Events
At Home with Smithsonian Libraries and Archives: Magnificent Obsessions – Free Event
Event Start Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 5:00 pm
Event End Date: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 - 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Without obsessed collectors gathering their favorites over the years, much of our cultural heritage would be lost. Often it’s the small details of a child’s worn book, a treasured cookbook, or a guide to the World’s Fair that contemporary scholars use to understand the full picture of history.
Magnificent Obsessions: Why We Collect, currently on view in the National Museum of American History, tells the captivating stories of the book collectors whose diverse interests and passions helped shape—and continue to contribute to—the libraries of the Smithsonian. Through rare books, manuscripts, and other intriguing items from across the varied libraries, the exhibition highlights the personal motivations and enduring impact of book collectors who were compelled to share their “magnificent obsessions” with the nation.
Join curators Mary Augusta Thomas and Stephen Van Dyk as they share the stories of some of these fascinating collectors and incredible objects, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into the process of developing Magnificent Obsessions.
Please join us on Tuesday, October 5 at 5 PM ET. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the program. (Registration Link No Longer Available)
Optional auto-generated captions will be available during the program. We will be recording the program and will also be live streaming on Facebook for a broader audience.
In Memory of Anthony John Mourek, a Magnificent Collector
Without obsessed collectors gathering their favorites over the years, much of our cultural heritage would be lost. Often it’s the small details of a child’s worn book, a treasured cookbook, or a guide to the World’s Fair that contemporary scholars use to understand the full picture of history.
Magnificent Obsessions: Why We Collect, currently on view in the National Museum of American History, tells the captivating stories of the book collectors whose diverse interests and passions helped shape—and continue to contribute to—the libraries of the Smithsonian. Through rare books, manuscripts, and other intriguing items from across the varied libraries, the exhibition highlights the personal motivations and enduring impact of book collectors who were compelled to share their “magnificent obsessions” with the nation.
Join curators Mary Augusta Thomas and Stephen Van Dyk as they share the stories of some of these fascinating collectors and incredible objects, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into the process of developing Magnificent Obsessions.
Please join us on Tuesday, October 5 at 5 PM ET. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the program. (Registration Link No Longer Available)
Optional auto-generated captions will be available during the program. We will be recording the program and will also be live streaming on Facebook for a broader audience.
In Memory of Anthony John Mourek, a Magnificent Collector