMT

Children's author and illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi appears at the National Book Festival.

Patrick Carman: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:55 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Patrick Carman appears at the National Book Festival.

Lois Lowry: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:25 GMT

Children's author Lois Lowry appears at the National Book Festival.

Jacqueline Woodson: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:59:55 GMT

Author Jacqueline Woodson, winner of the Newbery, Caldecott and Coretta Scott King awards appears at the National Book Festival.

Sharon Robinson: 2009 National Book Festival

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:59:20 GMT

Author of several books for young readers Sharon Robinson appears at the National Book Festival.

Junot Diaz: National Book Festival 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:16:35 GMT

Fiction author and 2008 Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Diaz appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

David Shannon: National Book Festival 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:15:26 GMT

Children's illustrator David Shannon appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Dan Balz: : National Book Festival 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:14:40 GMT

Washington Post writer and author Dan Balz appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Daniel Silva: National Book Festival 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:58 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Daniel Silva appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Patricia Smith: National Book Festival 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:14 GMT

Poet Patricia Smith appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Paula Deen: National Book Festival 2009

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:12:28 GMT

Paula Deen, author of many best-selling cookbooks of Southern food appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

W. Ralph Eubanks: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:47:13 GMT

Nonfiction author W. Ralph Eubanks appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Mary Jane Clark: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:46:26 GMT

New York Times best-selling author Mary Jane Clark appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Sabiha Al Khemir: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:45:25 GMT

Fiction and fantasy author Sabiha Al Khemir appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Holly Black: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:44:39 GMT

Children's and teens author Holly Black appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Sharon Creech: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:43:55 GMT

Young-adult author Sharon Creech appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Kirstin Downey: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:42:50 GMT

Washington Post writer and author Kirstin Downey appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

"The Exquisite Corpse Adventure": National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:19:35 GMT

Authors of this story talk about their own books as well as writing "The Exquisite Corpse," a serial adventure story for initial exclusive publication on the Library of Congress’ new read.gov website.

Judy Blume: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:17:44 GMT

Best-selling author Judy Blume appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Walter Mosley: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:16:43 GMT

Author of the critically acclaimed Easy Rawlins mystery series Walter Mosley appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Azar Nafisi: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:15:53 GMT

National best-selling author Azar Nafisi appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Lee Child: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:14:32 GMT

Best-selling author Gwen Ifill appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Nicholas Sparks: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:09:44 GMT

Nicholas Sparks, author of successful best-sellers turned into popular films appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Jodi Picoult: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:08:17 GMT

Author of 15 best-sellers Jodi Picoult appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Lee Child: National Book Festival 2009

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:07:32 GMT

Author Lee Child known for his Jack Reacher adventures appears at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., Sept. 26, 2009.

Jane Goodall Discusses "Hope for Animals and Their Worlds"

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:38:38 GMT

Jane Goodall--primatologist, conservationist and humanitarian, whose work with wild chimpanzees in Gombe, Tanzania, is known throughout the world--talks about inspiring success stories and the efforts of dedicated environmentalists.

Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:15:30 GMT

Surviving Katrina and Rita in Houston is the first large-scale project, anywhere, in which the survivors of a major disaster have taken the lead in documenting it. The project's goal is to voice, as intimately as possible, the experiences and reflections of those displaced to Houston by the two major hurricanes that pounded the Gulf Coast in August and September of 2005. The heart of the project is stories: stories told by survivors, to survivors, on the survivors' own terms.

The Last Prince of the Mexican Empire

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:14:57 GMT

C.M. Mayo's first novel revolves around the little-known but true story of how Emperor of Mexico Maximilian von Hapsburg and his wife, Empress Carlota, adopted a toddler in 1865 from a reluctant American mother, who hailed from a prominent Georgetown family and who desperately tried to get her son back.

Public Markets

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:14:24 GMT

Public markets, with their small vendors selling locally-grown food and locally-made crafts, accentuate the qualities of a town and help build a sense of community. Helen Tangires, author of "Public Markets," discussed her book, which is a richly illustrated compendium of the wide variety of architectural structures devoted to the urban marketplace. Drawn from the Library's unparalleled collections, more than 800 photographs, architectural drawings, maps and posters from around the world depict the many types of public markets: open-air street, enclosed market houses, central markets and wholesale terminal markets.

Tetouan, Morocco

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:13:52 GMT

Tetouan is the largest North Moroccan Mediterranean city, but it is not one of nation's larger, famous or glamorous cities. Yet Tetouan stands out for its incredible capacity to incorporate Andalusian, Ottoman, Arab and Middle Eastern, Berber or Amazgh, Jewish, European Christian cultural elements into one predominantly Arabic and Islamic society and culture.

Great Tradition of Ancient South Asia

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:29:05 GMT

This lecture focuses on the puzzles of the earliest South Asian civilization -- the Harappan/Indus Civilization of the 3rd millennium BC -- from the point of view of ancient Indian thought. The main themes discussed in the lecture are: the use of ancient texts in the analysis of archaeological data, the historicity of ancient Indian literature, the sociopolitical identity of the Harappan culture, and ideological implications of the study of the past in modern South Asia.

Elaine Kaplan Keynotes LGBT Pride Month

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:28:30 GMT

The Library of Congress celebrated the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans with a keynote address by U.S. Office of Personnel Management General Counsel Elaine Kaplan.

Islamic Medicine and Biomedicine in South Asia and the Middle East

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 20:27:58 GMT

In this lecture, Kelly Pemberton discusses ways in which the relationship between various streams of knowledge and praxis surrounding Islamic tibb (medicine) in contemporary South Asia and the Middle East may be articulated.

'The High Lonesome Sound' Revisited

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:19:54 GMT

In the early 1960s, the multitalented musician, filmmaker, and photographer John Cohen journeyed to eastern Kentucky to document the songs of church-goers, miners, and farmers, and the rural community that produced and sustained their uniquely American sound. The result was "The High Lonesome Sound," a classic 1963 documentary film than evocatively illustrates how music and religion help Appalachian people maintain their dignity and traditions in the face of change and hardship.

Crusader and Ottoman Fortress at Acre

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:19:18 GMT

Shelley-Anne Peleg, director of the International Conservation Center of the Israel Antiquities Authority, discussed the center's ongoing archaeological exploration of the Crusader-era city of Acre. Acre remains a thriving community with extensive Ottoman-era buildings, which are now historic structures in their own right.

Jazz Conversation with Jim Hall

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:18:51 GMT

Jazz guitarist and composer Jim Hall talks about his life in music with Larry Appelbaum, senior music reference specialist in the Library's Music Division.

Music and the Brain: Halt or I'll Play Vivaldi

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:18:07 GMT

Jacqueline Helfgott and Norman Middleton examine the use of classical music by law enforcement and other cultural institutions as social control, to quell and prevent crime. Their conversation touches on how classical music is viewed in contemporary culture, how it can be a tool for discouraging criminal activity and anti-social behavior, as well as its history as a mind-altering experience.

A Tribute to Fay Kanin

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:55:10 GMT

Fay Kanin was recognized for her 20 years of service to the Library as chair of the Library of Congress National Film Preservation Board (NFPB) with a presentation of the institution's 100th Living Legend Award.

Sikh Conference: Day Two

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:54:38 GMT

Sen. Richard Lugar, Congressman Mike Honda and Congressman Chris Van Hollen were the featured speakers for the second and final day of the Library's Sikh conference, which was sponsored by the Kaur Foundation under the auspices of the Library's Asian Division and Asian Division Friends Society.

Sikh Conference: Book Reception and Cultural Program

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:54:06 GMT

A cultural program celebrating the Sikh culture culminated the first day of the conference, which was sponsored by the Kaur Foundation under the auspices of the Library's Asian Division and Asian Division Friends Society.

Achievements of Extraordinary Sikh Women in Art

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:53:36 GMT

The Library's Sikh conference continued with a session on "Achievements of Extraordinary Sikh Women in Art." The even was sponsored by the Kaur Foundation under the auspices of the Library's Asian Division and Asian Division Friends Society.

Sen. Ben Cardin: Sikh Conference - Profiles in Courage

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:53:04 GMT

Sen. Ben Cardin kicked off the Library's two-day conference on the Sikh culture, "Taking Heritage to the 21st Century." The conference was sponsored by the Kaur Foundation under the auspices of the Library's Asian Division and Asian Division Friends Society.

Ensuring the Longevity of Digital Documents

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:34:09 GMT

David S.H. Rosenthal, chief scientist with the LOCKSS Program at Stanford University, explores sustainable approaches to format obsolescence in digital preservation.

Legal Challenges Facing NATO at 60

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:33:37 GMT

The Law Library, in conjunction with the Inter-University Center for Terrorism Studies, held a panel on July 9 about the North American Treaty Organization as it turns 60. NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe, its training mission in Afghanistan and its anti-piracy operations off the coastline of Somalia were discussed.

One Millionth Page in Chronicling America

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:33:08 GMT

The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities today marked a major milestone in their partnership to digitize historic U.S. newspapers and make them widely available to the public on the Internet. During an event held at the Newseum, Deanna Marcum, Associate Librarian for Library Services at the Library of Congress, announced that the Chronicling America website--a free, national, searchable database of historic American newspaper pages published between 1880 and 1922--recently posted its millionth page.

Genre/Form Headings

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:38:24 GMT

In 2007, the Library of Congress embarked upon a project to create a system of genre/form headings, which describe what a work is rather than what it is about, as subject headings do. This presentation will explain the motivations for undertaking the project, including the need to anticipate the linked data requirements of the new generation of search engines and user interfaces, as well as enumerate the authority record distribution channels, which furnish data for both human use and for data mining and computer manipulation.

Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:47:36 GMT

The Northern Kentucky Brotherhood Singers perform a capella gospel music from Kentucky, another in the 2009 Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Dinosaurs Along the Silk Road

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:47:12 GMT

During the past seven years, James M. Clark has been part of a team that found the bones of small dinosaurs mired in mud, stacked one on top of another, in the northern part of Xinjiang, China, near the ancient Silk Road.

Contemporary and Colonial Tlaxcala, Mexico

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:46:45 GMT

Each year, indigenous languages around the world disappear with the death of their last living speaker. Jacqueline Messing believes that it is imperative for the social sciences and humanities to explain how and why people come to abandon their ancestral languages, as well as the role of colonialism, globalization and racism in this process. From a linguistic-anthropological and ethnohistorical perspective, she discussed identity emergent in narratives from the sixteenth century historical record of indigenous communities in the Nahuatl-speaking state of Tlaxcala, Mexico, a region that was pivotal in the conquest of Mexico.

Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:12:37 GMT

Ollin Yoliztli Calmecac performs Aztec dance from Pennsylvania, another in the 2009 Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

How Do Flowers Kill? The Japanese Emperor and Modern Dictators

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:12:15 GMT

Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, an expert on symbols of Japanese identity, compares the representations of the Meiji emperor of Japan with those of Lenin, Stalin and Hitler in this lecture.

The Approach of the Halakah and Sharia' to Contemporary Legal Issues

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:11:41 GMT

Judaic and Islamic legal systems (based on Halakah and Sharia', respectively) have endured for centuries despite the rapid changes and challenges of the modern world --from exploration of outer space to human cloning. They serve as a testimony to the relevance and universality of their underlying values and principles. The potential application of these legal systems to the development of foreign policy was the subject of this program.

Yugoslav Socialism in Latin America

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:10:56 GMT

According to Johanna Bockman, neoliberal policies seek to expand the role of the free market and reduce the role of the state. As a result, analysts of neoliberalism have often assumed that these policies were transported from the United States through such groups as the "Chicago Boys" in Chile. However, socialist Yugoslavia sent experts around the world, spreading its anti-state and often pro-market worker self-management socialism. This talk examines the role of Yugoslav socialism in Chilean and Peruvian neoliberalism. Talk by Joanna Bockman.

Report from Armenia

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:58:50 GMT

Marie L. Yovanovitch, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, discussed the situation in Armenia since her appointment to the position on Aug. 1, 2008. Her report covered the contemporary Armenian scene, U.S.- Armenian relations and USAID-funded programs and initiatives in Armenia.

Impeached: the Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:58:23 GMT

After Abraham Lincoln's assassination, the United States continued to tumble through tumultuous times. President Andrew Johnson was failing to heal the nation's wounds, and the bitter political environment culminated in an impeachment trial. David O. Stewart discussed Johnson's 1868 trial, when once again the nation's fate hung in the balance.

Victor Fleming: American Master

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:57:57 GMT

Victor Fleming was the most sought-after director during Hollywood's golden age, renowned for his ability to make films across an astounding range of genres: westerns, earthy sexual dramas, family entertainment, screwball comedies, buddy pictures, romances and adventures. Fleming is best remembered for directing the two most iconic movies of the period, "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz," but the more than 40 films he directed also included classics such as "Red Dust," "Test Pilot," "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "Captains Courageous."

"World War II: 365 Days"

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:57:19 GMT

Described in a recent review as "one of the best single-volume histories of the war yet published," "World War II: 365 Days" is a unique compilation of riveting text and more than 600 color and black-and-white images (many of them rarely seen) from the Library of Congress's collections. The speakers discuss their work on the book.

Building the Bomb, Fearing Its Use: Nuclear Scientists, Social Responsibility and Arms Control, 1946-1996

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:56:47 GMT

After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II, statesmen and scientists confronted the unprecedented destructive power of nuclear weapons, according to Palevsky. Early postwar efforts for international control of atomic energy failed, and by the mid-1950s both American and Soviet scientists had invented the hydrogen bomb, a weapon of greater destructive potential than the atomic bomb.

"The House at the End of the Road"

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:56:06 GMT

Ralph Eubanks discusses his personal story that began with his grandparents: James Richardson, a white man from a middle-class family, who defiantly married Edna Howell, a light-skinned black woman in 1914 in Alabama.

Romila Thapar: Perceptions of the Past in Early India

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:17:57 GMT

One of the world's foremost experts on the history of early India, Romila Thapar, winner of the 2008 Kluge Prize, discussed the rich and ancient civilization in a lecture titled "Perceptions of the Past in Early India." In her talk, Thapar critiqued the notion that the civilization in India lacked a sense of history, and discussed the recognition of historical traditions in the early texts of Northern India.

Kay Ryan Closes Literary Season

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:17:31 GMT

U.S. Poet Laureate Kay Ryan concludes the Library of Congress 2008-2009 literary season with a poetry reading in the historic Coolidge Auditorium, where past consultants/laureates -- such as Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop and Robert Hayden -- have read.

Literary Depictions of Slaveries in Early 18th Century Britain

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:17:08 GMT

This talk examines the mulitple depictions and the many forms of enslavement presented to the British reading public in the early part of the 18th century. Though "slavery" came to refer most commonly to transatlantic African slavery by the end of the century, in the beginning of the century the term had a far broader meaning. Slavery could be spiritual as well as physical and applied as often to European as to African people.

Boat People Retrospective (Afternoon Session)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:15:21 GMT

In the years following the Vietnam War, more than 1 million refugees fled the war-ravaged countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Those who took to the ocean in small, overcrowded ships were dubbed the "boat people." By the late 1970s and 1980s, the United States, Canada and other nations accepted many of those who survived the refugee camps. Scholars, community leaders and former refugees discussed the topic in four sessions: "Historical Background," "Exodus," "Rescue and Hospitality," and "Remembering Who We Are and Where We Have Been."

Boat People Retrospective (Luncheon Session)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:16:17 GMT

Boat People Retrospective (Morning Session)

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:14:46 GMT

In the years following the Vietnam War, more than 1 million refugees fled the war-ravaged countries of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. Those who took to the ocean in small, overcrowded ships were dubbed the "boat people." By the late 1970s and 1980s, the United States, Canada and other nations accepted many of those who survived the refugee camps. Scholars, community leaders and former refugees discussed the topic in four sessions: "Historical Background," "Exodus," "Rescue and Hospitality" and "Remembering Who We Are and Where We Have Been." Senator James Webb (D-Va.) delivered the opening keynote address.

The Mind of an Artist

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:42:55 GMT

Michael Kubovy and Judith Shatin, both from the University of Virginia, discuss "The Mind of the Artist." Debate has long raged about whether and how music expresses meaning beyond its sounding notes. Kubovy and Shatin discuss evidence that music does indeed have a semantic element, and offer examples of how composers embody extra-musical elements in their compositions.

