Government Documents

Happy Holidays Display 2024

Happy Holidays to all who celebrate! There are three winter holidays that are typically commemorated in the United States this month: Christmas (25th), Hanukkah (25th), and Kwanzaa (26th). From the lighting of the National Tree and Menorah to the Seven Principles program put on by the National Park Service, the U.S. has slowly evolved the way it celebrates the December holiday season. National traditions have grown to better acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of all Americans, creating a more inclusive history of everyone’s various holiday celebrations.

We invite you now to browse some of our department’s holiday resources and display as we celebrate the 2024 Holiday Season! The display can be found by the 2nd Floor South entrance to Marx Library, with a 4-page bibliography for additional information.

Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month

November was Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month! Designated in 1990 by former President George H.W. Bush, this month-long celebration is a time to recognize and honor Native American history, culture, and stories. This year, the Department of Interior’s theme is “Weaving Together Our Past, Present, and Future,” chosen as a way to honor the ongoing work across Indian Country that recognizes the troubled legacy of U.S.-Tribal relations while celebrating Tribal revitalization.

Indian tribes are considered, by federal law, to be "domestic, dependent nations." Over 550 tribes are recognized by the U.S. federal government, while hundreds more are unrecognized. While tribal limitations mirror those of state sovereignty, they still have the right to form their own governments and courts, enforce civil and criminal laws, and much more. Today, contemporary activists are further advocating for issues such as the restoration of tribal lands, the protection of cultural traditions, and even taking more deliberate climate action. Consequently, Native American Heritage Month remains a holiday to honor those who came before and continue after.

We invite you now to browse some of our department’s resources and commemorative display as we celebrate Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month 2024! The display can be found at Marx Library on 2nd Floor South with a pamphlet and 7-page bibliography for additional information.

Veterans History Project

The Government Documents Department is highlighting the Library of Congress’s Veterans History Project (VHP). In late 2000, Congress directed the Library of Congress to initiate a nationwide project to collect the stories of veterans, family members, defense-industry workers, and similar individuals who had served with the United States military in the 20th century.

As a result, the VHP collects, preserves, and makes accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who have served, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did, and felt during their service. The Veterans History Project welcomes collections from or about veterans who served in the U.S. military, in any capacity, from World War I to the more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions. Under the Gold Star Families Voices Act, VHP also accepts oral histories by immediate family members (parent, spouse, sibling, or child) of “members of the Armed Forces who died as a result of their service during a period of war.”

Know a veteran you’d like to highlight? Stop by the Gov Docs Dept., and we’ll get you started on the collection and submission process. To learn more, check out this informational brochure and 3-page bibliography.