Washington, DC History & Culture

THIS IS AN IN-PERSON EVENT IN WASHINGTON, DC.

Come join us to celebrate the holidays at the Library of Congress. This is our third year to take in the treasures of the Library of Congress and then to share lunch and a book exchange at the Madison Cafe in the Madison Building. Even if you have participated before, please come. There are some new exhibits to see and the book exchange has always been a lively and enjoyable event! Maybe you can bring the book you took home last year!

This year the event will be run a bit differently. I can do only one visit (unlike the previous years when I offered two). I'm trying a new system to allow as many people who want to attend to attend. Please read through the entire description of the event.

I won't be doing a formal tour but will guide you through the Library. If you are joining with your own entry pass, I will post updates in Meetup as we move through the Library so you can find and join us.

WHAT WE WILL SEE: This walk through will introduce you to the basic elements of the Jefferson Building and the Madison Building. After entering the Jefferson Building and checking our items into the cloak room, we will move to the Main Floor. If you are interested in doing the walk though for the Reading Room, you will acquire your own pass.

If you wish to do the walk through, please see the information below about the special requirements for doing so. There are very strict requirements as to what you can bring into the Reading Room. You should plan accordingly.

We will view the Gutenberg Bible and the Great Hall, and, if open, the Librarian’s Ceremonial Office.

We will move up to the Second Floor to see the Main Reading Room Overlook, the Minerva Mosaic (and her crazy feet), the holiday Exhibit, the view of the U.S. Capitol, Thomas Jefferson’s Library. We will take in two exhibits: Collecting Memories: Treasures from the Library of Congress and The Two Georges: Parallel Lives in an Age of Revolution. Please note that the Collecting Memories exhibit closes at the end of 2025; it will be your last chance to see the artifacts from President's Lincoln's pockets on the night he was assassinated.

We will regroup around 11:45. We will pick up our items from the cloakroom and then use the tunnels to walk to the Madison Building for lunch and the book exchange at the 6th floor Madison Cafe. After lunch, there is a final surprise stop in the Madison Building if you’re willing to see one more thing!

HOW TO GET YOUR ENTRY PASS: I have 19 passes for the 10am entry. You are allowed to bring one guest. (If you want more than one guest pass, they will have to get it through the reservation link below.)

Reservations will open up for those passes on December 1st.

However, if you want to guarantee that you receive a pass, you can order your own NOW directly on the Library of Congress's website. You should try to get the 10am slot, but if that is full, getting a 10:15 or 10:30 would work. You can meet us inside. https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1038417/timedentry-ticket-reservations-washington-thomas-jefferson-building

THE BOOK EXCHANGE: The book exchange occurs during lunch. To participate in the book exchange that will occur during our lunch at the Madison Cafe (your expense) please bring a new or used, hardback or softcover book that is appropriate to share.

After lunch, we will make the exchange (following a convoluted and I hope entertaining process that I will walk you through). You are welcome to attend the lunch even if you do not participate in the book exchange.

WAIT LIST: If a wait list develops, people from the wait list will be moved automatically to the attending list if spots become available on the attending list. If you are put on the wait list, keep your eye on communications from Meetup as you will receive a notification that you're attending.

REMEMBER YOU CAN GET YOUR OWN ENTRY PASS. If you acquire your own entry pass, you do not have to RSVP here. If you have a Reader Card, you can use that to enter and then meet us inside. Just let us know in the comments if you plan to attend with your own pass (for planning purposes).

If your plans change and you have requested one of my 19 tickets, please keep your RSVP current.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

GETTING THERE: https://www.loc.gov/visit/directions/. If you plan to take Metro, be sure to check for any service disruptions the day of: https://www.wmata.com/service/index.cfm.

MEETING POINT: We will meet between 9:30 and 10:00am outside the the Visitor Entrance of the Thomas Jefferson Building on First Street SE between Independence Ave and East Capitol Street. Our entry time is 10:00am, so please plan accordingly to arrive no later than 9:45am. We have to enter the building together at 10am.

If you do not meet us outside, keep looking at the comments on Meetup. I will post where we are so you can find us.

SECURITY: All visitors must navigate “airport-like” security to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building; personal belongings and bags will be subject to a thorough search. Bags will also be searched upon your exit.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: There is a cloakroom available on the Ground Floor of the Thomas Jefferson Building.

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THE READING ROOM: The Reading Room has restrictions on what you can bring into the Room, including coats, oversized bags, and umbrellas. You can check non-permitted items at the cloakroom if you want to enter the Reading Room. For the restrictions, see Personal Belongings Restrictions at the Library of Congress, including items not allowed in Research Areas.

ACCESSIBILITY: Library of Congress buildings are fully accessible.

HEALTH CONCERNS: This event is mask-friendly.

CANCELLATION: If the event has to be cancelled due to weather or circumstances beyond my control, I will try to give as much advance notice as possible.

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions, please reach out to me via direct message in Meetup or email at savemytourspot@gmail.com. I will respond as soon as I can.

I look forward to seeing you there to help celebrate the Library of Congress and our holiday book exchange!

