Ticked One Off of the Bucket List

Last week I had the opportunity to check off an item on my bucket list. I became a registered researcher at the Library of Congress. It was a surreal experience for me. The first time I entered the Library of Congress was when I was on a week-long high school trip to Washington DC almost twenty years ago. I only was able to peek into the Main Reading Room. We had to fib a bit and say that we were not high school students to gain entry to the Main Reading Room.

When I entered this time, it was not on a lie. I was there to look at a book on the Quakers of Michigan that the library has in their Local History / Genealogy section. I could not help standing in the room and looking up to the ceiling with an opened mouth. It is so beautiful. I eventually made my way to the book, but I took the time to gawk at the ceiling. My trip was slightly successful; I was able to confirm information on my early Ewer Ancestors in Michigan, who were Quakers. I found a listing for Albert Ewer and his wife Sarah Ann Ewer. This listing confirmed the transfer of their certificate to the Battle Creek Monthly Meeting. However, the true highlight was just to enter the room. If you have not had the opportunity to enter the Main Reading Room in the Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress, I highly recommend it. You will enjoy it!