The origin of curry, the saucy, spiced dish celebrated in India and Great Britain, is not exactly known. But it is now thought that similarly spiced dishes were developed concurrently, but independent of each other, in England and in India thanks to the spice routes that spanned from Asia and into Europe. Exotic spices like turmeric and pepper made their way into England during the conquests of the Romans in 40 AD and the Moors in 711 AD, and came in handy during Middle Ages when high...| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
What do you do when you are out and about and have a craving for a quick snack? Shoppers, picnickers, theatregoers, or someone simply out for a stroll in the more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
“When did I get my first TV? When I was eight?” *Mom laughs* “More like when you were one…” Family and technology have always been in the picture for me. more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
My name’s Dawson, and over the summer I worked as an intern at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Library in DC. I’m currently an Art History and Visual Culture more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Camping, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors are common summer pastimes. This trade catalog from 1919 shows how visitors in the early 20th Century might have explored the wonders of Yellowstone more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Zoological Gardens and Aquariums Ephemera Collection began as an all-call for interesting memorabilia relating to zoos, aquariums, gardens, or the societies that support such institutions. Many items were received, more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The color blue has had a long history in the Western world. The ever-changing role of blue has been used in bookbinding and the book arts to color manuscripts, maps, more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
It’s interesting to think of how much of our everyday culture goes unnoticed, lost to time and simple decomposition. The newspaper someone tossed yesterday turns to mush in a landfill more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
As we gear up for the upcoming school year, the Education Team at Smithsonian Libraries and Archives wants to remind you of our growing fleet of Traveling Trunks! These interactive educational more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the fifth in a series of ongoing blog posts from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI), spotlighting the labor of Smithsonian media collections staff across more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This exhibition and blog post were curated and written by Joana Stillwell. Sonic Strategies in the Library accompanies the newly opened exhibition Musical Thinking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Gardens provide us food, sustenance, exercise, and pleasure. Gardens also require a lot of work. It takes time, energy, and patience to grow a garden. In the early 20th century, more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Daughters of America is a book in our Digital Library that I find myself turning to time and again when researching blog posts or highlighting 19th-century women on our social media more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Trophies, cups, and plaques. These are typical awards that might be presented at a ceremony today. How were these types of awards designed in the past? Are there similarities or more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is part of a series of posts from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ spotlighting Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative’s (AVMPI) new staff members. You can also read about their Audio Preservation more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Preservation Team recently had the opportunity to participate in a three-day workshop exploring various binding techniques for atlas structures at our Book Conservation Lab in Landover, more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Trade Literature Collection covers a multitude of subjects. As might be expected, many of the catalogs advertise products. These might be items such as clothing, furniture, bicycles, or even more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
May 25th, 12 pm ET Register via Zoom Celebrate Dr. Sally K. Ride’s birthday and get excited for the 40th anniversary of her momentous space mission with our next AVMPI more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
We are pleased to announce that Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Director Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty will receive an honorary doctoral degree from Simmons University on Friday, May 19, 2023. Director Tamar was more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the fourth in a series of ongoing blog posts from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI), spotlighting the labor of Smithsonian media collections staff across more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
It seems as if libraries have always had the challenge of shelving more books in less space. How did libraries in the late 19th century deal with space constraints? One more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives exhibition, Nature of the Book, looks at the natural materials and evolving techniques in bookbinding from 1450-1850 as illustrated by our collections. As the exhibition more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the third in a series of ongoing blog posts from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI), spotlighting the labor of Smithsonian media collections staff across more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents recently appointed Evelyn Dilsaver, Cathy Heron and David H. Lipsey to the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Advisory Board. They join 17 prominent community and more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
In the early 20th Century, a knock on the door might have come from a salesperson offering the latest in cosmetics or household supplies. How did salespeople at that time more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
It’s an enormous opportunity and a personal thrill to join the pan-Institutional Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI). I’m excited to explore and work with some of the collections our team more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
In the series called “The ABCs of the Corcoran Artist Files” the American Art and Portrait Gallery (AA/PG) Library will explore artists through the materials from the recent Corcoran Vertical File Collection donation more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the second in a series of ongoing blog posts from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI), spotlighting the labor of Smithsonian media collections staff across more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Two men set off to ascend a mountain located in Colorado called Pikes Peak. Their transportation was a vehicle called the Locomobile, and this trade catalog traces their journey on more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This Black History Month, we’re excited to introduce the #FunnList: a spotlight on Black women in science from Smithsonian history. The Funn List builds off the Smithsonian Funk List, the more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
February 28th, 7 pm ET Register via Zoom Zines are celebrations of self-expression. These unique documents often combine first-person narratives and frank opinion pieces with interviews, reviews, and musings on more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Interested in exploring books and archives dating back to the 13th century? Join our summer rare book school! The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, in collaboration with UCLA’s California Rare Book more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ new exhibition, “Nature of the Book“, explores the use of natural materials in books from the hand-press era, from the mid-1400s through the mid-1800s. One of more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