MaryBeth

Eleanor Roosevelt - Birthday Celebration and Film History Livestream - Hosted by Robert Kelleman

Let's celebrate First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's 138th birthday - born October 11, 1884.
This is a special program where we'll explore Eleanor's fascinating life and inspiring career, and we'll do it through the context of the Eleanor Roosevelt PBS documentary "American Experience".

Before the screening there will be a brief 15-20 minute overview of the film including historical context, plot summary, things to look for, accuracy, etc.
During and after the screening there will be an opportunity to discuss the film with your fellow participants via Zoom.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
Eleanor Roosevelt struggled to overcome an unhappy childhood, betrayal in her marriage, a controlling mother-in-law, and gripping depressions — all the while staying true to her passion for social justice. This biography includes rare home movies, contemporary footage, and reflections from Eleanor’s closest surviving relatives, as well as biographers Blanche Wiesen Cook, Allida Black, and Geoffrey C. Ward, bringing to vibrant life one of the century’s most influential women.

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (October 11, 1884 - November 7, 1962) was an American political figure, diplomat, and activist. She served as the first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms in office, making her the longest-serving first lady of the United States. Roosevelt served as United States Delegate to the United Nations General Assembly from 1945 to 1952. President Harry S. Truman later called her the "First Lady of the World" in tribute to her human rights achievements.
Roosevelt was a member of the prominent American Roosevelt and Livingston families and a niece of President Theodore Roosevelt. She married her fifth cousin once removed, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, in 1905. She persuaded Franklin to stay in politics after he was stricken with a paralytic illness in 1921, which cost him the normal use of his legs, and began giving speeches and appearing at campaign events in his place. Following Franklin's election as Governor of New York in 1928, and throughout the remainder of Franklin's public career in government, Roosevelt regularly made public appearances on his behalf; and as First Lady, while her husband served as president, she significantly reshaped and redefined the role.
Though widely respected in her later years, Roosevelt was a controversial first lady at the time for her outspokenness. She was the first presidential spouse to hold regular press conferences, write a daily newspaper column, write a monthly magazine column, host a weekly radio show, and speak at a national party convention. On a few occasions, she publicly disagreed with her husband's policies. She advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, and the rights of World War II refugees. Following her husband's death in 1945, Roosevelt remained active in politics for the remaining 17 years of her life. She pressed the United States to join and support the United Nations and became its first delegate. She served as the first chair of the UN Commission on Human Rights and oversaw the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By the time of her death, Roosevelt was regarded as "one of the most esteemed women in the world"; The New York Times called her "the object of almost universal respect" in her obituary.

***

Zoom Connection Link
Click (or Copy and Paste) and Follow the Instructions:
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Meeting ID: 892 1154 5078
Passcode: 154121
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Connecting a few minutes early is recommended.
If you experience any technical issues please restart your Zoom session and/or your device.
When all else fails please follow the directions.

***

Your host for this program is Robert Kelleman, the founder/director of the non-profit community organizations Washington, DC History & Culture and Texas History & Culture.

Washington, DC History & Culture
A non-profit community organization.
Experience the history and culture of Washington, DC - and the world!

YouTube Previously Recorded Programs:
http://www.Youtube.com/c/WashingtonDCHistoryCulture

Donations Support Our Non-Profit Community Programs - Thank You!
PayPal: DCHistoryAndCulture@gmail.com
Venmo: @DCHistoryAndCulture
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d29491c0

We look forward to seeing you. Thanks!

Robert Kelleman
rkelleman@yahoo.com
202-821-6325 (text only)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkelleman/

MacArthur: Gregory Peck as General Douglas MacArthur - Film History Livestream - Hosted by Robert Kelleman

We’re remembering the 75th anniversary of the Korean War (1950-1953) and we invite you to join us for a film screening of the 1977 film “MacArthur” starring Gregory Peck as legendary general Douglas MacArthur.
The first portion of our program, approximately 15-20 minutes, will be a brief overview of the film, including its historical context, plot summary, things to look for, accuracy, etc.
The second portion of our program will be a full screening of the film.
During the screening we invite you to participate in a discussion of the film with your fellow participants via Zoom.

MacArthur
MacArthur is a 1977 American biographical war film directed by Joseph Sargent and starring Gregory Peck in the eponymous role as American General of the Army Douglas MacArthur.
The film portrays MacArthur's (Gregory Peck) life from 1942, before the Battle of Bataan in World War II, to 1952, after he had been removed from his Korean War command by President Harry Truman (Ed Flanders) for insubordination. It is recounted in flashback as MacArthur visits West Point in 1962.

Film Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sQHicTHlSw

Douglas MacArthur (26 January 1880 – 5 April 1964) was an American general who served as a top commander during World War II and the Korean War, achieving the rank of General of the Army. He served with distinction in World War I; as chief of staff of the United States Army from 1930 to 1935; as Supreme Commander, Southwest Pacific Area, from 1942 to 1945 during WWII; as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers overseeing the occupation of Japan from 1945 to 1951; and as head of the United Nations Command in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951. MacArthur was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times, and awarded it for his WWII service in the Philippines. He is one of only five people to hold the rank of General of the Army, and the only person to hold the rank of Field Marshal in the Philippine Army.

