"Iconographic Encyclopaedia of Science, Literature, and Art" was translated and updated by Spencer Baird, a man who would become the Smithsonian's second Secretary. Much like our very own Institution, it covered topics from art to zoology. Today, a new digital edition helps brings its knowledge to 21st-century viewers.
For National Library Week, explore the tools of a vintage library circulation desk. In 1918, they might not have had computers to circulate and track library books, but their paper-based systems were well-thought out. Listening carefully and you can almost hear the "ca-thunk" of the due date stamp!
The Smithsonian Libraries and Archives' Adopt-a-Book Salons offer a chance to take a closer look at our collections and the opportunity to support their preservation and acquisition. William Bennett previews one intriguing item that will be available.
This mid-19th century advertising circular proposes a new idea for doing laundry. What it lacks in detailed description, it makes up for with powerful testimonials.
Two years ago, we all got better acquainted with our domestic surroundings. “Journey Round My Room” was first written by Xavier de Maistre in the 18th century. A recently acquired 2007 edition includes photos and a specially crafted box by Ross Anderson. The end result is a beautiful artist's book that turns a quarantine into an exploration.
Earlier this week, Smithsonian Libraries and Archives launched a new Smithsonian Transcription Center project to transcribe the diaries of Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt. Curious how these well-loved diaries made their way from our library shelf to your computer screen? Conservation and digitization staff describe the work that goes on behind-the-scenes to make these volumes available:
David Holbert
,
Jacqueline E. Chapman
&
Katie Wagner
Sisters Sarah and Eleanor Hewitt founded the Cooper Union Museum for the Arts of Decoration, which would later become Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. These Gilded Age sisters traveled extensively, documenting their journeys in a series of journals. Recently digitized, a few of the diaries are now available for you to read and transcribe from home.
Fannie Farmer joined the staff of the Boston Cooking School shortly after graduating. Just 2 years later, she became its principal. Her "The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book" is a classic, combining recipes and simplified science. Plus, a whole chapter on pies
Grass expert Dr. Cleofé E. Calderón worked with the Smithsonian for most of her career. She collected species, published descriptions of rare and unusual plants, and led workshops that helped shape the field of bamboo taxonomy. She also rediscovered a rare grass species not seen by scientists for nearly a century.
"Sports suits" and "suspender skirts" might not be the focus of New York Fashion Week but we're enjoying the vintage charm found in a Smithsonian Trade Literature Collection from the early 20th century