Breaking the Holocaust Silence

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:42:24 GMT

Gershon Greenberg delivered the 10th Annual Myron M. Weinstein Memorial Lecture on the Hebraic Book. The lecture was titled "Breaking the Holocaust Silence: A Hidden Hasidic Text of 1947--and Elie Wiesel." The lecture series honors Myron M. Weinstein (1927-1998), whose 29-year tenure at the Library was spent in the Hebraic Section.

Reflections on the Mendelssohn Bicentenary

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:41:44 GMT

Hailed in the New York Times as "the dean of Mendelssohn scholars in the United States," R. Larry Todd shares his insights on the Mendelssohn reception in the 19th and 20th centuries and how different composers responded to his music.

HABS: Planning for the Future

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:41:17 GMT

2008 marks the 75th anniversary of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), America's first federal historic preservation program. The HABS mission is to create a public archive of America's architectural heritage, consisting of measured drawings, historical reports and large-format black-and-white photographs. (Afternoon Session.)

HABS: Celebrating the Past and Present

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:40:42 GMT

2008 marked the 75th anniversary of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), America's first federal historic preservation program. The HABS mission is to create a public archive of America's architectural heritage, consisting of measured drawings, historical reports and large-format black-and-white photographs (Morning Session).

Interpretation of Renaissance Maps

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:54:26 GMT

The difficulties in researching and interpreting Renaissance texts and maps, including Waldseemuller's 1507 World Map, are the subject of this discussion.

2009 River of Words

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:53:26 GMT

The environmental poetry and art contest River of Words holds its annual awards ceremony at the Library.

Japanese Illustrators, Then and Now

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:52:58 GMT

The Library celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a presentation titled "Japanese Illustrators, Then and Now" featuring James Miho, a Bauhaus illustrator, and Yuko Ota, a comic illustrator.

Alexander von Humboldt in the United States, 1859-2009

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:52:22 GMT

Alexander von Humboldt achieved cultural hero status in the United States in the second half of the 19th century. His travels, experiments and knowledge transformed Western science. A lecture at the Library of Congress examined the influence and legacy of the German naturalist and explorer. Andreas Daum presented "Mourning, Celebrating, Revisiting: Alexander von Humboldt in the United States, 1859-2009."

Soul of a People

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:51:38 GMT

The origins and legacy of the Federal Writers' Project are the focus of an excerpted film screening and panel discussion.

Charles Darwin, Geologist

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:08:18 GMT

The Science, Technology and Business Division of the Library of Congress celebrated the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth with a lecture by Sandra Herbert, one of the world's leading authorities on Darwin. She discussed her book "Charles Darwin, Geologist," which explores how geology changed Darwin and how Darwin changed science.

Farming, Food Security and Climate Change

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:07:30 GMT

Molly E. Brown, a research scientist at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), has been involved for the past 10 years with the U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) use of satellite remote sensing to monitor food security in developing regions. Satellite estimates of crop production play an important role in USAID's Famine Early Warning System.

Our Sun - Its Influence on Climate and Life

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:06:19 GMT

Edward Guinan, professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Villanova University, is a scientist on NASA-sponsored research programs that explore the behavior of the sun - and stars like the sun - to determine the effects of their radiation, magnetic activity and ejected plasmas on planets and life.
Guinan addressed the topic in a lecture titled "Our Sun - Its Influence on Climate and Life."

Crisis Over Marjorie

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:19:26 GMT

The Library of Congress presented a performance of "Crisis Over Marjorie," an unpublished 1940 one-act play by Herman Wouk.

Astrobiology: Life in Space

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:18:45 GMT

Daniel P. Glavin, an astrobiologist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, says the possibility of extraterrestrial life in our solar system is not limited to Mars; other "habitable" worlds might exist including the icy Moons of Jupiter and Saturn, known as Europa and Enceladus. The challenge for scientists and engineers in the next couple of decades, he says, will be to design miniaturized instruments and technologies capable of detecting the signatures of life in our own solar system and beyond.

What Stillness Illuminated

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:17:53 GMT

Aaron Taub presented a reading of his poetry in a program sponsored by the African and Middle Eastern Division.

Search for Israel's Lost Submarine Dakar

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:17:08 GMT

On Jan. 25, 1968, the Dakar, Israel's just-commissioned submarine, disappeared without a trace in the eastern Mediterranean. Israel spent the next 31 years looking for the massive submarine and her crew of 69 officers and seamen. In 1996, the country invited a noted ocean explorer, David Jourdan, to investigate, and in 1999 Jourdan and his team solved the legendary mystery.

Artist Colonies in Europe and the U.S.

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:16:11 GMT

Dimitry Lyubin, Mellon Fellow, discussed the phenomena of the artists colony in Europe and the United States at the turn of the 20th century. According to Lyubin, these colonies were located in small towns, far from big cities, and that colony residents concerned themselves mostly with subjects of peasant life and country landscapes.

Webcast: Data Model Patterns

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:09:55 GMT

When an organization is planning to develop or revise the automation of information processing, a typical first step is to analyze the underlying structure of its business. The 'entity/relationship' (or simply 'data') model is a good vehicle for doing this. What has been discovered over the years is that there are a number of structures that are universal and applicable to all kinds of organizations, both private and public.

Webcast: The Art of the Steal

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:34:53 GMT

Frank W. Abagnale is one of the world's best known authorities on forgery, embezzlement, and secure documents. His rare blend of knowledge and expertise began more than 40 years ago when he was between the ages of 16 and 21, successfully posing as an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor, and a pediatrician. Mr. Abagnale's presentation will describe how to detect whether documents have been altered and forged using simple techniques.

Webcast: Kids Who Fought for Civil Rights in Mississippi

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:16:25 GMT

As an illustrator and journalist, Tracy Sugarman covered the nearly one thousand student volunteers who traveled to the Mississippi Delta to assist black citizens in the South in registering to vote. Two white students and one black student were slain in the struggle, many were beaten and hundreds arrested, and churches and homes were burned to the ground by the opponents of equality. Yet the example of Freedom Summer resonated across the nation. The U.S. Congress was finally moved to pass the civil rights legislation that enfranchised millions of black Americans.

Webcast: Law Day 2009: Emancipation Proclamation

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:15:38 GMT

What effect did the Emancipation Proclamation have on the Civil War? Did it have a broader effect on the slave trade throughout the Americas? In celebration of Law Day, these questions and many more were discussed by Congressman G.K. Butterfield, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., Dean Kurt Schmoke and Professor Emeritus Roger Wilkins, with PBS Newshour's congressional correspondent Kwame Holman moderating. The program was presented with support from the Friends of the Law Library of Congress.

Webcast: Recovering the Memory of Emir Abdel-Kader

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:14:55 GMT

John W. Kiser, author of "Commander of the Faithful: The Life and Times of Emir Abd el-Kader" presented a lecture titled "Recovering the Memory of a Muslim World Hero: Emir Abdel-Kader, 1808-1883" in a program sponsored by the Library's African and Middle Eastern Division.

Webcast: Human Environment Challenges

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:14:17 GMT

In his talk, Barry Hill defined "human environment challenges," and discussed the relationship between the rule of law and government enforcement of protective environmental laws to address these challenges. He spoke about one of the most pressing human environment challenges: the availability of clean water both in U.S. territories and internationally. He stressed the importance of measuring governmental performance through appropriate performance measures, using Jordan as an example of how he works with other countries.

Webcast: Waldseemuller's World - Changes & Revolutions

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:48:59 GMT

Prominent scholars gathered at the Library to examine the vision behind the 1507 Waldseemuller map of the world and to reflect on the philosophical and historical context of the map's production and reception. Experts spoke on a wide range of topics, from the history of exploration and German Humanism to the mathematical and astronomical basis of early 16th-century cartography.

Webcast: Waldseemuller's World - Sources & Texts

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:47:49 GMT

Prominent scholars gathered at the Library to examine the vision behind the 1507 Waldseemuller map of the world and to reflect on the philosophical and historical context of the map's production and reception. Using the first session on the transmission of texts as a general theoretical framework, speakers in this session specifically discussed Waldseemuller's sources, both textual and cartographic.

Webcast: Waldseemuller's World - Known & Unknown

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:47:04 GMT

Prominent scholars gathered at the Library to examine the vision behind the 1507 Waldseemuller map of the world and to reflect on the philosophical and historical context of the map's production and reception. This session begins a more focused examination of Waldseemuller's world by attempting to place the map within the context of exploration and the discovery of the new lands in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Webcast: Waldseemuller's World - Scholars & Scientists

Sat, 30 May 2009 12:46:11 GMT

Prominent scholars gathered at the Library to examine the vision behind the 1507 Waldseemuller map of the world and to reflect on the philosophical and historical context of the map's production and reception. This session examined how the transmission of texts and other information took place during Waldseemuller's time and the place of the individual scholar within that world.

Webcast: Jewish Life in Mr. Lincoln's City

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:58:38 GMT

Laura Cohen Apelbaum and Wendy Turman spoke about and showed a power point presentation on the new exhibit at the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington.

Webcast: Literature and Nation-Building in the Writings of 'A'isha Taymur

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:58:03 GMT

Mervat Hatem, professor of political science at Howard University, presented this lecture.

Webcast: Svetlana Kim Delivers Asian Pacific Keynote

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:57:20 GMT

Author Svetlana Kim delivered the keynote address for the Library's 2009 celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. She discussed her new book, "White Pearl and I: A Memoir of a Political Refugee," which describes her journey from Korea to the United States and her rise from poverty to a successful career as a stockbroker.

Webcast: Healthy Bites: Healthy Food on a Budget

Fri, 29 May 2009 20:56:34 GMT

Sally Squires, award-winning journalist and former syndicated nutrition columnist of the Lean Plate Club in the Washington Post, discussed "Healthy Bites: Great-Tasting, Healthy Food on a Budget."

Webcast: Wealth, Working and Poverty in Early Christian Monasticism

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:55:30 GMT

Historian Peter Brown, winner of the 2008 Kluge Prize for Lifetime Achievement in the Study of Humanity, discussed the financial support of monks during the period A.D. 250-400.

Webcast: Touching History - Pianos in Perspective

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:53:48 GMT

Dr. Frank P. Baer, curator of historic instruments at the German National Museum, Nuremberg, and fortepianist Ludwig Semerjian from Quebec, shared their experience of a journey into the land of the forgotten sound. The event was presented in collaboration with the Orchestre de la Nouvelle France and SMW World of Sound.

Webcast: Drago Ensemble Concert

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:53:21 GMT

Drago, Russia's preeminent Romani (Gypsy) ensemble, presented a lunchtime concert.

Webcast: The Dickson Baseball Dictionary

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:52:49 GMT

"The Dickson Baseball Dictionary" is an indispensable resource for hard-core fans as well as anyone newly interested in the national pastime. It has become an essential resource for those who love the game. Drawing on dozens of 19th and early-20th century periodicals as well as contemporary sources, the Dictionary's illuminating definitions trace the earliest appearances of terms both well known and obscure.

Webcast: Symbolism of the Flower in Japanese Culture, History

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:52:15 GMT

Emiko Ohnuki-Tierney, holder of the John W. Kluge Center Chair of Modern Culture at the Library, gave a talk entitled "Blooming Cherry Blossoms, Falling Cherry Blossoms: Symbolism of the Flower in Japanese Culture and History."

Webcast: The Art of Mitsuko Asakura

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:51:26 GMT

On the eve of the March 13 opening of her art exhibition at the American Institute of Architects Headquarters Gallery in Washington, D.C., Japanese tapestry artist Mitsuko Asakura discussed her work at the Library of Congress.

Webcast: The History of Education in Jamaica

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:26:05 GMT

Anthony S. Johnson, Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States, delivered a lecture titled "The History of Education in Jamaica."

Webcast: FRBR - Things You Should Know, But Were Afraid to Ask

Wed, 13 May 2009 14:25:21 GMT

This presentation for non-catalogers is intended to present basic concepts and benefits of using the FRBR conceptual model (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) in resource discovery systems.

Webcast: Rosamond Pinchot, the Loveliest Woman in America

Fri, 01 May 2009 19:09:09 GMT

Rosamond Pinchot was dubbed "the loveliest woman in America" at 23, yet 10 years later she was dead by her own hand. An acclaimed actress, socialite and sportswoman, she was the toast of Broadway and Hollywood during the 1920s and 1930s. Bibi Gaston took a remarkable journey to discover the truth about her forgotten grandmother.

Webcast: Amish Resources at the Library of Congress

Fri, 01 May 2009 16:27:38 GMT

Paul Connor, reference specialist in the Local History & Genealogy Reading Room, draws on the Library's extensive resources in Amish Studies to discuss the unique history and culture of Amish Americans.

Webcast: Vernacular Architecture in Northern Sweden

Fri, 01 May 2009 16:26:37 GMT

Architect and folklorist Mats Widbom presented his research on the traditional building culture of Dalecarlia in Northern Sweden.

Webcast: The Lyre of Ur Project

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:39:24 GMT

Andy Lowings is a civil engineer and harpist who, in April 2003, formed a group to remake an authentic, but playable version of the famous Gold Lyre of Ur, damaged in Baghdad during the conflict.

Webcast: Education in Kurdistan

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:38:42 GMT

Idris Hadi Salih, minister of higher education of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, presents a lecture on education in Iraqi Kurdisan.

Webcast: Iraq: Rural and Urban Social Organization

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:38:06 GMT

Michael Albin, former chief of the Library's Anglo-American acquisitions and former anthropologist with the U.S. military in Iraq, discusses "Iraq: Rural and Urban Social Organization."

Webcast: The Story of M. Carl Holman

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:37:09 GMT

M. Carl Holman was an African-American civil rights leader and president of the National Urban Coalition (1971-88) who promoted the need for a mutual partnership between industry and government to foster inner-city development.

Webcast: Exploration into Exile and Creativity: The Case of Arab-American Writers

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:34:34 GMT

Halim Barakat, professor emeritus at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University, delivered a lecture titled "Exploration Into Exile and Creativity: The Case of Arab-American Writers."

Webcast: UNESCO's Role in Building Bridges to Cultural Peace

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:34:01 GMT

Nureldin Satti, former UNESCO representative for Africa, discusses "UNESCO's Role in Building Bridges to Cultural Peace: Case Studies of Somalia, Burundi and Ethiopia."

Webcast: Victims of Darfur

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:33:24 GMT

Brian Wakley, chief executive of CORD, discussed "Waging Peace: Building a New Life in Chad After Conflict for the Victims of Darfur."

Webcast: The Iraqi Revolution

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 12:32:25 GMT

Juan Romero, adjunct professor at Georgetown University's Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, discussed "The Iraqi Revolution: Why is it Relevant to Modern Iraq?"

Webcast: Now It Can Be Told: The Unknown Irving Berlin

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:08:46 GMT

The Music Division of the Library of Congress and the American Musicological Society, in joint partnership, presented the third in a series of lectures highlighting musicological research conducted in the division's collections. Jeffrey Magee presented "Now It Can Be Told: The Unknown Irving Berlin."

Webcast: Poetry of J.D. McClatchy

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:07:32 GMT

The Spring Literary Season continued at the Library of Congress with a reading by poet J.D. McClatchy.

Webcast: Radical Christian Pacifists

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:06:58 GMT

Joseph Kip Kosek, assistant professor at George Washington University, discussed the impact of radical Christian pacifists on American democratic theory and practice, at the Library of Congress. Kosek, the author of "Acts of Conscience: Christian Nonviolence and Modern American Democracy" and a former fellow of the Library's John W. Kluge Center, talked about his book.

Webcast: Frances Perkins, the Woman Behind FDR

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:04:47 GMT

Although she is no longer a household name, Frances Perkins was one of the most influential people of the 20th century. Kirstin Downey discussed her new book, "The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR's Secretary of Labor and His Moral Conscience." Franklin Delano Roosevelt named Frances Perkins secretary of labor in 1933.

Webcast: Legislating in Heels: Hon. Connie Morella

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:04:03 GMT

In her talk, Connie Morella recounted tales from her trajectory from Maryland's state senate to the U.S. House of Representatives and onward to an ambassadorship for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This is a tribute to all women for National Women's History Month, featuring stories of historic firsts for women.

Webcast: Women in Science and Engineering

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:03:21 GMT

To honor women who have taken the lead in the environmental or "green" movement, the National Women's History Project chose "Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet" as the 2009 theme for National Women's History Month. In celebration, a panel discussion on "Women in Science and Engineering" was held at the Library.

Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:43:05 GMT

To honor women who have taken the lead in the environmental or "green" movement, the National Women's History Project has chosen "Women Taking the Lead to Save Our Planet" as the 2009 theme for National Women's History Month. In keeping with the theme, the Library invited Administrator Lisa Perez Jackson of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deliver its keynote address.

"They Have Killed Papa Dead!": The Road to Ford's Theatre, Abraham Lincoln's Murder and the Rage for Vengeance

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:42:39 GMT

The assassination of the 16th president is one of the singular events in American history, and historian Anthony Pitch uses primary source material to document and reveal previously unknown facts about Lincoln's death; the murder of his secretary of state, William Seward; and the events that led to the torturous incarceration of John Wilkes Booth's co-conspirators.

Webcast: Slavery and Civil War Through Reconstruction

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:41:59 GMT

The book draws on interviews with former slaves in the Library of Congress collections to convey the aspirations, sorrows, courage and hopes of ordinary people living through this period. More than 80 archival images complement the text. Major events covered include the rise of the domestic slave trade, the Emancipation Proclamation and the Republican Congress' Reconstruction policies.

Webcast: A Public Interest in Private Records

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:50:47 GMT

David Kirsch, an associate professor of management and entrepreneurship at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, discussed "Paths Toward a Public Interest in Private Records."

Webcast: Stevie Wonder Discusses "Sketches of a Life"

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 16:06:44 GMT

Norman Middleton of the Library's Music Division talks to Stevie Wonder about his new Library of Congress commission, "Sketches of a Life," and his thoughts about composition and music.

Webcast: Rep. Jim Clyburn Keynotes African American Heritage Month

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:48:40 GMT

In recognition of African American History Month, Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) Majority Whip of the House, delivered the Library's 2009 keynote address. The 2009 theme for the month was Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas. This year's celebration coincided with the centenary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The Library holds more than five million records of the NAACP, which is the largest single collection ever acquired by the institution.

Webcast: The Iraqi Monarchy - A British Experiment in Nation-Building

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:47:04 GMT

The Library of Congress is sponsoring a series of lectures on Iraq history and society. Juan Romero delivered the first of a two-part lecture based on research for an upcoming book. The first lecture was titled "The Iraq Monarchy: A British Experiment in Nation Building."

Webcast: My Father's Paradise

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:46:01 GMT

Yona Sabar was born in a mud hut in the remote Kurdish region of Northern Iraq. Protected by towering mountains, the Jews of Zakho lived peacefully among Muslims and Christians for hundreds of years. But in the late 1940s, the outside world came crashing in, and Yona would be the last boy in Zakho to become a bar mitzvah. Yona's son Ariel Sabar discussed his new book, "My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search for His Jewish Past in Kurdish Iraq."

Webcast: How Arabs Transformed Western Civilization

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 20:45:09 GMT

The Library of Congress is sponsoring a series of lectures on Iraq history and society. Jonathan Lyons, a researcher at the Global Terrorism Research Center at Monash University, Victoria, Australia, discussed his new book, "The House of Wisdom: How the Arabs Transformed Western Civilization."

Webcast: Stevie Wonder Performs "Sketches of a Life" (complete concert)

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:24:58 GMT

Singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder, the awardee of the second Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, premieres "Sketches of a Life," a sprawling, hybrid pop-classical concerto, written between 1976 and 1994. The work was unveiled through a commission for the Library of Congress in the Coolidge Auditorium.

Webcast: "Justice" by Roger Reynolds

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:26:35 GMT

Composer Roger Reynolds' operatic work "Justice," commissioned for the celebration of the Library's Bicentennial in 2000, was performed in the Great Hall of the Library's Jefferson Building. Written for actress, soprano, percussionist, multichannel computer sound and real-time surround sound, "Justice" is based on the Greek tragedy of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon.

News Conference: "Digitizing American Imprints" Program

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:25:53 GMT

Deanna Marcum, Library of Congress Associate Librarian for Library Services; Doron Weber, Program Director of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; and officials of the Internet Archive participated in a news conference on the Library's "Digitizing American Imprints" program scanning "brittle books" too fragile for standard use, to preserve them, on an open-content basis, for future generations.

Webcast: Education in the 21st Century

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:30:43 GMT

A Library of Congress forum on K-12 education, titled "American Education in the Digital Age and Beyond: A Discussion for the 21st Century," was hosted by Strong American Schools and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Webcast: Robert Burns at 250: Day 2, Session 2

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:28:50 GMT

To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the American Folklife Center, in collaboration with the Scottish government, presented a free public symposium on Burns' life and work, as well as his impact on America and American culture. The afternoon featured a second panel discussion exploring Burns' relationship to the folk and traditional culture of Scotland.

Webcast: Robert Burns at 250: Day 2, Session 1

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:25:55 GMT

To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the American Folklife Center, in collaboration with the Scottish government, presented a free public symposium on Burns' life and work, as well as his impact on America and American culture. A panel discussion titled "Burns and His World" kicked off the second day of the symposium.

Webcast: Lincoln Bicentennial Symposium (Part 2)

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:35:17 GMT

The Library sponsored an all-day symposium celebrating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln. The afternoon session featured presentations by Lucas E. Morel, Douglas L. Wilson and Elizabeth D. Leonard.

Webcast: Lincoln Bicentennial Symposium (Part 1)

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:33:49 GMT

The Library sponsored an all-day symposium commemorating the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln. The morning session included presentations by Harold Holzer, James M. McPherson and William Lee Miller.

Webcast: 12th Annual Witter Bynner Award and Reading

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:31:38 GMT

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan has chosen two gifted voices in poetry, Christina Davis and Mary Szybist, for the 2009 Witter Bynner Fellowships, who read selections of their work in a program at the Library.

Webcast: Anthony Benezet, Father of Atlantic Abolitionism

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:30:51 GMT

Maurice Jackson discusses Anthony Benezet, the founder of the antislavery movement in America in the mid-1700s. Benezet believed the British ban on slavery should have been extended to the colonies, and worked to convince his Quaker brethren that slave-owning was not consistent with Christian doctrine.

Looking Beyond Gitmo

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:37:54 GMT

The Law Library of Congress sponsored a panel discussion titled "Looking Beyond Gitmo: U.S. and Foreign Approaches Toward Legal Treatment of Terrorist Suspects." Panelists included Charles D. Stimson, senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former deputy assistant defense secretary for detainee affairs at the Pentagon; and Law Library of Congress legal specialists Clare Feikert, Louis Fisher and Ruth Levush.

"Depression and Creativity" Symposium

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:36:46 GMT

Kay Redfield Jamison, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and co-director of the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, convened a discussion of the effects of depression on creativity. The symposium marks the bicentennial of the birth of German composer Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), who died after a severe depression following the death of his sister, Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, also a gifted composer.

Arab Medieval Philosophers' Doctrines on War

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:38:54 GMT

Maroun Aouad, a distinguished visiting scholar in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, discussed the doctrines on war that were held by medieval philosophers writing in Arabic.

Violin Master Class with Christian Tetzlaff

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:35:36 GMT

Virtuoso violinist Christian Tetzlaff conducted a violin master class at the Library for area students and teachers.

Robert Burns at 250: Poetry, Politics and Performance: Session 1

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 14:10:05 GMT

To mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the American Folklife Center, in collaboration with the Scottish government, presented a free public symposium on Burns' life and work, and his impact on American culture. The symposium began with a keynote address by Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland, and a talk on "America's Bard" by Robert Crawford, professor of literature at the University of St. Andrews. Crawford's address was followed by readings of Burns' poetry and performances of his songs by Scottish scholars and performers Margaret Bennett and Ed Miller, and Scottish journalist and broadcaster Billy Kay.

Stevie Wonder Performs "Sketches of a Life"

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:01:57 GMT

Stevie Wonder Press Conference

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 21:01:20 GMT

Singer/songwriter Stevie Wonder, the awardee of the second Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington held a press conference to discuss the world premiere of his instrumental composition, which was commissioned by the Library. Wonder described the evolution of "Sketches of a Life," which was inspired by his life experiences and influenced by his longtime love for classical music. The Librarian explained the importance of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and the selection of Wonder as "the epitome of what the prize presents."

The Remarkable Tale of the Earliest Korean Sound Recordings

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:04:16 GMT

On July 24, 1896, the pioneering ethnologist Alice Fletcher recorded six wax cylinders documenting the singing of three Koreans who were studying in Washington, D.C. Now housed in the American Folklife Center Archive, these cylinders have proved to be the earliest known recordings of Korean music.

Edna Nahshon: "Jews and Shoes"

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:03:22 GMT

Shoes are an integral part of Jewish material culture according to Edna Nahshon, author of "Jews and Shoes." The book takes a fresh look at the makings and meanings of shoes, cobblers and barefootedness in Jewish experience.

Iranian Jewry: From Past To Present (Afternoon Session)

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:05:04 GMT

The history and culture of Iranian Jewry was the focus of a two-day conference titled "Iranian Jewry: From Past to Present."

Iranian Jewry: From Past To Present (Morning Session)

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:04:34 GMT

The history and culture of Iranian Jewry was the focus of a two-day conference titled "Iranian Jewry: From Past to Present."

Lubuto Libraries for Street Children in Africa

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:02:51 GMT

Across sub-Saharan Africa, where the HIV/AIDS epidemic is most severe, a growing number of orphans are heading their own households. In 12 African countries, it is projected that by 2010, 15 percent of all children under the age of 15 will be orphans. To bring literacy and hope to Africa's vulnerable children, Jane Kinney Meyers founded the Lubuto Library Project. Meyers discussed the goals and accomplishments of the project at the Library.

Weaving and Singing in Northern Ireland

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:02:11 GMT

Handloom weaving was dominated by men in 19th century Ireland. The Industrial Revolution changed that, enabling women to take the dominant role in the factory production of linen. In this talk, Maurice Leyden discusses the reasons for this historical shift, and the impact of this change on the traditions of singing and songwriting among weavers.

Opening Reception of Lincoln Exhibition

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:13:55 GMT

Librarian of Congress James Billington and Union Pacific Corporation, the exclusive sponsor of "With Malice Toward None: The Abraham Bicentennial Exhibition," hosted a reception celebrating the opening of the exhibit. Speakers included Billington, Union Pacific CEO Jim Young, Sen. Dick Durbin and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, with performances by renowned baritone Thomas Hampson and poetry readings by James Earl Jones.

Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:16:21 GMT

Tom Gjelten discusses his book "Bacardi and the Long Fight for Cuba," the dramatic story of one family, its business and its nation, paralleling Cuba's own development. The Bacardis of Cuba, builders of a rum distillery and a worldwide brand, came of age with the nation and helped define what it meant to be Cuban.

Chinua Achebe: 50th Anniversary of "Things Fall Apart" (Afternoon)

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:11:15 GMT

Through his fiction and non-fiction works, Nigerian author Chinua Achebe has sought to repair the damage done to the continent of Africa and its people as a result of European colonization. This is best exemplified in his most famous novel "Things Fall Apart," one of the first African novels written in English to achieve national acclaim. To mark this milestone, the Library's African Section hosted a day-long program titled "Fifty Years of Chinua Achebe's Celebrated Novel 'Things Fall Apart.'"

Chinua Achebe: 50th Anniversary of "Things Fall Apart" (Morning)

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:10:51 GMT

Rajput Maharaja: Afternoon Session

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:10:01 GMT

The program also includes talks dealing with Maharaja Gaj Singh II and Maharaja Ganga Singh, two of the greatest Rajputs of the 20th century. The conference reveals why the romantic image of the Rajputs seduced both the tourists of today and a British political agent almost 200 years ago. The current controversy over a Bollywood film about a Rajput princess was also addressed.

Rajput Maharaja: Morning Session

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:09:22 GMT

Rajput maharajas have ruled hundreds of places throughout northern India, not just Rajasthan. The Rathor clan of Rajputs, headed by the Maharaja of Jodhpur, ruled states in Central India (Alirajpur, Jhabua, Jobat, Ratlam, Sailana, Sitamau), Eastern States Agency (Seraikela), Rajasthan (Bikaner, Jodhpur, Kishangarh, Kushalgarh), and Western India (Idar, Malpur). The speakers include the son and grand-daughter of the Maharaja of Dhrangadhra, who heads the Jhala clan of Rajputs. Jhalas ruled states in Western India (Chuda, Halvad-Dhrangadhra, Limbdi, Laktar, Limbdi, Sayla, Wadhwan,and Wankaner) and in Rajasthan (Jhalawar) and were also in Central India.

Music and the Brain: The World in Six Songs

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:44:34 GMT

As part of the Library's "Music and the Brain" series, Daniel Levitin gives a talk titled "The World in Six Songs: How the Musical Brain Created Human Nature." Director of McGill University's Laboratory for Musical Perception, Cognition and Expertise and best-selling author of "This is Your Brain on Music," Levitin blends cutting-edge scientific findings with his own experiences as a former record producer and still-active musician.

Music and the Brain: The Music of Language and the Language of Music

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:43:44 GMT

As part of the Library's "Music and the Brain" series, neuroscientist and musician Ani Patel discusses some of the hidden connections between language and instrumental music that are being uncovered by empirical scientific studies.

Music and the Brain: How Music Began

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:42:04 GMT

As part of the Library's "Music and the Brain" series, Ellen Dissayanake discusses "Homo Musicus: How Music Began." The universally observed interaction between mothers and infants, commonly and even dismissively called "baby talk," is composed of proto-aesthetic, temporally-organized elements that Dissayanake suggests are the origin of human music. Because infants are born ready to engage in these encounters and to prefer their visual, vocal and gestural components to any other sight or sound, one could claim that humans are innately prepared to be musical.

Model City: Buildings and Projects by Paul Rudolph for Yale and New Haven

Paul Rudolph (1918-1997) was one of the most innovative American architects of the post-World War II period. In this lecture, Timothy M. Rohan from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, discusses the exhibition he curated which draws upon works from the Paul Rudolph Archive in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress.

The Air Poets

Former Indiana Poet Laureate Joyce Brinkman introduces a group of "Airpoets" whose poems were incorporated into stained-glass murals in the new Indianapolis International Airport that is scheduled to open later this year as part of the Library's Poetry at Noon series. The poets include Ruthelen Burns, Joseph Heithaus and the current Indiana Poet Laureate Norbert Krapf. Brinkman herself is an "Airpoet."

Spaces of Calculation: Street Addressing and the Making of a Geo-coded World

In this presentation, Kluge Fellow Reuben Rose-Redwood explores the cultural and political history of street addressing in the United States, from the late 18th century to the present, including the recent shift from rural route and box numbering systems to 911 addresses.

Celebrating Kentucky Poets

Kentucky poets Jane Gentry Vance, Maurice Manning, Tony Crunk and Davis McCombs read selections of their work as part of the Library's Poetry at Noon series.

India and the U.S.: Reinventing Partnership

The relationship between the United States and India and its likely evolution in the next decade is the topic of a lecture at the Library of Congress by Ambassador Teresita Schaffer, holder of the Henry Alfred Kissinger Chair in Foreign Policy and International Relations at the John W. Kluge Center.

2008 Kluge Prize Ceremony

Peter Robert Lamont Brown and Romila Thapar were awarded the 2008 Kluge Prize for lifetime achievement in the study of humanity.

Mark Anderson on Brazilian Literature

Kluge Fellow Mark Anderson discusses "The Natural Nation: Tropical Imaginings and Ecologies of Abjection in Brazilian Literature."

Suzan Shown Harjo: 2008 Native American History Month Keynote

Native American activist, journalist and poet Suzan Shown Harjo delivered the keynote address for the Library's 2008 celebration of Native American Heritage Month. The theme was "Celebrating Tribal Nations."

