Historical Event I chose to write about took place in 2024 while we were researching historical events at the Library of Congress and National Archives.
Library of Congress 2024 It was the trip of a lifetime—a pilgrimage, really. Not to some distant land, but to the Library of Congress and the National Archives, where my sweet hubby and I would lay our hands on actual historical documents. Civil War pension files, crumbling with age and authority, waiting for us to whisper over them in awe. If history had a scent, I imagined it smelled like a mix of old leather, parchment, and a faint whiff of bureaucracy.
Of course, before we could bask in the glory of primary sources, we had to get there. And that, dear reader, was its own battle. Washington, D.C., in all its historical majesty, is also a labyrinth of traffic, unexpected detours, and sidewalks that seem determined to test one’s commitment to research. We set out from our hotel armed with enthusiasm, Google Maps, and the kind of naïve optimism that only tourists possess. We walked—because surely, it couldn’t be that far, right? Oh, how wrong we were, but we made it.
The journey to the Library of Congress became an unintentional history tour, complete with wrong turns, awe-inspiring architecture, and a growing appreciation for just how much walking our ancestors must have done. By the time we arrived, slightly winded but triumphant, the very air felt weighty with wisdom. My husband and I exchanged giddy glances. We were here. We had made it. We were touching history! And then we were immediately reminded of the rules. No pens, no bags unless the absolute right size (and they measured my bag to be sure I didn't exceed the requirements), no liquids, and for heaven’s sake, do not sneeze on the documents. Noted.
Library of Congress 2024 Hours passed in what felt like mere minutes. We were knee-deep in research, completely immersed, until a grumbling stomach reminded us that even dedicated historians need lunch. Emerging from the Archives, blinking into the daylight, we realized we had just spent the better part of a day on a journey through history. It had been thrilling, overwhelming, and slightly chaotic, but absolutely perfect.
| Library of Congress 2024 |
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| Excited to finally reach the research area |
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| Our Library Cards to access Library of Congress |
At the National Archives, the experience took on a reverent tone. Holding a Civil War pension file that had once passed through the hands of clerks, widows, and weary veterans felt like a privilege. My heart skipped a beat as I traced my ancestor’s name, written in a long-ago hand. It was a connection across time, a thread binding us to the past. To touch these records and see the stains and smell the ink is an event we'll not soon forget.
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| National Archive Records And then we did it all over again the next day. Because one day of historical deep-diving wasn’t enough, and we needed to reimburse ourselves for any details we may have missed. Another day of walking, another day of awe, and another day of standing in silent reverence as we connected with our past. Our trip to D.C. wasn’t just a research mission—it was an adventure. One filled with historical wonders, aching feet, and the deep joy of touching our own family’s past. And if anyone needs advice on the best places to stop for coffee between the Library of Congress and NARA, I now consider myself a novice. AND we will go back again in 2025 God willing. That's a wrap for this weeks prompt: Historical Event Next week #13: Home Sweet Home Keeping family stories alive Barbara |
It is wonderful to be able to do research in Washington DC. I fortunately have a daughter who lives in the area. I am glad you enjoyed the experience.
ReplyDeleteColleen, thank you for reading about our experience. It was truly amazing. We are planning a trip back this spring, early summer. I'm very excited to be going back. How fortunate indeed to have your daughter living in the area.
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