Fun Friday Resources

I love archives — they’re like my study, crammed full of junk from the past but better organized. Here are some fun ones. Remember: these are primo sources to STEAL FROM THE BEST! (Always check copyright permissions, although the two Library of Congress collections are way out of copyright.)

Harvard gives us their Harvard Digital Collections, more than 6 million items of all description. Here’s a random piece of music that came up with a search for ‘labyrinth,’ which does not make sense, but just look at it!

Austin Dobson, his book, 1749-1775, Music

The Library of Congress has gazillions of items in its collection, and its curated Collections are even more fun. Here’s one of World War I Sheet Music, and here’s one of Early Copyright Records Collection, 1790 to 1870. Talk about stealing from the past!

So if you’re looking for something in particular — or if you’re stuck with no ideas — head over to the archives and poke about. Especially if you’re stuck, go exploring. As we say in the Lichtenbergian Society:

Take the Path

to explore
uncover
confront.

Return to the Fire

to confirm
affirm
retreat.