Surati: Indian Dance from New Jersey

Surati performs Indian classial and folk dance from New Jersey, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Bar J Wranglers: Cowboy Music from Wyoming

The Bar J Wranglers perform cowboy music from Wyoming, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Bajich Brothers: Tambura Music from Kansas

The Bajich Brothers perform tambura music from Kansas, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Gary Haleamau: Traditional Hawaiian Music from Las Vegas

Gary Haleamau and his band perform traditional Hawaiian slack-key guitar from Nevada, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Opalanga Pugh in Concert

Opalanga Pugh presents traditional African-American storytelling from Colorado, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Singing Russian/Mennonite Songs

Jonathan Dueck presented "Empires, Multiculturalisms and Borrowed Heartsongs: What Does It Mean to Sing Russian/Mennonite Songs?" as part of the Benjamin Botkin lecture series sponsored by the American Folklife Center. As "colonists" in 19th-century Russia, Mennonites sang German diasporic choral musics and borrowed Russian choral musics; when war drove many to North America, Mennonites drew on this repertoire and borrowed new repertoires to forge links to a new elite: North American classical choral singing circles. This webcast traces this story not as linear narrative, but as genealogical fragments, beginning with the resonances of particular songs for present-day Mennonite writers, historians and singers; and then exploring past moments of the production and reception of these songs in Russia and North America.

New Deal Legacy & Scholarship, Part 2

Leading scholars from throughout the United States joined experts from the Library of Congress in the program, "Art, Culture, and Government: The New Deal at 75." A day-long symposium titled "The New Deal Legacy and Contemporary Scholarship" rounded out the two-day event. Leading scholars presented recent research based on New Deal materials, showcasing how innovative interpretation of the Library's archival holdings continues to inspire new revelations and reassessments of 20th-century American culture.

New Deal Legacy & Scholarship, Part 1

New Deal Resources: Preserving the Legacy, Part 2

Leading scholars from throughout the United States joined experts from the Library of Congress in the program, "Art, Culture, and Government: The New Deal at 75." The program began with an afternoon presentation titled "New Deal Resources: Preserving the Legacy." Representatives from the National Archives and Records Administration and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum joined staff from several Library divisions to discuss and display a selection of materials from their New Deal holdings.

New Deal Resources: Preserving the Legacy, Part 1

Total Theatre: The Art of Kunqu, China's Earliest Classical Opera

Marjory Bong-Ray Liu discussed Kunqu, which is particularly noted for its graceful dance movements and gestures that are an integral part of the total art form, unlike many western operas where the aural aspect is predominant. Kunqu classical opera was perfected in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). It uses four main acting roles: sheng, a young male scholar-hero; dan, a female role; jing, a male warrior-statesman; and chou, a comic.

Tommy, Moya and Fionan Sands in Concert

Tommy Sands, with his daughter Moya and son Fionan performed in concert as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

"It's of My Rambles..." A Journey in the Song Tradition of Ulster

Len Graham explored the folk song tradition of his native Ulster. His talk was interspersed with live performances of songs in English on many themes, including early classic ballads, broadside ballads, and songs of love, politics, emigration and many other topics.

An Evening with Chinua Achebe

Memo to the President-Elect: How We Can Restore America's Reputation and Leadership

The president faces daunting tasks in shaping and maintaining America's core relationships with other nations around the world. In her new book, Madeleine Albright, United States secretary of state from 1997 to 2001, offers guidance for the occupant of the White House--and insights for voters to think about when deciding who that person should be.

Journals of Pioneer Argonaut Daniel Jenks

Sara W. Duke, curator of popular and applied graphic art in the Prints & Photographs Division, uses unique drawings in the Library of Congress and other archival materials to tell the story of a pioneer who went west to search for gold in the mid-19th century.

Researching Amos Kendall: Adventures in Library Research, Literature and Literacy

Through his philanthropy, Amos Kendall, who served as U.S. postmaster general under presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren, founded the institution that would become Gallaudet University, the leading educational institution for the deaf in the world.

2007 Americas Awards

Authors Pat Mora and Laura Resau and illustrator Rafael Lopez received the 2007 Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature at the 15th annual award presentation.

Song of Songs: The Honeybee in the Garden

The Song of Songs is the Hebrew Bible's love song. But who sings this song? While the literal words tell of the passionate love of a man and a woman, the early rabbis understood the verses as an allegory of the love between God and Israel. In her illuminated manuscript, "The Song of Songs: the Honeybee in the Garden," author and artist Debra Band interprets and illustrates the biblical text.

Nigerian Nation Symposium: Afternoon Session

The African Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division and the Nigeria Peoples Forum-USA jointly hosted the Ninth Annual State of the Nigerian Nation Symposium -- Developing Nigeria's Power Sector: Strategies, Challenges and Impact.

Nigerian Nation Symposium: Morning Session

Is Diplomacy the Answer?

Does the U.S., as a longstanding superpower, need a diplomatic strategy to protect and advance our interests in the new world? William R. Smyser examined the topic in a lecture at the Library of Congress.

Jane Shore and Dabney Stuart Poetry Reading

The Library's fall literary season continued with readings by poets Jane Shore and Dabney Stuart.

Photographs of Ben Shahn, Russell Lee and Marion Post Wolcott

Timothy Egan, a Pulitzer Prize winner and writer for The New York Times, has written the introduction to "The Photographs of Ben Shahn," one of three Library of Congress-published books in the "Fields of Vision" series. He led a discussion of the photos of the Farm Security Administration focusing on the three photographers in the series: Ben Shahn, Russell Lee and Marion Post Wolcott.

Books Before and Beyond: Publishing in the 21st Century

Barbara Peters and Robert Rosenwald, owners of Poisoned Pen Books and Poisoned Pen Press in Scottsdale, Ariz., discussed both the mystery genre and the state of publishing in America.

Chris Agee & Sinead Morrissey Poetry Reading

To celebrate the publication of the book "The New North: Contemporary Poetry from Northern Ireland," poets Sinead Morrissey and Chris Agee read from their work.

Jon Scieszka Receives National Ambassador's Medal

Jon Scieszka made his first official appearance at the Library of Congress since being named National Ambassador. The Librarian of Congress James H. Billington presented Scieszka with the National Ambassador's Medal. The presentation was followed by a question-and-answer session with 50 schoolchildren from Brent Elementary School in Washington, D.C.

Abkhazia and the New Cold War

Before the summer of 2008, it is likely that most Americans had never heard of Abkhazia. Paul Crego discusses the history, language and culture of the Abkhazian people and the Georgian-Abkhazian conflict as it developed in the late Soviet period through the 1992-1993 war. Abkhazia in the context of geopolitical conflicts was also covered.

From Vienna to Chicago and Back

Distinguished Austrian historian Gerald Stourzh discussed his storied career and his latest book, a collection of 15 essays previously published from 1953 to 2005, in a lecture titled "Traces of an Intellectual Journey: Gerald Stourzh Presents His Book 'From Vienna to Chicago and Back."

Almost Englishmen: Baghdad Jews in British Burma

Anthropologist Ruth Fredman Cernea discusses the Jewish experience in the land of Burma. For more than a century, Jews from the Middle East--the Baghdadis--formed vibrant communities throughout Southeast Asia.

Congress: Crucible of American Democracy

Though often treated by historians, political scientists and the American public as of lesser consequence than the Executive Branch, the U.S. Congress has historically served as the crucible of American democracy. In continual interaction and evolution as an institution, Congress has molded and directed national policy affecting the lives of virtually every American citizen. Its history is as diverse and complex as the nation and is waiting to be told in its entirety. Steve Stathis' continuing effort to capture the essence of that story focuses on the historical evolution of the twin functions of Congress--to legislate for the nation and to represent the people.

Robert Hass Moderates River of Words Ceremony

Winners and finalists of the 2008 River of Words Environmental Poetry and Art Contest were honored at a ceremony. The ceremony, hosted by the Center for the Book, was moderated by Robert Hass, River of Words co-founder, former U.S. Poet Laureate and recent winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award for Poetry.

2008 National Book Festival Gala

Marisa de los Santos, Jon Scieszka, George Duran and Philippa Gregory were featured speakers for the 2008 National Book Festival Gala.

Walter Isaacson: 2008 National Book Festival

Veteran journalist Walter Isaacson appears in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Maraniss: 2008 National Book Festival

Reporter David Maraniss appears in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Daniel Schorr: 2008 National Book Festival

News analyst Daniel Schorr appears in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Paul Theroux: 2008 National Book Festival

Travel writer Paul Theroux speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Immaculee Ilibagiza: 2008 National Book Festival

Author Immaculee Ilibagiza speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kay Bailey Hutchison: 2008 National Book Festival

Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Tony Horwitz: 2008 National Book Festival

Journalist Tony Horwitz speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kimberly Dozier: 2008 National Book Festival

Reporter Kimberly Dozier speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michael Dobbs: 2008 National Book Festival

Reporter Michael Dobbs speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Peter Robinson: 2008 National Book Festival

Creator of the "Inspector Banks" series Peter Robinson speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Francine Prose: 2008 National Book Festival

Francine Prose speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Richard Price: 2008 National Book Festival

Novelist and screen writer Richard Price in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Brad Meltzer: 2008 National Book Festival

Brad Meltzer speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Rick Atkinson: 2008 National Book Festival

Journalist Rick Atkinson appears in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Geraldine Brooks: 2008 National Book Festival

Journalist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Geraldine Brooks speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Sandra Brown: 2008 National Book Festival

Romance novelist Sandra Brown speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Andrew Klavan: 2008 National Book Festival

Mystery writer Author Klavan speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

James McBride: 2008 National Book Festival

Author and musician James McBride speaks at the National Book Festival.

Marisa de los Santos: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet and author Marisa de los Santos speaks in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Gordon S. Wood: 2008 National Book Festival

Author Gordon S. Wood speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Alexander McCall Smith: 2008 National Book Festival

"No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" author Alexander McCall Smith speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Bob Schieffer: 2008 National Book Festival

CBS News correspondent Bob Schieffer appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Salman Rushdie: 2008 National Book Festival

Novelist Salman Rushdie appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Cokie Roberts: 2008 National Book Festival

Political commentator Cokie Roberts speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Philippa Gregory: 2008 National Book Festival

Historical fiction writer Philippa Gregory speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Eavan Boland: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet Eavan Boland appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Dan Chiasson: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet Dan Chiasson appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Elsa Cross: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet Elsa Cross appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Arthur and Pauline Frommer: 2008 National Book Festival

Travel authorities Arthur and Pauline Frommer appear at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Julie Morgenstern: 2008 National Book Festival

Organizational expert Julie Morgenstern appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Mike Richman: 2008 National Book Festival

Journalist Mike Richman appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Cathy Scott: 2008 National Book Festival

Journalist Cathy Scott appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michelle Singletary: National Book Festival 2008

Financial expert Michelle Singletary appears at the National Book Festival in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

NEA Poetry: National Book Festival 2008

Representatives from the National Endowment for the Arts read selections from their favorite poets in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Louis Bayard: 2008 National Book Festival

Novelist Louis Bayard speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

NBA/WNBA Players: 2008 National Book Festival

NBA legend Bob Lanier and NBA/WNBA players Chris Duhon and Ivory Latta appear at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michael Lind: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet Michael Lind appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Molly Peacock: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet Molly Peacock speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Stanley Plumly: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet Stanley Plumly appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

J. Allyn Rosser: 2008 National Book Festival

Poet J. Allyn Rosser appears at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kay Ryan: 2008 National Book Festival

Kay Ryan, Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry for 2008-2009, speaks at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Warren Brown: National Book Festival 2008

"Cake Love" baker and television host Warren Brown in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Ellen Birmbaum & Nancy Schulman: National Book Festival 2008

Educators Ellen Birmbaum and Nancy Schulman in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Eleanor Clift: National Book Festival 2008

Eleanor Clift in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

George Duran: National Book Festival 2008

Chef George Duran in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jon Scieszka: National Book Festival 2008

National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Jon Scieszka in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Charles R. Smith Jr.: National Book Festival 2008

Photographer and children's book author Charles R. Smith Jr. in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

R.L. Stine: National Book Festival 2008

"Goosebumps" favorite R.L. Stine in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Judith Viorst: National Book Festival 2008

Judith Viorst in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Annegret Fauser presents "After Pearl Harbor: Music, War and the Library of Congress"

The Music Division of the Library of Congress and the American Musicological Society, in joint partnership, presented the second in a series of lectures highlighting musicological research conducted in the division's collections. Annegret Fauser discussed "After Pearl Harbor: Music, War and the Library of Congress."

Mary Brigid Barrett, Katherine Paterson & Steven Kellogg: National Book Festival 2008

Children's authors and illustrators Mary Brigid Barrett, Katherine Paterson and Steven Kellogg speak at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., discussing their collaboration on "Our White House: Looking In and Looking Out."

Joseph Bruchac: National Book Festival 2008

Storyteller Joseph Bruchac in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Andrea Davis Pinkney: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author Andrea Davis Pinkney in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Sharon Draper: National Book Festival 2008

Author and educator Sharon Draper in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Neil Gaiman

Popular novelist Neil Gaiman in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Matthew Reinhart & Robert Sabuda: National Book Festival 2008

Children's book authors and illustrators Matthew Reinhart and Robert Sabuda in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Dionne Warwick: National Book Festival 2008

Singer and children's author Dionne Warwick in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Tiki Barber: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author and former NFL player Tiki Barber in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jan Brett: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author and illustrator Jan Brett in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Marc Brown & Judy Sierra: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author and illustrator Marc Brown and author Judy Sierra in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Laura and Jenna Bush: National Book Festival 2008

First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David A. Carter: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author David A. Carter appears in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Doreen Cronin & Betsy Lewin: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author Doreen Cronin and illustrator Betsy Lewin in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kadir Nelson & Doreen Rappaport: National Book Festival 2008

Children's illustrator Kadir Nelson and author Doreen Rappaport in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Shannon: National Book Festival 2008

Children's author and illustrator David Shannon in a presentation at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

The Hemingses of Monticello

The relationship between Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings has been a subject of speculation for centuries and even more so in the past decade, when DNA testing increased evidence of a sexual liaison. Author Annette Gordon-Reed, who received attention in 1997 for a book that carefully evaluated claims and counter-claims about the Jefferson-Hemings relationship, has written a new book about Sally Hemings -- a slave in the Founding Father's household -- and her family.

Vietnam: Will There Be Peace Again?

Kluge Fellow Subarno Chattarji lectures on aspects of Vietnamese representations of the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

Marie Arana: 2008 Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, editor and author Marie Arana delivered the keynote address for the Library's celebration. This year's celebration, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, had a theme of "Getting Involved: Our Families, Our Community, Our Nation."

Poet Laureate Kay Ryan Opens the 2008 Literary Season

The fall literary season opened with a reading by Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry Kay Ryan. Ryan, who was appointed to the laureateship by Librarian of Congress James H. Billington in July, is the author of six books of poetry. Her latest book is "The Niagara River" (2005).

The Zionaires

The Zionaires perform gospel music from Maryland and Delaware, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Old Cultures/New Contexts: Traditional Music and Dance of Urban Immigrant Communities

Ethnographer and performer Ethel Raim, co-founder and artistic director of New York's celebrated Center for Traditional Music and Dance (CTMD), discusses her five decades of work with community-based traditional artists in urban America.

Merita Halili and the Raif Huseni Orchestra

Merita Halili and the Raif Huseni Orchestra perform Albanian music from New York, celebrating 40 years of the Center for Traditional Music and Dance, as part of the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Major League Tassa

Major League Tassa performs Indo-Caribbean drumming and dance from Queens, New York, as part of the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Force & Violins: What the FBI Had on Folksingers

For more than 20 years, the FBI and CIA conducted surveillance on folk musicians and folklorists organizing the folksong revivals of the 1930s and 1940s. As a result of speaker David Dunaway's successful suit under the Freedom of Information Act, it is now possible to reveal that surveillance, the texts it generated, and how it affected history.

The Beehive Band

The Beehive Band performs traditional Mormon string band music from Utah, another in the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Do All Indians Live in Tipis?

Stereotypes, inaccuracies and inappropriate representations of Native Americans continue to abound in American society today. Reflecting on his 20 years of experience working in the field of American Indian education, the Edwin Schupman explores examples, causes and implications of the current state of awareness about Native peoples and issues.

Library of Congress Honors Herman Wouk with Literary Award

Writer Herman Wouk received the first Library of Congress Lifetime Achievement Award for the Writing of Fiction. During this event, ABC News' Martha Raddatz, William Safire of The New York Times and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg read from Wouk's novels. Jimmy Buffett spoke about his relationship with Wouk and performed songs from the musical "Don't Stop the Carnival," based on Wouk's novel of the same name. The event also marked the donation of Wouk's papers to the Library of Congress.

