Augusta County Historical Society offers Library of Congress tour

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library and the repository of a remarkable collection of photos, maps, recordings and historical items.  Now the Augusta County Historical Society has made special arrangements for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of this great library and its collections.

The Society is offering a one day trip by bus to Washington and the rare opportunity to tour and become immersed in the oldest federal cultural institution in the nation. The tour leaves Staunton by bus at 6:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, and returns about 9 the same day.  Participants will take an exclusive morning guided tour of the Jefferson Building, the architectural jewel of the Library of Congress.  They will also go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the image collection that afternoon with Helena Zinkham, head of the Library’s Photographic Department.  Participants will also have time to explore other exhibits and collections in the spectacular Library.

The exclusive trip will cost $65 for members of the Society and $75 for non-members.  Space is limited for the tour.  Fee does not include meals.  Time will be available for lunch in the Library of Congress cafeteria, and a stop will be made on the return for dinner in Manassas.

For information or to reserve a seat, contact the Society at 540-248-4151 or email [email protected].

The Library of Congress was established in 1800 to meet the research needs of Congress. While that remains a primary mission, it has expanded to become far more than a library. The Library has 21 reading rooms and an extensive website to provide access to the world’s largest collection of manuscripts, photographs, films, maps, sound recordings, drawings, posters and other visual records.  From presidential papers to comic books, the Library keeps, preserves and makes available a vast record of American culture.

The ACHS was founded in 1964 to study, collect, preserve, publish, educate about, and promote the history of Augusta County and its communities. The society marked its 50th year in 2014 and is now beginning its second half-century. More information is available online at www.augustacountyhs.org.