As a new year begins, the idea of sorting or reorganizing files might be running through our minds. Without the use of computers, how were important records filed or accessed more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Every recording saved is a story rediscovered. The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives recently launched the Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI) to describe, preserve, and provide access to audiovisual collections across the Smithsonian. more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
We’re excited to announce a new round of internships for Summer 2023. These opportunities provide hands-on experience in a range of subject areas and are open to both undergraduate and more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
It’s been a busy year! Indulge us as we take a trip down memory lane and highlight our top blog posts of 2022. In no particular order, here are five more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
It is nearly impossible to go through a holiday season and not view some rendition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, whether it be in writing, on the stage, or more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The first in a series of ongoing blog posts from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative, spotlighting the labor of Smithsonian media collections staff. With millions of exceptional more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Imagine riding through a landscape blanketed in snow. Whether it’s a family outing, a trip to deliver goods, or simply a pleasure ride, this early 20th Century sleigh catalog includes more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
We’re celebrating new publications, exciting exhibitions, and the festive holiday season with another round of digital jigsaw puzzles. This collection of images highlights a few winter favorites as well as more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott features more than 250 exquisite reproductions of Walcott’s celebrated watercolors of wildflower life. Edited by Pamela Henson, this more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
To celebrate November 21 as World Television Day, staff from the Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative (AVMPI) have aggregated 100 of their favorite online Smithsonian collection items about TV. Take a more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we might be thinking of delicious food. Or perhaps we are realizing how much time it will take to prepare such a meal. Modern more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
In the throes of my first year of pre-pandemic teaching, when I was fresh and green and hardly older (or taller!) than my students, the term Information Literacy meant something more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Wesley Chenault has been appointed Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives and Programs of the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. In this inaugural role, Chenault will oversee outreach, communications, education and exhibitions. more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Join us for a virtual tour on Tuesday, November 15th! The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives presents a new exhibition, “Nature of the Book,” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
“It’s alive!” During the spooky season celebrated around Halloween, decorations and costumes of classic pop culture creatures abound, like Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein’s monster himself. Our modern conception of more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
During American Archives Month, we’re highlighting the work of our Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative in a series of posts. This is the third post in the series. As a kid growing more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Open Access Week is the perfect excuse to talk about a favorite topic of mine—making Smithsonian research more open! A couple years ago, I wrote a post about a Tableau more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Trade Literature Collection gives us a small glimpse into the past. It includes catalogs on a variety of topics, including undertakers’ supplies. These catalogs illustrate coffins, grave guards, and more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
During American Archives Month, we’re highlighting the work of our Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative in a series of posts. This is the second post in the series. 263,663! 293,586! 694,539? more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
In preparation for a Chinese Object Study Workshop hosted by the National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) in late August, I selected a sutra in the Freer and Sackler Library more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
During American Archives Month, we’re highlighting the work of our Audiovisual Media Preservation Initiative in a series of posts. This is the first post in the series. Smithsonian Institution Archives, more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
What does it take to paint a wildflower that blooms for a single day in a deep forest? For Mary Vaux Walcott, it involved spending up to seventeen hours a more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Imagine a beautiful seaside town view, of foaming waves crashing against the coast as the sun shines brightly and sailboats can be seen far in the distance. Heat shines down more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives, together with the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, are excited to announce the publication of a new comic mini-zine about the work of musician and more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
During my time in the Kathryn Turner Diversity and Technology Internship, I worked with my mentor to create a program/software that would take completed projects from the Smithsonian Transcription Center more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
If you were sick at the turn of the 20th Century, a doctor might have visited you at home. This was called a house call. But to do this, doctors more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Recently, the American Art and Portrait Gallery Library received a generous donation of Arion Press books from the collection of Dr. Ronnyjane Goldsmith. The Arion Press, founded in 1963, blends more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Nothing about the Smithsonian Institution can be described as small, especially the impact of its staff. As an intern with the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives Summer Scholars’ Program in the more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Previously, we have shared one stream of Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ linked data experiments, Wikidata, which is based on a Wiki platform. In this post, we share another linked data more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This September, the National Museum of African American History and Culture celebrates its sixth anniversary. When it first opened, our National Museum of African American History and Culture Library, housed more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This post was contributed by Isabella Buzynski, 2022 Summer Scholars intern with the American Art and Portrait Gallery (AA/PG) Library. Isabella is currently attending the University of Michigan School of Information more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Today, on the Smithsonian’s birthday, we are pleased to celebrate the launch of a new, refreshed, and greatly expanded web exhibition, Smithson to Smithsonian. Explore Smithson to Smithsonian today! The more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Can a particular kind of retail furniture help grocers save money and prevent food waste? In a World War I era trade catalog, Sherer-Gillett Co. promotes a piece of furniture more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