Excavations in Afghanistan and Central Asia

The Near East Section of the African Middle Eastern Division at the Library of Congress sponsored at talk by Fredrik Hiebert, National Geographic Archaeology Fellow and curator of the exhibition "Afghanistan, Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul."

Libraries and Human Development in Haiti (Afternoon-Creole)

The Library's Hispanic Division sponsored a day-long symposium, "Libraries and Human Development in Haiti: The Work of Fondation Connaissance et Liberte (FOKAL)." Speakers included leaders in the area of Haitian socio-economics, FOKAL officials and individuals who have benefited from the organization's programs. (Afternoon Session in Creole).

Libraries and Human Development in Haiti (Morning-Creole)

Libraries and Human Development in Haiti (Afternoon-English)

Libraries and Human Development in Haiti (Morning-English)

CORRECTION: Live Webcast, National Book Festival Gala

LIVE webcast, Friday, Sept. 26, 7 p.m. EDT. Join First Lady Laura Bush, Librarian of Congress James Billington and special guests for a gala event featuring and honoring authors and storytellers who have come to Washington for the 2008 National Book Festival on Sept. 26. Authors Marisa de los Santos ("Belong to Me"), Philippa Gregory ("The Other Queen"), George Duran ("Take This Dish and Twist It") and Jon Scieska ("The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales") will read from their works.

LIVE: National Book Festival Gala

LIVE webcast, Friday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m. EDT. Join First Lady Laura Bush, Librarian of Congress James Billington and special guests for a gala event featuring and honoring authors and storytellers who have come to Washington for the 2008 National Book Festival on Sept. 26. Authors Marisa de los Santos ("Belong to Me"), Philippa Gregory ("The Other Queen"), George Duran ("Take This Dish and Twist It") and Jon Scieska ("The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales") will read from their works.

Death, Rebirth and Being Human in Tibetan Buddhism

Frances Garrett, David B. Larson Fellowship in Health and Spirituality, considers images of dying, the afterlife and rebirth, and notions of human embodiment and personhood, in Tibetan Buddhist literature, art and medicine.

Poster Mania in Turn-of-the-Century Paris

In the 1880s and 1890s, illustrated posters displayed on walls throughout Paris were accused of turning the city into a bazaar and mounting an aggressive assault on the eyes and souls of passersby. Kluge Fellow Karen Carter examines "poster mania," a topic of late 19th-century commentary that linked the viewing of publicity to pathology and madness.

Cruelty, Savagery and the Formation of a National Community in the Bohemian Reformation

The Bohemian Reformation of the 15th century was a seminal event in the history of late medieval Europe. Kluge Fellow Joel Seltzer contends that for the first time, the authority of the Roman Church over Latin Christendom was broken by a religious reform that sought to return to the primitive roots of the early Church.

'Remember Belgium' -- Poetry as Propaganda During the First World War

In 1914 the case of Gallant Little Belgium stirred political and artistic attention and emotion all over the world. Invaded by "the Huns," the Belgians found themselves at the heart of a propaganda battle in both warring and neutral nations. The writing of war poems became part of the war effort. American poets as well joined in. Kluge Fellow Geert Buelens address the use of poetry as propaganda.

How the States Got Their Shapes

Why does West Virginia have a finger creeping up the side of Pennsylvania? Why are California and Texas so large when so many of the states in the Midwest are roughly the same size and shape? Why are Alabama and Mississippi almost exact mirror images of each other? Mark Stein provided answers to these questions, and many more, when he discussed his new book.

Somali Food Traditions at Thanksgiving

Barlin Ali, author of "Somali Cuisine," presented a lecture on "Somali Food Traditions at Thanksgiving" in a program sponsored by the Library's African and Middle Eastern Division.

The Moral Conscience of the World: The United Nations and Palestine in 1947

The United Nations' role in the creation of the state of Israel marked the beginning of a critical episode in the changing colonial world order, according to historian William Roger Louis.

Rajatarangini and the Making of India's Past

Nineteenth-century European orientalists and philologists considered the Rajatarangini--a 12-century Sanskrit historical narrative from Kashmir--as the only Indian text to which the status of "history" could be accorded. Chitralekha Zutshi analyzes several late-19th and early 20th-century translations of this text by both Europeans and Indians to illustrate the mediated nature of the process of colonial and nationalist production of knowledge about India's past--indeed of the idea of history itsef--in British India.

Decolonization and Disorder

Historian Dane Kennedy examined three waves of European decolonization, from the late 18th century through the late 20th century, and the violence and discord that accompanied the transitions.

Digital Natives: Open Source Reality

Today's constantly evolving interactive technologies are having a profound impact on our culture, and the analog generation needs to look to its children to learn how to cope. According to new media and pop culture expert Douglas Rushkoff, the nation's youth have already adapted to the digital world's demands. Rushkoff discussed the new cultural complexities in his presentation.

Web 2.0 Mashups: Making the Web Your Own

The Web contains thousands of mashups that recombine everything -- including Google Maps, Flickr, Amazon.com, NASA, the New York Times, and Wikipedia -- with useful information about travel, finance, real estate, and more. By fusing elements from multiple web sites, mashups are often informative, useful, fun, and even transformative. Raymond Yee's presentation shows you how to create and apply mashups to make sense of the web, especially in the context of libraries.

Publishing Trends in the Islamic Republic of Iran

The Near East Section of The African Middle Eastern Division and the John W. Kluge Center presented a lecture by Nasrollah Pourjavady, Distinguished Visiting Scholar from Tehran University at the Roshan Persian Studies Center of the University of Maryland.

Bridging Homeland and Homegrown

Ambassador Christopher R. Hill was the keynote speaker at the launch of the Asian Pacific American Lecture Series. His speech centered on preserving America's relationships with her allies in Asia.

Forum on Education and the Economy: Gov. Roy Romer

Gov. Roy Romer ended the conference by reviewing the landscape of education reform from the first governor's conference in 2000 and spoke about the upcoming post-presidential election landscape.

Forum on Education and the Economy: Session II

Following a keynote address by William J. Bennett, former education secretary, a panel of leading economists discussed the risks our nation runs if we do not address the crisis in education. Panelists were Eric Hanushek, Hoover Institution; Clive Belfield, Queens College; and Helen Ladd, Duke University.

Forum on Education and the Economy: Welcome and Session I

The Library of Congress hosted a national, non-partisan policy forum to discuss the connection between education and the economy. Economic, educational and political experts examined data tracking the U.S. performance internationally that measure the skills needed to succeed in a global economy.

Women and Education in Saudi Arabia

The Near East Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division of the Library of Congress presented Nihad el- Jesh, consultant of the Majlis al-Shura (Consultative Assembly) of Saudi Arabia, who delivered a lecture titled "Women and Education in Saudi Arabia."

Earth's Water Cycle in a Changing Climate

Water is always in motion, changing from liquid to water vapor to ice - on, under and over the surface of the Earth. A leading NASA scientist explained how this water cycle can be affected by a warming climate and what we might expect for the future. Peter Hildebrand, chief of the Hydrospheric and Biospheric Sciences Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, discussed "Earth's Water Cycle in a Changing Climate."

Seeger Tribute: Pete, Mike and Peggy Seeger with the Short Sisters

The Library of Congress is celebrated the musical legacy of the Seeger Family during a two-day program, sponsored by the American Folklife Center, titled "How Can I Keep from Singing? A Seeger Family Tribute." The symposium culminated in a concert with Mike, Peggy and Pete Seeger with the Short Sisters.

Seeger Tribute: Politics, Theory and the Folk Revival

Seeger Tribute: (1) Pete, Mike and Peggy Seeger and (2) Performing the Seegers

Seeger Tribute: Charles Seeger and Ruth Crawford Seeger

Seeger Tribute: Welcome, Introduction and Keynote Address

The Library of Congress celebrated the musical legacy of the Seeger Family during a two-day program, sponsored by the American Folklife Center, titled "How Can I Keep from Singing? A Seeger Family Tribute." Neil Rosenberg, professor emeritus at Memorial University of Newfoundland, delivered the keynote address titled "Family Values, Seeger Style." In his lecture, Rosenberg discussed the underlying forces, motifs and themes that recurred in the family members' musical and cultural lives.

Breaking the Bonds of People and Land: Native American Removal in the US and Mexico

Kluge Fellow Claudia Haake presented a lecture that lecture drew some general conclusions from an investigation of two cases of Native American forced migration: the Delawares in the United States and the Yaquis in Mexico.

America Between the Wars

The 12-year period between the end of the Cold War and the destruction of the Twin Towers was perceived as calm and peaceful. Yet foreign-policy experts say these were pivotal years in shaping America's role in the world. Derek Chollet and James Goldgeier examined those years in a lecture on their new book.

Korean Cultural Fan and Drum Dance

As part of the Library's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, members of the Asian American Arts Center performed a traditional Korean drum and fan dance.

Poet Laureate Charles Simic Gives Swan Song Lecture

Charles Simic made the final appearance of his tenure as U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry when he presents a lecture on poetry translation at the Library of Congress.

Octavio Paz Symposium

Octavio Paz (1914-1998) was a world-famous poet, writer and essayist. His writing, which garnered him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1990, has been characterized as impassioned and marked with sensuous intelligence and humanistic integrity. A two-hour symposium, "A Tribute to Octavio Paz," was sponsored by the Library's Hispanic Division and the Poetry Office, in cooperation with the Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C.

XVI Poetry Marathon of Teatro de la Luna

The Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress hosted an afternoon of Spanish poetry featuring poets from Spain, Latin America and the Caribbean. Each poet read a selection in Spanish, followed by an open discussion in English moderated by Dominican poet Rei Berroa of George Mason University. Featured poets were Spaniards Ana Rossetti, Juan Carlos Mestre and Vicente Cervera Salinas. From Mexico were Hector Carretto, Dana Gelinas, Hernan Bravo Varela and Ciprian Cabrera Jasso. Also participating were Mateo Morrison, Dominican Republic; Otoniel Guevara, El Salvador; Marcelo Pellegrini, Chile; Ivon Gordon-Vailakis, Ecuador; and Juana Goergen, Puerto Rico.

Cataloging Principles and RDA

The second in a series on RDA: Resource Description and Access, the next generation cataloging code designed for the digital environment. This presentation deals with the cataloging principles that have influenced the development of RDA; the challenges they present to the international sharing of bibliographic and authority data; and the challenges they present to the developers of RDA.

Michelle Rhee Delivers Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Keynote Address

Michelle Rhee, chancellor of the Washington, D.C., public schools, delivered the keynote address for the Library's 2008 celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Recent Trends in Preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage

Chandra Reedy discussed highlights of the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and its context within overall preservation efforts of UNESCO.

Preservation Tools and Training in the Digital Age: NEDCC in the 21st Century

Ann Russell, executive director of the Northeast Document Conservation Center, presented a lecture as part of the Topics in Preservation Science series sponsored by the Library's Preservation Directorate.

Drawing the Line at the Big Ditch: The Panama Canal Treaties and the Rise of the Right

Political events in the United States often have unintended consequences for American politics and for the country as a whole. The long-term consequences of the Panama Canal debates of the 1970s was examined by Adam Clymer, former chief Washington correspondent for the New York Times.

Resource Description and Access: Background & Overview

RDA (Resource Description and Access), the next generation cataloging code designed for the digital environment, is under development. This presentation provides background on its development and a general overview of the conceptual models, international principles, and structure of this new code.

MIC: Moving Image Collections

MIC (Moving Image Collections) is a management, preservation, and educational tool incorporating a consortial database, directories, a METS/MODS cataloging/mapping utility, and informational resources in a portal structure customizing information for various constituencies.

To Read or Not to Read: A Question of National Consequence

Sunil Iyengar, director of the NEA Office of Research and Analysis that produced a 2007 research report from the National Endowment for the Arts about the state of reading in the United States, discussed the report, its potential consequences and the public reaction.

Law Day 2008: The Rule of Law in Established and Emerging Countries

The Law Library of Congress presented a panel discussion in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Law Day. The panel, moderated by Judge Harry T. Edwards, examined what the Rule of Law means to established and emerging countries.

Homegrown: The Beehive Band

The Beehive Band perform traditional Mormon string band music from Utah as part of the American Folklife Center's Homegrown Concert Series.

Poetry of Mark Strand and Charles Wright

Mark Strand and Charles Wright read from their works as part of the Poetry Center's Spring literary season.

Avoiding the Fate of the Mayans

The Maya civilization, at its peak, was one of the most densely populated and culturally dynamic societies in the world. But after flourishing for a thousand years, it abruptly disappeared. Thanks to Landsat satellite data and climate models, NASA archaeologist Tom Sever has gained insights into the event known as the Maya Collapse.

Traditional Judaism or Reform

s part of the Library's celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month, Marsha Rozenblit delivered the ninth annual Myron M. Weinstein Memorial Lecture on the Hebraic Book. The lecture focused on Viennese Jews in the 19th Century.

Achieving Library Excellence: Employing Modern Management Practices

The Library's Asian Division of the Library of Congress, in cooperation with the Greater Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Chinese American Librarians Association, presented Hwa-Wei Lee, former chief of the Asian Division and dean emeritus of Ohio University Libraries.

Preserving State Government Digital Information

Robert Horton, director of Library, Publication and Collections at the Minnesota Historical Society, discussed "A Model Technological and Social Architecture for the Preservation of State Government Digital Information."

Contemporary Russian Poetry Bilingual Reading

The Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) jointly hosted an evening of Russian poetry, featuring Evgeny Bunimovich, Elena Fanailova and Yuli Gugolev.

Education, Health and Socio-Economic Developments in Iraq Today: Afternoon Session

Representatives from the U.S. Departments of State and Health and Human Services; the Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine; the Office of Iraq Reconstruction; the International Office for Migration; AMIDEAST; Life for Relief and Development; International Relief and Development; World Learning; and Mobile Medical International Corporation met to discuss their work in Iraq.

Education, Health and Socio-Economic Developments in Iraq Today: Morning Session

Traditional Lao Dance Performance

A traditional Lao dance performance and Lao-American fashion show highlighted the Library's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Becton: A Soldier and Public Servant

Lt. Gen. Julius W. Becton Jr. discussed his new autobiography.

American Earth: Environmental Writing Since Thoreau

Writer, activist and editor Bill McKibben discusses his new anthology of American environmental writing.

An Empire for a King

Kluge Fellow Jennifer Sessions discusses the conquest of Algeria at Louis-Philippe's Versailles.

Mapping the New Empire

Max Edelson discusses the British General Survey of North America, 1763-1782.

Who Speaks for Islam?

The Near East Section of the African and Middle Eastern Division presented, as part of the series "Beyond the Islamist Discourse: Muslims Look at Their Societies," John Esposito, who discussed "Who Speaks for Islam?"

Stephen King, Tabitha King and Owen King Speak at the Library

The PEN/Faulkner Writers in Schools program, in collaboration with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, hosted world-renowned author Stephen King, his wife, novelist Tabitha King, and son, writer Owen King, in a reading and discussion for students at the Library.

God and Gandhi: The Radical Spiritual Politics of the Reverend John Haynes Holmes

Though hardly remembered today, John Haynes Holmes was one of the most important American religious radicals of the 20th century. A socialist, antiracist and pacifist, he was also among the very first popularizers of Mohandas Gandhi's ideas in the United States. Kluge Fellow Joseph Kosek discusses Holmes.

Ruth Crawford Seeger, Modernist Composer in the Folk Revival: Biography as Music History

In the first of a Music Division lecture series presenting members of the American Musicological Society who have completed research in the division's unique collections, Judith Tick discusses aspects of her work on composer Ruth Crawford Seeger.

Women's History Month Celebration: Women's Art -- Women's Vision

To honor "the originality, beauty, imagination and multiple dimensions of women's lives," the National Women's History Project has chosen "Women's Art: Women's Vision" as the 2008 theme for National Women's History Month. In keeping with the theme, the Library of Congress invited Deborah L. Gaston, director of education at the National Museum of Women in the Arts, to deliver the keynote address.

The Fortune Cookie Chronicles: Adventures in the World of Chinese Food

Who writes those little messages in fortune cookies and how do fortune cookie makers get their lucky numbers? Did General Tso cook his own chicken, and why was there a lawsuit over who invented chop suey? The answers to these and other fascinating questions was explored by Jennifer 8. Lee, as she discussed her recent book.

Reformist Voices of Islam: Mediating Religion and Modernity

The Near East Section of the African Middle Eastern Division and the John W. Kluge Center hosted a talk by Shireen Hunter on her new book, "Reformist Voices of Islam: Mediating Religion and Modernity."

Electing FDR: The New Deal Campaign of 1932

With the landmark election of Franklin D. Roosevelt as U.S. President in 1932, decades of Republican ascendancy gave way to a half century of Democratic dominance. It was nothing less than a major political realignment as the direction of federal policy shifted from conservative to liberal--and liberalism itself was redefined in the process. In his new book, the first in many decades to examine in its entirety the 1932 presidential election that ushered in the New Deal, Donald A. Ritchie explains how the Democratic Party rebuilt itself after three successive Republican landslides; where the major shifts in party affiliation took place; what contingencies contributed to FDR's victory; and why the new coalition lasted as long as it did.

Classical Music of Persia: The Precious Heritage of Iranians

Honoring the arrival of Spring and celebrating the age old tradition of Nowruz, Roya Bahrami presented a lecture-recital based on her research to give historical and structural review of Persian Classical Music. The recital component was selections from her recently released album "Roya," inspired by the timeless wisdom of Persian poets Rumi, Hafez and Sepehri, as well as Persian roots of Spanish Flamenco.

Witter Bynner Poetry Reading

Poet Laureate Charles Simic has chosen two new voices in poetry, business-development writer Matthew Thorburn and attorney Monica Youn, for the 2008 Witter Bynner Fellowships. Thorburn and Youn each read at this special presentation.

The Anthropology of Digital Natives

Young people today born into a digital world are experiencing a far different environment of information-gathering and access to knowledge than a generation ago. Who are these "digital natives" and what are they thinking? How are they using the technology, and are IT experts adequately responding to them? This first lecture explores how young people think, learn and play. Speaker Edith Ackerman is particularly interested in helping shape the future of play and learning in a digital world.

The Second Great Migration: Religious Refugees and the Remaking of America, 1678-1690

Kluge Fellow Owen Stanwood discusses the emigration of thousands of Protestant radicals to England's American colonies during the latter part of the 17th century.

Michael Dirda Discusses "Classics for Pleasure"

Classics are classics not because they are educational, but because people have found them worth reading, generation after generation, century after century. More than anything else, great books speak to us of our own all-too-real feelings, confusions and daydreams.

The New Science of Addiction and What It Means to Society

Advances in science in recent decades have revolutionized the understanding of the nature of drug abuse and addiction and what society needs to do about them. According to Alan Leshner, there is now a clear understanding that drug abuse and addiction are bio-behavioral phenomena with important biological, behavioral and social-context components. Those components must be recognized in developing prevention, treatment and social-policy responses to the problems.

Impact of IT Revolution on Youth of Tunisia

Oussama Romdhani, director general of the Tunisian External Communication Agency, commented on the TV viewing habits of the Tunisian public based on a recent Gallup poll, and discussed the impact of satellite dishes in bringing TV programs from Europe and the Middle East to every Tunisian home.

A Conversation with Leon Harris

The Library of Congress celebrated African American History Month with a presentation by Leon Harris, award-winning journalist and anchor for ABC 7/WJLA-TV. Harris presented a talk on "A Community-Focused Approach to Journalism."

Mickey Edwards Discusses Book on Conservatism

Former Representative Mickey Edwards (R-Okla.), a leading member of the American conservative movement for more than 40 years, believes that many conservatives today have abandoned their principles and have become champions of that which they once most feared--government intrusion.

Reflections from South Africa: Libraries and Society Change

Ellen R. Tise, president-elect (2007-2009) of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), gave an informative presentation on the transformation of libraries and the library profession in South Africa.

No Greater Challenge: Assessing Legal Responses to Terrorism

The Law Library of Congress presented a lecture by James Renwick. Renwick is an Australian barrister and visiting Fulbright Scholar. His lecture focused on the United Kingdom's and Australia's legislative response to terrorism since 9/11 and the supporting policy issues and how it compares to the response of the United States.

Shakespeare's Genealogies

William Shakespeare was fascinated with family dynamics, often using them to fuel his plots with familial jealousy, lust, murder, mistaken identity and long-lost siblings. Many of his works share characters that can be linked together by a common family history dating to pagan times. Vanessa James, professor of theater arts at Mount Holyoke College, unravels these lineages in a lecture.

Opening the Photo Vaults

Library of Congress staff and George Oates from Flickr, the popular photo-sharing site and Web 2.0 innovator -- describe the pilot project in which the Library has mounted photographs from its Farm Security Administration and George Grantham Bain collections on the Flickr Web site.

LIVE WEBCAST: Digital Natives, April 7

Young people today born into a digital world are experiencing a far different environment of information-gathering and access to knowledge than a generation ago. Who are these "digital natives" and what are they thinking? These questions will be addressed in a new Library of Congress series titled "Digital Natives." The first lecture, exploring how young people think, learn and play, will feature distinguished scholar and child-development expert Edith Ackerman on "The Anthropology of Digital Natives" at 4 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 7.

National Visionary Leadership Project Showcase

The Library of Congress celebrated African American History Month with its signature event--a showcase of the American Folklife Center's National Visionary Leadership Project (NVLP) Collection. The NVLP is a collection of oral life histories of extraordinary African American elders who have made significant contributions to American society, and the American Folklife Center is the official repository for these stories.

"America in the Middle East" by Michael Oren

America and the Middle East have been intertwined for more than 230 years -- the first war fought by the newly independent United States was against Arabic-speaking Muslims, George Washington had a Middle East policy and Thomas Jefferson listed America's relations with the region as his No. 1 international concern. Even iconic literary figures such as Herman Melville, Washington Irving and Mark Twain were singularly interested in the region. In his new book, Michael B. Oren argues that Americans today still have a poor understanding of their connection with the region.

Poetry Reading by Li-Young Lee and David Kirby

The Library of Congress literary season continued with poetry readings by Li-Young Lee and David Kirby sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.

Interview with Composer and Pianist Fred Hersch

Part of the series "American Creativity: The Composer-Performer," this interview with the composer and pianist Fred Hersch, one of a series of portraits of major jazz figures appearing at the Library of Congress, was presented by the Library's Music Division as a pre-concert presentation.

Research on Magnetic Media Deterioration Before and After 1995

Since John van Bogart's seminal work "Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling" published by the Commission on Preservation and Access (now CLIR) in 1995, a variety of tools and techniques have been developed by the collections management community to identify magnetic media collections that are at risk and conduct conservation activities.

The Druze Heritage: Part IV

The Druze are a thousand-year-old religious community of the Middle East, whose members today live primarily in Lebanon, Syria and Israel, while others have emigrated to the United States, Europe and Africa. Their historical and intellectual legacy was examined by 10 scholars from the U.S. and Middle East who participated in a symposium at the Library of Congress.

The Druze Heritage: Part III

The Druze Heritage: Part II

The Druze Heritage: Part I

Contemporary Significance of Confucianism: Afternoon Session

Is a philosophical system born in China 2,500 years ago still relevant in the 21st century? A panel of scholars attempted to answer this question in a symposium titled "The Contemporary Significance of Confucianism"

Contemporary Significance of Confucianism: Morning Session

Gandydancer in Concert

Gandydancer performs traditional string band music from West Virginia as part of the American Folklife Center's Homegrown Concert Series.

Hoop Dances by Dallas Chief Eagle and Jasmine Pickner

Two first place World Hoop Dance Champions have joined together to model and dance a vision of male and female balance, harmony and respect as traditionally practiced by their ancestors. Dallas Chief Eagle, Rosebud Sioux tribal member, and Jasmine Pickner of the Crow Creek Sioux tribe are both world-traveled hoop dancers. They performed as part of the American Folklife Center's Homegrown Concert Series

Reverb in Concert

Gospel/inspirational harmony group Reverb performs as part of the Library's celebration of African American History Month. The concert was also part of the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

Globalization Through the Centuries

Economic globalization is a new word for an old process, according to economic historian Herman Van der Wee, holder of the Chair of the Countries and Cultures of the North in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Consuming Landscapes: Parkways in Germany and the United States, 1920-1970

This talk with Kluge Fellow Tom Zeller explores the way roads have been redesigned for the automobile as parkways since the 1920s in the United States and Germany, what meanings they acquired and how drivers and passengers experienced them.

I Will Wake the Dawn: Illuminated Psalms

The Book of Psalms is probably the best-known book of the Hebrew Bible. In her new book, "I Will Wake the Dawn: Illuminated Psalms," author and artist Debra Band has selected 36 of the most well-known of the 150 psalms to interpret and illustrate.

Which Chile, Allende? Henry Kissinger and the International Repercussions of the Portuguese Revolution

Kluge Scholar Mario del Poro discusses the Portuguese revolution of 1974, which lead to the downfall of one the last authoritarian regimes in Western Europe and opened a chaotic transition in Portugal.

Poetry Reading by James Tate and Jorie Graham

U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic introduced Pulitzer Prize-winning poets Jorie Graham and James Tate, who read from their works.

150th Anniversary of the J&R Lamb Studios (2)

Art and architectural historians and design community insiders assembled at the Library of Congress for a symposium celebrating 150 years of J&R Lamb Studios, America's oldest continuously-run decorative arts firm, which preceded and influenced the studios of both John LaFarge and Louis C. Tiffany (afternoon session).

150th Anniversary of the J&R Lamb Studios (1)

Docent Training Films Reveal Library Treasures

A series of webcasts designed to train Library docent and tour guides reveal little-known wonders of the magnificent Thomas Jefferson Building and the rich collections of the Library of Congress.

A Money Doctor from Japan: Megata Tanetaro in Korea, 1904-1907

It is by now established knowledge that Japanese colonialist policies versus Korea cannot have been motivated by economic profits. Literature on Japanese imperialism does, however, fail to address the role of a series of monetary and financial reforms the Japanese government sought to implement after the peninsula had been turned into a protectorate. In his lecture, Michael Schiltz demonstrates how the 'Megata reform', as it came to be called, factually turned Korea into a subsidiary of the Japanese economy.

Extraordinary Rendition: Constitutional Issues

After 9/11, the Bush administration engaged in what is called "extraordinary rendition" -- the transfer of suspected terrorists to countries known to employ harsh interrogation techniques that may rise to the level of torture. The impact of these policies on constitutional principles, presidential power and congressional checks was the subject of this panel discussion.

T.E. Lawrence, Aaronsohn and the Seeds of the Arab-Israel Conflict

The Arab-Israeli conflict is often said to be biblical in its origins, with the children of Abraham contesting an ancient and eternal rivalry. But it can be argued that much of the conflict emerged less than a century ago in the turmoil of World War I. Historian and novelist Ronald Florence puts forth this argument in his new book.

Indian Religious Freedom, to Litigate or Legislate?

The Law Library and the Office of Workforce Diversity co-hosted a Law Panel on religious rights of Native Americans. The panel discussion served as the closing program of Native American Heritage Month.

Bankrupting the Enemy: The U.S. Financial Siege of Japan Before Pearl Harbor

Was the bombing of Pearl Harbor an unprovoked attack on the United States? According to a new book by Edward S. Miller, the Japanese motivation stemmed from U.S. plans to defeat Japan economically in the years before World War II. Miller discussed his book, "Bankrupting the Enemy: The U.S. Financial Siege of Japan Before Pearl Harbor" in a program sponsored by the Humanities and Social Sciences Division.

The Parking Garage and Its Impact on Urban Planning

The parking garage, often considered a dull and forgettable structure, is a crucial element of building design and urban planning. Architect Shannon Sanders McDonald discussed "Designing for Man, Machine and Movement: The Parking Garage."

An African Republic: Black and White Virginians in the Making of Liberia

Who supported the African colonization movement and settlement in Liberia in the 19th century and why? According to a new book by historian Marie Tyler-McGraw, no state was more involved than Virginia, where black Virginians sustained the early impetus for colonization and made up a majority of the emigrants who went to Liberia, and white Virginians provided much of the political and organizational leadership.

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (4)

An all-day symposium, "Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature," was ponsored by the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and the Hispanic Division in conjunction with the "Exploring the Early Americas" exhibition. (Panel 4 of 4)

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (3)

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (2)

An all-day symposium, "Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature," was sponsored by the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and the Hispanic Division in conjunction with the "Exploring the Early Americas" exhibition. (Panel 2 of 4)

Pirates and Corsairs of the Americas in History and Literature (1)

Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil

The world was forever changed when American geologists and engineers in the 1930s and 1940s discovered oil in Saudi Arabia and developed the Middle Eastern oil industry. Timothy J. Barger and Thomas W. Lippman examined this significant period in history when they discussed a book by the late, award-winning author Wallace Stegner titled "Discovery! The Search for Arabian Oil."

Containing Runaway Fear in Foreign Policy

William F. May discussed the religious apprehensions, such as good versus evil, embedded in American politics. He looked at American foreign policy during the last 60 years, as political anxieties in the West shifted from the mind-set during the Cold War (the West vs. tyranny) to the current apprehensions (the West vs. anarchy).

Can You Guard My Stuff? LC Data Tests with the San Diego Supercomputer Center

Over the last twelve months, the Library of Congress has been conducting data transfer and storage tests with one of the world's largest supercomputing data centers, the San Diego Supercomputer Center. SDSC Division Director for Production Services Richard Moore and Project Manager David Minor recount details of the project and lessons learned, and discuss implications for the future of digital storage and preservation.

The Origins of FBI Counterintelligence

Foreign spies and the theft of military and industrial secrets were real threats during the 1930s as the United States faced the impending war. The nation's lack of security on those fronts was also a problem. Enter J. Edgar Hoover and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Raymond J. Batvinis, former FBI special agent, presents an early history of the FBI.

Guiding Our Destiny: Loriene Roy

n honor of Native American Heritage Month, American Library Association (ALA) President Loriene Roy delivered a lecture, which was sponsored jointly by the Office of Workforce Diversity, the Law Library and the Center for the Book.

Quick to the Party: Southern Jews and the Americanization of Hanukkah

Registrants attending the 32nd annual conference of the Southern Jewish Historical Society came to the Library as guests of the Hebraic Section, African and Middle Eastern Division, to learn about Judaic treasures in the Library's collections.

Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth Eisenstein: Panel Discussion

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the University of Massachusetts Press has published "Agent of Change: Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth L. Eisenstein."

Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth Eisenstein: Presentation of Papers

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and the University of Massachusetts Press has published "Agent of Change: Print Culture Studies After Elizabeth L. Eisenstein."

MacDowell Colony Poets

Six poets who served residencies at the MacDowell Colony are featured in readings by Stephen Dunn, Peter Klappert and Kathy Mangan.

Writers from Iowa's International Writer's Program

Writers from the distinguished International Writing Program at the University of Iowa read from their works at the Library of Congress in a program jointly sponsored by the Library's John W. Kluge Center.

The History and Curse of the Hope Diamond

Richard Kurin uncovered the mystery and the true story of the world's most infamous bauble and discussed and signed his book "Hope Diamond: The Legendary History of a Cursed Gem."

Rep. Tom Cole: Native American Heritage Month Keynote

Five years to the day after being elected to represent Oklahoma's 4th congressional district, Rep. Tom Cole delivered the keynote address for the Library's 2007 celebration of Native American Heritage Month.

M.S. Merwin Reads From His Works

Celebrated poet W.S. Merwin received the 2006 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry and read selections of his work.

Aeronautics at the Library of Congress

A nationally known aviation historian and biographer of the Wright brothers, Tom Crouch has been mining the treasures of the Library of Congress for more than four decades.

Concert: Aubrey Ghent and Friends

Aubrey Ghent with friends performed sacred lap steel guitar for the Library's annual Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

The African Colonial State and the Encounter with Decolonization

Crawford Young, a distinguished scholar on Africa and professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, discussed the final phase of the African colonial state, its confrontation with African nationalism and the terms of power transfer.

Judith Jones on Cookbooks

Judith Jones was the first to espouse the kind of cookbook in which the author encourages and enables the ordinary home cook to create the extraordinary by defining culinary terms, demonstrating techniques, whether it be boning or braising, and by providing explicit directions and detailed explanations.

Observing, Fighting and Mitigating Damage from Wildfires

Compton J. Tucker discussed "Observing, Fighting and Mitigating Damage from Wildfires" in a program sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division.