***

Zoom Connection Link
Click (or Copy and Paste) and Follow the Instructions:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89211545078?pwd=QnK9Dnttn7ndd8al8CCrpjTvmaafgB.1
Meeting ID: 892 1154 5078
Passcode: 154121
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,89211545078#,,,,*154121# US (Houston)
+16694449171,,89211545078#,,,,*154121# US
Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/89211545078/invitations?signature=DrW0NCrGSACuuidXBy0UJyvEIIAgGZuLdJf2K4H3uZ0

Connecting a few minutes early is recommended.
If you experience any technical issues please restart your Zoom session and/or your device.
When all else fails please follow the directions.

***

Your host for this program is Robert Kelleman, the founder/director of the non-profit community organizations Washington, DC History & Culture and Texas History & Culture.

Washington, DC History & Culture
A non-profit community organization.
Experience the history and culture of Washington, DC - and the world!

YouTube Previously Recorded Programs:
http://www.Youtube.com/c/WashingtonDCHistoryCulture

Donations Support Our Non-Profit Community Programs - Thank You!
PayPal: DCHistoryAndCulture@gmail.com
Venmo: @DCHistoryAndCulture
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d29491c0

We look forward to seeing you. Thanks!

Robert Kelleman
rkelleman@yahoo.com
202-821-6325 (text only)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkelleman/

Vincent Van Gogh: The Portraits - Art History Program Hosted by Robert Kelleman

Let’s explore the many friends and acquaintances painted by Vincent Van Gogh. Who were these people, how did they know Vincent, why did they pose for him, and what do these portraits tell us about Vincent and his artwork?
During and after the program you’ll have the opportunity to discuss the art with your fellow participants via Zoom.

Vincent van Gogh lived during the Impressionist era, and painted portraits throughout his career from 1881 through 1890. With the development of photography, painters and artists turned to conveying the feeling and ideas behind people, places, and things rather than trying to imitate their physical forms. Impressionist artists did this by emphasizing certain hues, using vigorous brushstrokes, and paying attention to highlighting. Vincent van Gogh implemented this ideology to pursue his goal of depicting his own feelings toward and involvement with his subjects. Van Gogh's portraiture focuses on color and brushstrokes to demonstrate their inner qualities and Van Gogh's own relationship with them.

Vincent Willem van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) was a Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade, he created approximately 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of them in the last two years of his life. His oeuvre includes landscapes, still lifes, portraits, and self-portraits, most of which are characterised by bold colours and dramatic brushwork that contributed to the rise of expressionism in modern art. Van Gogh's work was only beginning to gain critical attention before his death from suicide at age 37. During his lifetime, only one of Van Gogh's paintings, The Red Vineyard, was sold.
Van Gogh's early works consist of mostly still lifes and depictions of peasant labourers. In 1886, he moved to Paris, where he met members of the artistic avant-garde, including Émile Bernard and Paul Gauguin, who were seeking new paths beyond Impressionism. Frustrated in Paris and inspired by a growing spirit of artistic change and collaboration, in February 1888 Van Gogh moved to Arles in southern France to establish an artistic retreat and commune. Once there, his paintings grew brighter and he turned his attention to the natural world, depicting local olive groves, wheat fields and sunflowers. Van Gogh invited Gauguin to join him in Arles and eagerly anticipated Gauguin's arrival in late 1888.
Van Gogh suffered from psychotic episodes and delusions. He worried about his mental stability, and often neglected his physical health, did not eat properly and drank heavily. His friendship with Gauguin ended after a confrontation with a razor when, in a rage, he mutilated his left ear. Van Gogh spent time in psychiatric hospitals, including a period at Saint-Rémy. After he discharged himself and moved to the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise near Paris, he came under the care of the homeopathic doctor Paul Gachet. His depression persisted, and on 29 July 1890 Van Gogh died from his injuries after shooting himself in the chest with a revolver.

***

Zoom Connection Link
Click (or Copy and Paste) and Follow the Instructions:
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Meeting ID: 879 7076 8403
Passcode: 053792
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
• +1 646 931 3860 US
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Connecting a few minutes early is recommended.
If you experience any technical issues please restart your Zoom session and/or your device.
When all else fails please follow the directions.

***

Your host for this program is Robert Kelleman, the founder/director of the non-profit community organizations Washington, DC History & Culture and Texas History & Culture.

Washington, DC History & Culture
A non-profit community organization.
Experience the history and culture of Washington, DC - and the world!

YouTube Previously Recorded Programs:
http://www.Youtube.com/c/WashingtonDCHistoryCulture

Donations Support Our Non-Profit Community Programs - Thank You!
PayPal: DCHistoryAndCulture@gmail.com
Venmo: @DCHistoryAndCulture
GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d29491c0

We look forward to seeing you. Thanks!

Robert Kelleman
rkelleman@yahoo.com
202-821-6325 (text only)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkelleman/