Another Happy Birthday to Him

So, another year has gone by and it’s time for another birthday. Amazingly enough, exactly one year later, it is again my turn to write the blog post on my son’s birthday. (He’s 12, OMG!)  I think I have the extra day from leap year to thank for this. 

Because I don’t think I can top my tribute post from last year and those sentiments still hold true, I’ve decided to dedicate today’s post to him and create a montage of photos from The Commons on Flickr that I think exemplify familial love and affection in all its forms.

Once again, Happy Birthday to my baby.

-Melissa M.

At the Vermont state fair, Rutland from the Library of Congress

Migrant Cotton Picker and Her Baby near Buckeye, Maricopa County, Arizona from the U.S. National Archives

U.S. Troops Surrounded by Holiday Mail during WWII from the Smithsonian Institution

This is Thomas Power and children (and dog) of Dungarvan, Waterford County, Ireland from the National Library of Ireland

Peter Bellman, Loretta "Lucky" Bellman, and Butch Levy, from the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest *

Pair of young Shrikes or Butcher-birds from OSU Special Collections & Archives

*Loretta (Lucky) Bellman escaped Nazi Germany in 1939 and settled in New York, where her father started a successful furniture business. Butch Levy met and fell in love with Lucky, marrying her in 1944. Peter Bellman, Lucky’s brother, had been sent to Britain on a children’s transport in 1938, and was finally reunited with the family in America 1939. He enlisted in the US Army in 1941, and died in the Battle of the Bulge. Peter, Lucky and Butch are shown together on a leave during the war. (Information from photo description on The Commons.)

Well-Preserved

Do you have your mother’s wedding dress stored in your attic but don’t know how to keep it fresh?  What about a family bible handed down for generations? Are your old photographs strewn about in some old shoebox? Are you worried about the way you are storing a precious keepsake, and fear doing it damage? Are you a fan of Antiques Roadshow?

If you answered yes to any of these, or have similar questions, you are in for a treat!  The Preservation Fair is coming once again to the Carnegie Museum’s Music Hall Foyer, on Saturday, October 22. Visit the official website for details.  

The Preservation Fair is a one-day public information event at which you can get expert advice on how to protect and correctly display many different types of family keepsakes and treasures. Over 30 professional conservators, archivists, and librarians will be on hand to discuss your individual interests. Exhibitors include conservators specializing in books, documents, paintings, textiles, photographs and films. Historical Societies, Genealogical Societies, Community Preservation Organizations, and vendors dealing in conservation and preservation supplies will also be represented. Ongoing free demonstrations and lectures will be presented throughout the event, with a keynote address at 12:00 noon by Rick Sebak, the award-winning documentary producer!

The event is free with Museum admission.

Here is a special bonus not to miss!  Bring in a family treasure, one item per visitor, for free basic conservation advice. No appraisals or valuations will be given.

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Can’t make it?  Don’t worry!  The library has lots of resources.

Your librarians have created a few useful guides to pertinent subjects:

Antiques & Collectibles – Identify and price your antiques with these print and online resources.  This will point you to specific guides like Antique Furniture and Saving Your Family Treasures.

Art Research Databases – Helpful tips for locating resources in print and online, and for learning about art.

Researching Your Art – Evaluation and Appraisal – Where did this come from? Who is this artist? Are they famous? and of course, how much is it worth?!?

Historic Preservation – Resources and organizations for preserving historic homes, buildings, etc.

Historical Societies & Commissions – Join a local group to learn about local history.

Biography & Genealogy – Genealogy resources.

Audio-Visual Resources in Pittsburgh – Vendors that convert film, video, photographs, and analog audio to digital (along with other guides).

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These are links to subject headings in our catalog for areas we do not (yet) provide resource guides:

Books Conservation And Restoration Handbooks Manuals Etc

Bookbinding — Repairing — Handbooks, manuals, etc.

Textile Fabrics Conservation And Restoration

Photographs Conservation And Restoration

-Joelle

It’s in the details

If you look around our 100+ year old building, you’ll find all sorts of little surprises. Here are a few of my favorites.

If you have a sudden attack of the vapors, stop by the Reference Services desk and they’ll be able to revive you.

Yes, this library was a fallout shelter. This sign is in the hallway by the Children’s Department.

This Emerson Electric fan lives near my desk. It’s from the days before safety.

The panic button, while no longer functional, is still pretty awesome. It’s in the Music, Film & Audio Department.

This switch controls nothing. I have no clue why it’s here (in the Music, Film & Audio Department). Any guesses?

Keep your security guards from slacking off at night. This little box (which still contains its key) is in the Music, Film & Audio Department.

Take the time to really look around the building someday, and I guarantee that you’ll find something you’ve never seen before.

 

– Amy