A Place for the Arts: The MacDowell Colony, 1907-2007

Robin Rausch, the curator of "A Century of Creativity: The MacDowell Colony 1907-2007" at the Library, discussed the colony, the first artists' residency program in America and the model for hundreds of others.

The Nuts and Bolts of Historical Fiction

The construction of historical fiction requires the attributes of good story telling plus some important additional components. Novelist David L. Robbins discussed the building blocks of historical novels.

Cartographia: Library's Map Treasures

Vincent Virga and co-author Ron Grim discussed "Cartographia," a new book featuring maps from the Library's extensive collections.

Jewish Washington: Scrapbook of an American Community

Laura Cohen Apelbaum and Wendy Turman of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington spoke about the history of the Jewish community in Washington, D.C.

Diamonds, Gold and War

British historian and journalist Martin Meredith discussed his new book, "Diamonds, Gold, and War: The British, the Boers, and the Making of South Africa."

Holy Moses! A Cultural History of the Ten Commandments in Modern America

Jenna Weissman Joselit, a Princeton University professor who spent the summer as a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at the John W. Kluge Center, wrapped up her research with a lecture titled "Holy Moses! A Cultural History of the Ten Commandments in Modern America."

2006 Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature

Authors Margarita Engle and Jennifer Riesmeyer Elvgren and illustrators Sean Qualls and Nicole Tadgell received the 2006 Americas Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature.

A New Challenge to the Congressional Black Caucus

Congressman Major Owens hosted a distinguished panel of U.S. representatives and political scientists in a discussion of his book, "The Peacock Elite: A Subjective Case Study of the Congressional Black Caucus and Its Impact on National Politics."

History of School Gardens in Amercia

Constance Carter, head of the Science Reference Section, describes the history of the school garden in America and offers reasons why school gardens are making a comeback.

Cynthia Leitich Smith: National Book Festival 2007

Cynthia Leitich Smith in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kevin Young: National Book Festival 2007

Kevin Young in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Gene Luen Yang: National Book Festival 2007

Gene Luen Yang in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jacqueline Wilson: National Book Festival 2007

Jacqueline Wilson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Douglas L. Wilson: National Book Festival 2007

Douglas L. Wilson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Wiesner: National Book Festival 2007

David Wiesner in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Rosemary Wells: National Book Festival 2007

Rosemary Wells in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Geoffrey Ward: National Book Festival 2007

Geoffrey Ward in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Susan Vreeland: National Book Festival 2007

Susan Vreeland in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Diane Thiel: National Book Festival 2007

Diane Thiel in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Megan McDonald: National Book Festival 2007

Megan McDonald in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Thomas Mallon: National Book Festival 2007

Thomas Mallon in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Arnold Rampersad: National Book Festival 2007

Arnold Rampersad in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Sena Jeter Naslund: National Book Festival 2007

Sena Jeter Naslund in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Nancy Pearl: National Book Festival 2007

Nancy Pearl in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Terry Pratchett: National Book Festival 2007

Terry Pratchett in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Kevin Prufer: National Book Festival 2007

Kevin Prufer in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jack Prelutsky: National Book Festival 2007

Jack Prelutsky in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jodi Picoult: National Book Festival 2007

Jodi Picoult in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michael B. Oren: National Book Festival 2007

Michael B. Oren in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Joyce Carol Oates: National Book Festival 2007

Joyce Carol Oates in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Joan Nathan: National Book Festival 2007

Joan Nathan in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Draft Report: Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control

A Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control has examined the future of bibliographic description in the 21st century in light of advances in search engine technology, the popularity of the Internet and the influx of electronic information resources.

Judith Martin: National Book Festival 2007

Judith Martin ("Miss Manners") in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Patricia MacLachlan: National Book Festival 2007

Patricia MacLachlan in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Martha Raddatz: National Book Festival 2007

Martha Raddatz in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Patricia McCormick: National Book Festival 2007

Patricia McCormick in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Lalita Tademy: National Book Festival 2007

Lalita Tademy in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Harry Turtledove: National Book Festival 2007

Harry Turtledove in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Steven Raichlen: National Book Festival 2007

Steven Raichlen in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Mercer Mayer: National Book Festival 2007

Illustrator Mercer Mayer in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Gail Carson Levine: National Book Festival 2007

Gail Carson Levine in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Daniel Silva: National Book Festival 2007

Daniel Silva in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jeff Shaara: National Book Festival 2007

Jeff Shaara in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Meryle Secrest: National Book Festival 2007

Meryle Secrest in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Lisa Scottoline: National Book Festival 2007

Lisa Scottoline in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Patricia Schultz: National Book Festival 2007

Patricia Schultz in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Judy Schachner: National Book Festival 2007

Judy Schachner in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Victoria Rowell: National Book Festival 2007

Victoria Rowell in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

LIVE WEBCAST: Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control

The Working Group on the Future of Bibliographic Control presents its draft report of recommendations to Library of Congress managers and staff at 1:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Tune in to the live webcast.

Charles Simic: National Book Festival 2007

Poet Laureate Charles Simic in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

James Swanson: National Book Festival 2007

James Swanson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jon Stallworthy: National Book Festival 2007

Jon Stallworthy in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Anne Stevenson: National Book Festival 2007

Anne Stevenson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Library Accessibility

The Library hosted a panel discussion, "Library Accessibility: Facilities, Programs and Services," as part of its celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month.

2007 Disability Awareness Keynote Address

Rep. Jim Langevin (D-R.I.) delivers the keynote address for the Library's celebration of Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Gala: National Book Festival 2007

Prior to the annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, the Library hosts a gala event featuring and honoring authors and storytellers who have come to Washington for the Festival.

Breakfast: National Book Festival 2007

The 2007 National Book Festival Authors' Breakfast and Opening Ceremony hosted by First Lady Laura Bush, took place at the White House early on Saturday morning, Sept. 29.

United States-Armenian Relations, 1991-2007

Ambassadors Harry J. Gilmore (1993-1995), Peter Tomsen (1995-1998), Michael C. Lemmon (1998-2001), John M. Ordway (2001-2004) and John M. Evans (2004-2007) converse as part of the Near East Section's 13th Annual Vardanants Day Armenian Lecture.

Doro Bush Koch: National Book Festival 2007

Doro Bush Koch in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Edward P. Jones: National Book Festival 2007

Edward P. Jones in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

J.A. Jance: National Book Festival 2007

J.A. Jance in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Ignatius: National Book Festival 2007

David Ignatius in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Stephen Hunter: National Book Festival 2007

Stephen Hunter in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jennifer L. Holm: National Book Festival 2007

Jennifer L. Holm in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Francisco Hernández: National Book Festival 2007

Francisco Hernández in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Carolyn Hart: National Book Festival 2007

Mystery writer Carolyn Hart in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Brian Haig: National Book Festival 2007

Brian Haig in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta: National Book Festival 2007

Sanjay Gupta in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jan Crawford Greenburg: National Book Festival 2007

Journalist Jan Crawford Greenburg in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Jan Spivey Gilchrist: National Book Festival 2007

Author and illustrator Jan Spivey Gilchrist in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Carmen Agra Deedy: National Book Festival 2007

Children's book author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Cat Cora: National Book Festival 2007

Iron Chef Cat Cora in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Deborah Crombie: National Book Festival 2007

Mystery author Deborah Crombie in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Stephen L. Carter: National Book Festival 2007

Stephen L. Carter in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Diane Ackerman: National Book Festival 2007

Diane Ackerman appears at the 2007 National Book Festival.

Ann Amernick: National Book Festival 2007

Chef Ann Amernick in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival.

M.T. Anderson: National Book Festival 2007

Children's author M.T. Anderson in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival.

Maria Celeste Arrarás: National Book Festival 2007

Author and journalist Maria Celeste Arrarás in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

David Baldacci: National Book Festival 2007

Thriller author David Baldacci in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Michael Beschloss: National Book Festival 2007

Historian Michael Beschloss in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Holly Black: National Book Festival 2007

Fantasy author Holly Black in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Ashley Bryan: National Book Festival 2007

Ashley Bryan in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Ken Burns: National Book Festival 2007

Director Ken Burns in a presentation at the 2007 National Book Festival in Washington, D.C.

Dead Center: The Collapse of Bipartisanship

Americans are living in an era marked by political partisanship and polarization. What happened to the bipartisanship of previous decades, and how does this political climate affect U.S. engagement in global affairs? Charles Kupchan discusses these implications in a presentation at the Library's Kluge Center.

Laborlore: Keynote Address

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. In the keynote address, Nick Spitzer presents a talk titled "In Katrina's Wake: The Building Trades in New Orleans." This presentation focuses on the historical and contemporary relationships of skilled building trades workers in New Orleans to the musical and visual culture of their place.

Laborlore: Collecting and Contextualizing Laborlore

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. Through a case study approach, these panelists focus on a range of issues confronting documentary fieldworkers and their community collaborators in the arena of documenting and representing occupational lore and traditions.

Laborlore: Social Justice, the Environment and the Ethics of Collaboration

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. This panel examines the work that the participants have done in mining communities in the US South and West by beginning with a consideration of pioneer scholar George Korson, one of the most prolific collectors and publishers of mining folksong, folklore and cultural history.

Laborlore: Expressive Culture, Work Culture and the Art of Representation

The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress hosted a symposium on the history of documenting laborlore/occupational folklife. This panel considers the artistic representations of work in a range of cultural and social contexts (Mexico, Texas, Nevada, San Francisco) and in a variety of media (graphic arts, video and material culture).

National Security and the Constitution

The Law Library of Congress hosted a panel discussion on "National Security and the Constitution." Louis Fisher, Brian McKeon and Michael O'Neill discussed the constitutional principles that govern and influence national security policy, emergency powers, inherent presidential power, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and the role of Congress and the president in formulating and carrying out national security policy in a post-9/11 environment.

National Security and the Rule of Law

The Law Library of Cognress hosted a panel discussion on "National Security and the Rule of Law." A part of the Law Library's Speaker Series, the program commemorated Constitution Day and was co-sponsored by the Constitution Project.

LIVE WEBCAST: National Book Festival Gala

Tune in live on Friday, Sept. 28 at 7p.m. EDT for a gala event featuring and honoring authors and storytellers who have come to Washington for the Library of Congress National Book Festival, with readings by the following authors: mystery writer J.A. Jance, true crime author James Swanson, poet, author and playwright Sheila Moses and Jeff Shaara, author of best-selling Civil War historical novel "Gods and Generals."

NBF Podcast: Terry Pratchett

Science fiction and fantasy author Terry Pratchett talks about his best-selling books and how he made "Death" one of his most popular characters.

NBF Podcast: Maria Celeste Arrarás

Maria Celeste Arrarás discusses her career as a celebrity journalist and what motivated her to write her first children's book.

Zotero: A Personal Research Assistant inside Your Browser

New technologies have transformed the ways we do research. Automatic capture of citation information from Web pages is now possible. Dan Cohen and Trevor Owens, Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, demonstrate Zotero, an easy-to-use Firefox extension that helps collect, manage, and cite research sources.

NBF Podcast; Poet Laureate Charles Simic

Charles Simic reads his favorite poems and discusses his most recent book, "My Noiseless Entourage."

NBF Podcast: Victoria Rowell

Rowell talks about growing up in the foster care system and the women who shaped her life.

NBF Podcast: Sheila P. Moses

Moses discusses the disappearance of family traditions in the home and reads from her newest book, "The Baptism."

NBF Podcast: Sanjay Gupta

Gupta discusses his new book, "Chasing Life: New Discoveries in the Search for Immortality to Help You Age Less Today."

NBF Podcast: Carmen Agra Deedy

Deedy reads from her latest book and talks about her Cuban heritage.

NBF Podcast: Ken Burns

Burns discusses his book and his seven-part film based on his book, which is scheduled to air on PBS in September 2007.

NBF Podcast: David Baldacci

Baldacci discusses his latest book," Simple Genius," which explores a very real technological race and a hunt for hidden treasure.

Podcasts from the Library of Congress

The Library has begun to make its unparalleled resources more accessible to the wired world with the launch of a series of podcasts.

A Panel Discussion on Torture, Detainees and the U.S. Military

Law Library of Congress Scholar in Residence Gary Solis moderated a panel discussion touching upon several current topics of national interest and concern: Guantanamo; "high value" detainees; military commissions; fair trials; and allegations of torture by agents of the U.S., including military personnel.

Law Day 2007

The Law Library of the Library of Congress and the American Bar Association commemorated Law Day with a panel discussion on "Perspectives on Childhood and the Law."

Law Library 175th Anniversary Gala

On July 14, 2007, the Law Library of Congress celebrated its 175th Anniversary Gala Dinner in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building. More than 125 distinguished guests in the political, legal and educational world were present to pay tribute to the institution.

Pamela Peak Discusses "Fit To Live"

Have you indulged in too many hot dogs and ice cream cones this summer? Failed to carry out the well-meant exercise program? It might be time to heed the advice of Pamela Peeke, the medical doctor who recently published "Fit to Live: The Five-Point Plan to Be Lean, Strong and Fearless for Life."

Packard Campus Gift Ushers in Dawn of New Era for Audio-Visual Conservation

David Woodley Packard, president of the Packard Humanities Institute (PHI), officially transfered the new Packard Campus-Audio-Visual Conservation, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the preservation of the nation's moving images and recorded sound heritage, at a signing ceremony on Capitol Hill.

Preserving Digital Heritage

Several of the partners in the Library's National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation program addressed attendees at the American Library Association's Annual Meeting during the convention's convention in Washington. The partners described the types of at-risk digital content they are collecting and the hurdles they face and have overcome in their collaborative initiatives.

Solr Powered Libraries: Using Blacklight and Collex at the University of Virginia

Erik Hatcher, a programmer in the Applied Research in Patacriticism group at the University of Virginia, discusses his work with Blacklight, a Solr-based faceted browser of the University of Virginia, and Collex, the big sister of Blacklight, that marries folksonomy and digital scholarship.

The State of the Book Industry 2007

What is the long-term effect of consolidation in the publishing industry? What are the latest sales trends in publishing and in the library market? How is the digital environment changing the book industry? Such questions were addressed and discussed by economists Albert N. Greco and Robert M. Wharton in a program co-sponsored by the Center for the Book and the Book Industry Study Group, Inc.

Justice, Not Pity: Julia Lathrop, First Chief of the U.S. Children's Bureau

Julia Lathrop was an American social worker at the turn of the 20th century, a pioneer in the field of child welfare who investigated child labor, studied infant mortality and pushed for separate courts for juveniles. Her career and significance as a political force is the subject of a lecture by Cecelia Tichi, holder of the Chair of Modern Culture in the John W. Kluge Center.

Separate Branches, Balanced Powers: Madison's Legacy

The Law Library of Congress and the American Bar Association (ABA) Division for Public Education commemorated Law Day 2007 with a panel discussion on "Separate Branches, Balanced Powers: Madison's Legacy."

NCSU's Faceted Catalog: 18 Months Later

In 2006, NCSU Libraries launched a new catalog powered by an e-commerce enterprise search engine. Years of frustration with legacy systems and inadequate search tools are driving many libraries and their vendors to create new products and services rarely seen in catalogs.

Liberian-U.S. Symposium: Session I

In celebration of the 160th Independence Anniversary of the Republic of Liberia, the African and Middle Eastern Division and the Embassy of Liberia co-sponsored a symposium with the theme "Liberian-United States Relations: Past, Present and Future." (Morning Session).

Liberian-U.S. Symposium: Session II

Nobel Laureates on the Origins of Life and the Universe

Two 2006 Nobel Prize winners addressed the fundamental questions pondered by many through the ages: "On the Origins of Life and the Universe: An Afternoon with 2006 Nobel Laureates Craig Mello and John Mather."

Kim Jong-il and North Korean Films

Suk-Young Kim, a fellow at the John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress, presents a program that provides insight on North Korean culture, politics and the leadership of Kim Jong-il.

For the Eyes of the Dear Leader: Fashion and Body Politics in North Korean Visual Arts

uk-Young Kim, a fellow at the John W. Kluge Center, Library of Congress, presents a program that provides insight on North Korean culture, politics and the leadership of Kim Jong-il.

Indian Yell: The Heart of an American Insurgency

During the 19th century, conflict between Native Americans and Novelist, screenwriter and activist Michael Blake discussed his new book, "Indian Yell: The Heart of an American Insurgency."

