Collecting memories: treasures from the Library of Congress

Abstract

"Memory formation, memorialization, collective history, and knowledge of the known world are guided by individuals and their cultures. Collecting Memories explores the ways people have preserved their history, culture, and personal recollections in a variety of artifacts, including letters, diaries, photographs, maps, books, quilts, rugs, murals, scrolls, and monuments. This book accompanies the inaugural exhibition in the David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery in the Library of Congress's Thomas Jefferson Building. The gallery is dedicated to sharing rare and important works created across the globe and housed in every corner of the world's largest library"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Memorialization and commemoration -- Personal narrative -- Homeland -- Recording and retelling -- Collected stories, collective experience -- Mechanics of memory -- Compendium of knowledge -- Guiding memory.