by Kayla Robinson | Jul 14, 2023 | Publications
The Clements Library has been a functioning rare book library for a century. Over the century we’ve had researchers, memories, and overall developments. There’s no way to talk about all of that — but here’s some highlights as we think about our...
by Kayla Robinson | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
The Centennial is a celebration of the William L. Clements Library, but it is also a story of the philanthropy of the people who have bolstered the building, collections, and programs through their generosity. This, of course, starts with Mr. Clements himself....
by Kayla Robinson | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
Manuscripts The Clements recently acquired the 19-item Crow Creek Agency Collection, focusing on a Native American boarding school in Crow Creek, South Dakota. Included is a program for the 1892 Christmas celebration, which lists songs and recitations performed by the...
by Kayla Robinson | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
Maps have always been an integral part of the library’s collections, starting with Mr. Clements’ early acquisitions prior to his gift to the University. Because maps reflect time, place, and author’s intent, some research themes can prove more elusive for older...
by Kayla Robinson | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
We all love sea serpents, and we all love mysteries. And a recently acquired example of great lithography ticks both of those boxes. Sea Serpent Polka, composed by Moritz Strakosch (-1887). Louis Xavier Magny and Louis Audibert, lithographers. New Orleans, [1850s]. I...
by Clements Library | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
Years ago I had the honor of volunteering at the Clements to identify and describe historical bindings in the collection—a real delight to do so—every book held some joyful surprise. In 2007 we used the title “Elegant to Eccentric: Bindings from the Main Room of the...
by Clements Library | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
The papers of British General Thomas Gage have been the most queried, requested, researched, and otherwise utilized materials at the William L. Clements Library—from their arrival at the Library in 1937 to the present day. A National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH)...
by Clements Library | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
To pick up a needle and thread requires a great deal of minding. Mind the needle— it’s sharp. Mind the fabric— it shifts. Mind the thread—it tangles. Oh reader, does it tangle. If you have not held that delightfully simple tool in your hands, you may be surprised at...
by Kayla Robinson | Jul 12, 2023 | Publications
Curators and librarians try hard to be as neutral as possible, to approach historical materials as something we’re dedicated to describing, preparing for use, and stewarding. But occasionally, something happens that just makes you plain mad. The story that always gets...