A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters

Robert E. Lee was a more complex and contradictory man than his iconic image suggests. In her new biography, historian Elizabeth Brown Pryor presents dozens of previously unpublished letters to draw a new portrait of Lee's beliefs, his military ability and the times he lived in. Pryor discussed and signed "Reading the Man: A Portrait of Robert E. Lee Through His Private Letters," in a program sponsored by the Center for the Book.

Prime Minister of Barbados

The Right Honorable Owen Seymour Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, came to the Library of Congress to deliver an historic address concerning the formation and evolution of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Segregated Scholars: Black Social Scientists and the Creation of Black Labor Studies

Who were the major black labor historians and how did they come to produce groundbreaking work in economic and labor studies? In a talk at the Library of Congress, Francille Rusan Wilson explored the lives and work of black scholars whose imprint on labor history and social science has earned them a lasting place in African-American intellectual heritage.

Paul Simon: Gershwin Prize Gala Dinner

Paul Simon receives the first annual Gershwin Prize for Popular Song during a gala dinner sponsored by the Library's Music Division.

"Lighthouses" and "Bridges" Book Launch

The Library of Congress and W.W. Norton & Company celebrated the publication of "Lighthouses" and "Bridges" with a special program.

Reflections on the Yiddish Theater and Its Legacy

Zachary M. Baker delivered the eighth Annual Myron M. Weinstein Memorial Lecture on the Hebraic Book as part of the Library's celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month. The lecture was titled "A Bibliographer Encounters the Muses: Reflections on the Yiddish Theater and Its Legacy."

Honey Bees, Satellites and Climate Change

Life isn't what it used to be for honey bees in Maryland. The latest changes in their world were discussed by NASA scientist Wayne Esaias, a biological oceanographer with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, in an illustrated lecture sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Men, Let's Sing

Preceding the Cantus concert was a panel discussion titled "Men, Let's Sing: Choral Music for Men's Voices" in a program sponsored by the Music Division.

Camerata Ireland

Camerata Ireland, with found and pianist Barry Douglas, performed works by Carter, Mozart and Beethoven as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program cosponsored by the Library's Music Division and American Folklife Center.

Life Stories in South Africa

Nokuthula Mazibuko presents "Life Stories and Memory Making in South Africa" in a program sponsored by the African and Middle Eastern Division and the Embassy of South Africa.

Organic Farming

Almost from the inception of the organic food movement there has been conflict between the mom-and-pop farmers and large-scale retailers. Farmer Jim Crawford and business journalist Samuel Fromartz explored this dichotomy and other organic farming issues.

Reflections on the Yiddish Theater and Its Legacy

Gary Hastings and Brian Mullen

Flautist Gary Hastings and singer Brian Mullen present a concert and lecture as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

Daithi Sproule in Concert

Singer and guitarist Daithi Sproule performs in concert as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

Flory Jagoda and Friends

Flory Jagoda and friends Susan Gaeta and Howard Bass performs traditional Sephardic music from the former Yugoslavia and other parts of the world as part of the Library's Homegrown Concert Series.

Asian Multi-Cultural Program

A multi-cultural program of Philippine and Burmese dance, along with a martial arts lecture and demonstration by Master Jhoon Rhee, culminated the Library's celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Poetry of Philip Levine and Delores Kendrick

Poets Philip Levine and Delores Kendrick read selections from their work. Accompanying Kendrick during her recital were musicians from the Capitol City Symphony: harpist Michael O'Harlin, violinists Maurice Gatewood and Masaya Uchino, cellist Patrick Moan and violist Victoria Gau.

Commercializing University Research: Theats and Opportunities

There is much debate about the growth of commercialization of academic research results. Does it threaten a university's principal mission? The topic was discussed in this lecture and panel discussion.

Vaclav Havel Book Discussion

Paul Wilson discusses his English translation of former Czech Republic President Vaclav Havel's book "To the Castle and Back."

Poetry of Robert Bly and Coleman Barks

Poets Robert Bly and Coleman Bark read selections of their work in a program sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.

River of Words 2007

Robert Hass, former U.S. Poet Laureate, returned to the Library of Congress to moderate a program honoring the student winners of the annual River of Words environmental poetry and art contest.

Eradicating HIV and Hepatitis B

The John W. Kluge Center sponsored a symposium, "Eradicating HIV and Hepatitis B," in partnership with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), with support from the Dana Foundation.

Poetry Across the Atlantic: Poets Laureate Donald Hall & Andrew Motion

U.S. Poet Laureate Donald Hall and British Poet Laureate Andrew Motion participated in a historic series of joint poetry readings in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and London, sharing the stage for the first time and reacquainting the poetries of America and the United Kingdom.

Rosie Stewart in Concert

Rosie Stewart, a singer from Co. Fermanagh in Ireland, performed in concert, including "Adieu to Lovely Garrison," as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

Ralph Ellison: A Biography

Ralph Ellison never produced another novel in his lifetime after his magnum opus "Invisible Man," which won the National Book Award in 1953. Did success ruin him? This is one theme in the new biography of Ellison by Arnold Rampersad, the first scholar given complete access to Ellison's papers at the Library of Congress.

American Influence on Irish Song

John Moulden, singer and author from Ulster, presented a lecture titled "North American Influence on a North Ireland Song Collection" as part of the Rediscover Northern Ireland Program at the Library of Congress.

1507 Waldseemuller World Map

The 1507 world map by Martin Waldseemuller is often called "America's Birth Certificate," because it is the first document on which the name "America" appears. German Chancellor Angela Merkel officially transferred the map to the Library of Congress in April 2007. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer accepted the map on behalf of the U.S. government, and Merkel, Hoyer and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington delivered remarks at the ceremony.

Iranian Writers

Iranian novelist Moniro Ravanipour, author and publisher Babak Takhti, author Shahryar Mandanipour and playwright Ezzat Goushegir participated in a panel discussion on "Iranians Writing and Publishing Today, At Home and Aborad."

The Sama Ensemble

The Sama Ensemble performed traditional Iranian music and dance as part of the Homegrown Concert Series sponsored by the American Folklife Center.

"The War" Press Conference

The Library of Congress and the Veterans History Project held a joint press conference with PBS and Florentine Films to announce a partnership in connection with "The War," Ken Burns's World War II documentary television series.

British Printed Images to 1700

Michael Hunter discusses a collaborative project with the Centre for Computing in the Humanities at King's College London to produce a digital library of British printed images to 1700.

Mir Ali Shir Symposium: Panel 3

During the 15th century, Mir Ali Shir (1441-1501), who wrote under the name Navoi, was the major literary figure among the Central Asian Turkic peoples, the ancestors of today's Uzbeks. His life, work and legacy was the focus of a symposium held at the Library of Congress.

Mir Ali Shir Symposium: Panel 2

Mir Ali Shir Symposium: Panel 1

Mary Neighbour: Speak Right On

Award-winning writer Mary E. Neighbour discussed "Speak Right On," her novel about Dred Scott, the former slave at the heart of the landmark 1857 legal decision.

Yu Ying-shih: China's Return to Tradition

Distinguished historian Yu King-shih, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, presented talks titled "China's Return to Tradition: How to Interpret the New Forces Emerging in China." Yu discussed popular attitudes and scholarly inquiry in China that go beyond the tight constraints of party-controlled historical study since the 1940s.

Yu Ying-shih: China Rediscovers its Own History

Distinguished historian Yu Ying-shih, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, presented a talk on the current debate within the Chinese Communist Party on the roles that democracy, tradition, Confucianism and Maoism play in reinterpreting China's history, in light of the development of modern society and a burgeoning economy.

Food Politics

Marion Nestle, a New York University professor of nutrition, discussed "Food Politics: What to East in Today's Era of Food Anxiety" in a lecture sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Highlights of Japan-U.S. Relationship

The Asian Division hosted a symposium featuring discussion on the "Highlights of the Japan-U.S. Relationship: History, Cultural Exchange and Future Development."

Moises Naim on Hijacking the Global Economy

Moises Naim discussed his book "Illicit: How Smugglers, Traffickers and Copycats Are Hijacking the Global Economy"

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent I

The third panel of this symposium concerned "Women and Religion."

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent II

The third panel of this symposium concerned "Begums and Maharanis."

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent III

The third panel of this symposium concerned "Women Leaders in India's Independence Struggles."

Women Movers and Shakers in the Indian Subcontinent IV

The fourth panel of this symposium concerned "Women and Art."

Celebrating Rumi

The Library sponsored a poetry and music program with the Turkish Embassy titled "Celebrating Rumi: An Evening of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi's Poetry and Sufi Music with Whirling Dervishes."

Susan Hirsch Discusses Her Book on Terrorism and Grief

Anthropologist Susan F. Hirsch discussed her book, "In the Moment of Greatest Calamity: Terrorism, Grief and a Victim's Quest for Justice," in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Keynote, Women's History Month

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the newly restored House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, delivered the keynote address for the Library's Women's History Month.

Witter Bynner Fellowship Awardees Poetry Reading

Poet Laureate Donald Hall presents 2007 Witter Bynner Fellowship awardees Laurie Lamon and David Tucker, who read from their work in an event sponsored by the Poetry and Literature Center.

Caesarism in Democratic Politics: Reflections on Max Weber

President Emeritus of Stanford University Gerhard Casper talks about Caesarism in democratic politics. The concept of Caesarism, political absolutism or dictatorship, was of considerable importance to Max Weber, the German political economist and sociologist.

Stephen Grant on Diplomat Peter Strickland

Stephen H. Grant discussed his book "Peter Strickland: New London Shipmaster, Boston Merchant, First Consul to Senegal" in a program sponsored by the Center for the Book.

Real Estate Tips

Mark Nash discussed his book "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home" in a program sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division.

National Literary Society of the Deaf Becomes Center for the Book Promotion Partner

A program of public events at the Library marked the new partnership between the Center for the Book and the National Literary Society of the Deaf.

John Hope Franklin: Where Do We Go from Here?

Distinguished historian John Hope Franklin, recipient of the 2006 John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity, discussed the history of the African-American experience.

Sara Paretsky: Fire Sale

Author Sara Paretsky celebrated the 25th anniversary of the debut of her fictional private detective, V.I. Warshawski, with a discussion of her new book "Fire Sale."

Paul Orfalea: Copy This!

Paul Orfalea, founder of Kinko's, discussed his theories and instincts on how to succeed, in business and in life.

Douglas Wilson: Lincon's Sword

Leading Lincoln scholar Douglas L. Wilson discussed his new book, "Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words" in a program sponsored by the Center for the Book.

Middle East Journal II

Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Middle East Journal (afternoon sessions).

Middle East Journal I

Celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Middle East Journal (morning sessions).

James Baker: Foreign Policy and International Relations

Former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker III, who recently served as co-chair of the Iraq Study Group, delivered the fifth Kissinger Lecture on Foreign Policy and International Relations in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress.

Vaclav Havel: Dissidents and Freedom

Former Czech president Vaclav Havel conducts a forum on "Dissidents and Freedom," featuring eight dissidents and activists from around the world in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center.

Tim Harford: Undercover Economist

Tim Harford, a columnist at the Financial Times in London, discussed his recent book "The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich are Rich and the Poor are Poor -- and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!"

The Cellos of Stradivari

Cellists Richard Belcher, Enso String Quartet, and Steven Honigberg, along with sculptor/instrument collector Alfredo Halegua, luthier John Montgomery and Carol Lynn Ward-Bamford of the Library's Music Division presented a lecture on Stradivari's cellos.

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald

Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald (D-Calif.) delivered the 2007 African American History Month keynote address at the Library of Congress.

Poetry Readings: Eshleman and Corzo

The Library of Congress 2006 Literary season continues with Clayton Eshleman reading "The Complete Poetry of Cesar Vallejo." Eshleman, translator of the newly released "The Complete Poetry of Cesar Vallejo," reads poems in English and Peruvian businessman Gonzalo Corzo reads poems in Spanish.

End of the Cold War

James Goldgeier, the Henry Alfred Kissinger Scholar in Foreign Policy and International Relations in the John W. Kluge Center at the Library of Congress, presented a lecture titled "The End of the Cold War and the Struggle Over American Foreign Policy."

Poetry Readings: Kumin and McNair

The Library of Congress 2006 Literary Season continued with poetry readings from poets Maxine Kumin and Wesley McNair, two New England poets.

Leopold Sedar Senghor: Thinker, Statesman, Poet

Souleymane Bachir Diagne, professor of philosophy and religion at Northwestern University, discussed Senegal's first president (1960-1980) and one of the great French-language poets of the 20th century.

Exhibit Tour: Leopold Sedar Senghor

The Library's African and Middle Eastern Division Reading Room presents a special display of Senghor memorabilia featuring signed copies of Leopold Senghor's prolific works.

Warping Waldseemuller

John Hessler presents a lecture on the 1507 and 1516 world maps by Martin Waldseemuller in a program sponsored by the Library's Geography and Map Division.

The Data-PASS Project

Myron P. Gutmann, professor of history and director of the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the University of Michigan and the principal investigator of the Data-PASS partnership with the Library's National Digital Information Infrastructure and Preservation Program (www.digitalpreservation.gov), gives a briefing on how the project is acquiring and preserving at-risk digital opinion polls, voting records, large-scale surveys and other social science research data.

Terrorist Ideologies

Sociologist Neil J. Smelser presented a lecture titled "Why Are Terrorist Ideologies So Powerful" in a program sponsored by the John W. Kluge Center.

2006 Jay I. Kislak Lecture: Re-thinking Conquest: Spanish and Native Experiences in the Americas

British historian Felipe Fernandez-Armesto delivered the second annual Jay I. Kislak lecture titled "Re-Thinking Conquest: Spanish and Native Experiences in the Americas."

Poetry Readings: Cole, Rector, Harris

The Library of Congress 2006 Literary season continues with poetry readings from poets Henri Cole, Liam Rector and Judith Harris.

Economic Inequality

Economist Robert J. Shiller spoke on "What to Do About Worsening Economic Inequality: The Rising Tide Tax System and Other Proposals" in a program sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Weather Forecasting

Bob Ryan, chief meteorologist at NBC4 (WRC-TV), discussed weather forecasting in a lecture sponsored by the Library's Science, Technology and Business Division.

Women Who Dare

The seven authors of the Library of Congress "Women Who Dare" series, which celebrates the lives of remarkable women who have shaped American history, discussed their books in a program sponsored by the Library's Center for the Book.

National Geospatial Digital Archive

Larry Carver, director of Library Technologies and Digital Initiatives at the University of California, Santa Barbara, discusses the National Geospatial Digital Archive, a partnership of the Library of Congress, the University of California, Santa Barbara and Stanford University.

Using METS and MODS

Library of Congress specialists describe using METS and MODS to create XML standards-based digital library applications.

Writing About Music in a Time of Change

Tim Page, Pulitzer Prize winner and chief classical music critic for The Washington Post, delivered the 2006 Louis C. Elson Memorial Lecture in a program sponsored by the Library's Music Division and John W. Kluge Center.

International Religious Freedom

The John W. Kluge Center and the American Academy of Religion presented panel discussions on America's religious origins and on international religious freedom at the Library of Congress.

America's Religious Origins

The John W. Kluge Center and the American Academy of Religion presented panel discussions on America's religious origins and on international religious freedom at the Library of Congress.

Tunisia: Celebrating 50 Years of Women's Emancipation

This symposium featured presentations by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Alifa Chaabane Farouk, Hayet Laouni and Mounira Charrad. It was sponsored by the Library's African and Middle Eastern Division and the Embassy of Tunisia.

"Cartoon America" Exhibition Opens

A host of well-known publishers and cartoonists (including Jules Feiffer, Brian Walker, Ann Telnaes, Kevin Kallaugher) were on hand at the Library of Congress to celebrate the opening of "Cartoon America: Highlights from the Art Wood Collection of Cartoon and Caricature," a exhibition featuring 100 masterworks of the nation's most renown cartoonists.

The New American Cooking

Noted food writer Joan Nathan spoke about her latest book "The New American Cooking" in a program sponsored by the Science, Technology and Business Division. To complement her lecture, area chefs provided sample dishes. They were chef Cliff Wharton of TenPenh Restaurant, pastry chef Ann Amernick of Palena Restaurant and baker Mark Furstenberg of Bread Line.