In April, interactive technologies will make the Library of Congress and its collections more dynamic and accessible than ever. This Library of Congress Experience will offer “hands-on” interaction with rare cultural treasures in ways that inspire and engage.
Artifacts like the Waldseemüller map (the first to include the name “America”), the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible and original volumes from Thomas Jefferson’s Library will be virtually at your fingertips. You’ll be able to flip through their pages, magnify sections of interest and access commentary from the Library’s top experts-all on the same touch screen.
The Exhibitions
Exploring the Early Americas
Now open!
Location: Northwest Gallery, Second Floor, Thomas Jefferson Building
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Featuring the significant collection gathered over half a century by collector Jay I. Kislak, this exhibition delves into the early history and cultures of the Americas. These galleries reunite the Library’s 1507 Waldseemüller map with the cartographer’s 1516 Carta Marina in an interactive display enabling you to explore both maps and the knowledge they embody—specifically, the significance of depicting a world newly enlarged by the presence of the Western Hemisphere.
Thomas Jefferson’s Library
Now open!
This exhibition will enable you to immerse yourself in the mindset of one of our nation’s most revered thinkers. As you enter the re-created Thomas Jefferson Library, you’ll encounter the 6,487 books—more than 2,000 of which are original volumes—that represent Jefferson’s original Library and the foundation of the Library of Congress. This exhibition also offers you a unique opportunity to review Jefferson’s cataloging system and virtually explore select books while learning about the interests and ideas that shaped his thinking.
The Library of Congress Bible Collection
Now open!
Two of the Library’s greatest treasures, the Giant Bible of Mainz and the Gutenberg Bible, are displayed in separate cases, with a special new interactive station that explains their rarity and relative position in the history of the written word. Both volumes were produced in Mainz, Germany, in the mid-1450s; one is written by hand, in manuscript, while the other is the first book printed with movable metal type. The Library’s three-volume printed Gutenberg Bible is one of three perfect vellum copies in existence.
Creating the United States
Now open!
Gain a deeper understanding of the collaborative and creative process our Founding Fathers pursued in creating this nation. Innovative technology will reveal how historic drafts of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and Bill of Rights were forged out of insight, invention, creativity, collaboration and compromise. The exhibition will further provide you a context for understanding how these founding documents continue to play significant roles in our nation today.
Art & Architecture of the Thomas Jefferson Building
Now open!
Examine up close the magnificent art and architecture found within the Thomas Jefferson Building’s Great Hall. Strategically placed interactive stations will offer you a panoramic view of the space. Zoom in on architectural details and explore such features as the Minerva mosaic.
Tools to Personalize Your Experience
Passport to Knowledge
Available in December 2008
Starting April 12, a Passport to Knowledge will help you navigate the onsite Experience, offering you an audio tour to the “greatest hits.” Later in 2008, the Passport to Knowledge will incorporate individual barcodes, allowing you to bookmark areas of interest as you move through each exhibition space. Once returning home, you will be able to access your personal collections on myLOC.gov, seamlessly integrating your onsite and online experiences, and allowing you to continue exploring the Library’s vast resources online.
Knowledge Quest
Available in December 2008
With the Passport to Knowledge you can also play Knowledge Quest—a game-based learning adventure accessible onsite and virtually through myLOC.gov. You’ll be asked to solve riddles and puzzles tied to specific Library artifacts, architectural details or exhibitions.
myLOC.gov
Now Available
A new interactive Web site will allow you to personalize your experience by bookmarking areas of interest online and encourage you to continue your exploration of the Library’s collections by connecting you with digital content from your in-person visit. Later in the year, the site will also enable you to play and complete your Knowledge Quest by providing the final game questions and awards.