As a current graduate student studying for my Master’s in Library and Information Science, I have a passion for digital archives and information organization. Throughout my own research, I have more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the fifth part of a series sharing Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ work with linked open data and Wikidata. For background and overview of current projects, see the first several posts in more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
As a Master of Library and Information Science student at the University of Southern Mississippi School of Library and Information Science, I have learned that Information Literacy is a critical more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Over the course of 175 years, the Smithsonian has grown to encompass 21 museums and nearly a dozen research centers—becoming a global organization working across history, culture, and science. How more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Recently, I stumbled across a trade catalog that made me pause. As I looked at its vibrantly illustrated front cover, I thought of relaxing, summer days at the beach. It more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Join the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives at the Smithsonian National Education Summit on July 27th-28th, 2022. This is a free, two-day, online and in-person program hosted by the Smithsonian for more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives and the Smithsonian’s Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage open a new exhibition, “Music HerStory: Women and Music of Social Change” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Will you be in Washington, DC for the American Libraries Association Annual Conference and Exhibition this June? If so, we look forward to meeting you! The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives will more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
At first glance, this trade catalog appears to be typical. It provides general information for steamship travelers. But as I turned to the last few pages, I stumbled across something more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Dr. Jason Cavallari is an intern with the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives in pursuit of a certificate in Digital Humanities from George Mason University. He is also an administrator and more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
1996 marked the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution. It was also in that year that the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) published Asian Pacific American Resources at the Smithsonian. This more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the fourth part of a series sharing Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ work with linked open data and Wikidata. For background and overview of current projects, see the first several posts in more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
When it comes to building a new home, there are so many things to consider. Should it be multi-level or one floor? Will it have a basement? Do you want more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Serena Katherine “Violet” Dandridge (1878-1956) was one of the Smithsonian’s first female scientific illustrators and a supporter of women’s suffrage. Dandridge grew up in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and moved to Washington, more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Between 1849 and 1851, Johan George Heck published his encyclopedia Bilder-Atlas zum Conversations-Lexicon and the work continues to offer valuable insight into life in the 19th-century. With over 12,000 individual more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
To celebrate National Library Week and a new spring season, we’ve put together another round of digital jigsaw puzzles. This time we’re featuring a variety of soothing natural history-related scenes. more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Before we had online circulation systems, barcodes on books, and automated due date reminders, libraries used paper-based systems for everyday tasks. This required book cards, book pockets, charging trays, and more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Last month, the Smithsonian Libraries and Archives hosted Women at Work, which celebrated the lives and work of women both past and present, as well as challenged attendees to advocate more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This is the third part of a series sharing Smithsonian Libraries and Archives’ work with linked open data and Wikidata. For background and overview of current projects, see the first two more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Mark your calendar for this year’s Adopt-a-Book events! Join us on April 20th and April 26th, 2022 for a closer look at our collections and the opportunity to support their more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Today the task of laundry is simple. We load machines with clothes, add laundry detergent and softener, and check settings. But essentially, the modern washing machine and dryer do the more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
In a love letter to his apartment, Xavier de Maistre writes of his walls, windows, and furniture in Journey Round My Room, as if he would rather be there than more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This post was written by Katie Wagner, Senior Book Conservator, David Holbert, Digital Imaging Specialist, and Jacqueline E. Chapman, Head, Digital Library and Digitization. Learn more about the diaries of more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Curious what might life have really been like for two wealthy, unattached New York City sisters at the turn of the 20th century? Fictional sisters Ada and Agnes from HBO’s more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Fannie Merritt Farmer, who was born in 1857, suffered a paralytic stroke in her teenage years that stalled her dreams of a formal education. After she regained the ability to more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Argentine grass expert Dr. Cleofé E. Calderón (1929-2007) collected species, published descriptions of rare and unusual plants, and led workshops that helped shape the field of bamboo taxonomy. Affiliated with more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This post is part of our Smithsonian Libraries and Archives & Wikidata series. Over the past two years, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives has embarked on a linked data journey along more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Today in the 21st Century, we have several options for shopping. Two options that might immediately come to mind are visiting stores to shop in person or ordering online from more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
When the Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building reopened in November 2021, it launched FUTURES, an ambitious, interactive exploration of what lies ahead for humanity. This building-wide exhibition is on view more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Calling all coloring enthusiasts! #ColorOurCollections is back for 2022 and we have ten new coloring pages just for you. Whether you want to bring polychromatic glory to old black-and-white photos more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
Smithsonian Libraries and Archives recently welcomed Tamar Evangelestia-Dougherty as our inaugural director. Join us as we get to know the new leader of our organization! 1.) What is your more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives is pleased to announce a significant acquisition of fine press books published by the Arion Press in San Francisco. Thanks to a gift from Dr. Ronnyjane more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating and disproportionate effect on working women, especially those of color and in the LGBTQ+ community. But even before the pandemic “overtook the globe in more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
This post is part of our Smithsonian Libraries and Archives & Wikidata series. Libraries have created and curated metadata that describes their collections for a very long time. It is more »| Smithsonian Libraries and Archives / Unbound
