Take a close look at the collection of images above (.pdf). What common theme can you identify? Note similarities and differences between the images. Now take a look at the bibliographic records of each image by clicking the links below. What is the function of the main object in each image? Choose one of these and investigate how the object was used in the past and if it is still used today. Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 What types of tasks can you envision the main … [Read more...]
Primary Source Spotlight: Architecture
Architecture primary source set Library architecture collections American Treasures of the Library of Congress: Architecture & Design Architecture, Design, and Engineering Drawings collection Brumfield Collection images of the architecture of the Russian North, including Siberia Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South collection Gottscho-Schleisner Collection U.S. architectural styles and trends Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering … [Read more...]
NHD 2015: CMHEC Topic Ideas – Economics, Science, and Art, Architecture & Design
Below you will find Library of Congress resources curated by TPS-Barat that relate to National History Day 2015 topic ideas from the Chicago Metro History Education Center. This set specifically focuses on the economy, scientific innovation, art, architecture, and design but all topic ideas are related to the 2015 NHD theme: Leadership & Legacy in History. Links to more NHD and CMHEC content follow this resource list. NOTE: historical newspaper coverage is from 1836-1922 Economy The … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Cornell-Liberty Safety Car
Look closely at the drawing and use a magnifying glass to decipher the notes. What did you learn? What safety features are recommended? Use the two articles linked to below to create a Brief History of Motor Vehicle Safety in the United States; you may choose to write an article or develop a timeline, infographic, or illustrated panel story. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act Encyclopædia Britannica Understanding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) US … [Read more...]
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Steam engine, cam ring & hammer shaft
Use a magnifying glass to study the details of this design drawing? What did you learn? What types of skills do you need to have to be an industrial designer? What similar types of skills do you have? Imagine a new industrial product and sketch the design. How will this product advance industry? What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know! … [Read more...]
Today in History: Benjamin Henry Latrobe
Today in History–May 1–the Library of Congress features Benjamin Henry Latrobe, born on this day in 1764. Find out more about early American engineer and architect who helped plan the U.S. Capitol and the White House and many more influential buildings by visiting the Today in History section, then follow the links below to access primary sources about Latrobe and architecture. Benjamin Henry Latrobe drawings & plans Benjamin Henry Latrobe correspondence Benjamin Henry Latrobe … [Read more...]
Today in History: Raymond Loewy
Today in History–March 22–the Library of Congress features industrial designer Raymond Loewy, who presented his designs for a sleek roadster he called the Avanti to the Studebaker Corporation on this day in 1961. Loewy designed cars for other companies too as well as locomotives and a wide assortment of both industrial and consumer products. Learn more about "father of industrial design" by visiting the Today in History section, then take a look at this Exxon company logo and the sources … [Read more...]