National Treasure2 History Facts

Library of Congress' 'The Gateway to Knowledge' exhibit comes to Ashland

Library of Congress' 'The Gateway to Knowledge' exhibit comes to Ashland

ASHLAND, Jul 27, 2011 (The Daily Independent - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Connie Greenslate ushered her grandson, Woody, 10, to see Mexican Indian ledgers, American declarations and German Bibles all stored on an 18-wheeler across the street from the Boyd County Public Library.

The two were among many who came to see the Library of Congress' "The Gateway to Knowledge" traveling exhibition. The exhibition, which will remain parked in front of the library on the corner of 18th Street and Central Avenue, opened Tuesday. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The exhibit features facsimiles of documents including the Waldseemuller Map -- the first map to use the word "America" and Walt Whitman's poem "Leaves of Grass" as well as information about the history of the library itself. It was established in 1800 and housed in the U.S. Capitol, but was burned by British soldiers in 1814. Thomas Jefferson's personal library was purchased as a replacement to the books lost in the fire in 1815.

Greenslate, a Boyd County resident, said Woody has been to Washington, D.C., in the past, but didn't get the chance to go to the Library of Congress. She wanted him to see a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

"I think, you know, we forget about these after we leave grade school," she said. "... We don't remember until it's brought to our attention in some way, either a battle or some major development in the country in general and then we remember to pledge allegiance to the flag and look after each other."

Woody and his grandmother both said they were interested in an part of the exhibit featuring a copy of a document created by Nahua Indians in Mexico protesting the tributes they were expected to pay to the King of Spain.

He called the displays "pretty neat stuff."

Jeremy Wheeler, 33, an English and education major at Marshall University, said he came to see the exhibit because of his interest in the Gutenberg Bible in particular and old books in general. Wheeler collects antique Bibles and other books.

"So far, I'm very impressed," Wheeler said. "It makes me want to go to Washington and see the library for myself."

His first exposure to the Library of Congress was through the movie "National Treasure: Book of Secrets." He said he was intrigued by the search for the "president's secret book," which made him want to learn more about the library. The prop book from the movie was on display at the Library of Congress in 2008.

Home Cinema @ The Digital Fix - National Treasure 2 (US BD) in May

Buena Vista Home Entertainment have announced the US Region A Blu-ray Disc release of National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets on 20th May 2008 priced at $34.99 SRP. Nicolas Cage returns as treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates in this blockbuster sequel. When his great grandfather is implicated in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, Ben (Nicolas Cage) is determined to clear his name, even if it means bringing together his acrimoniously divorced parents (Jon Voight and Helen Mirren). In a rollicking adventure that ranges from Buckingham Palace to Mount Rushmore, Gates pursues the infamous Book of Secrets, said to contain the truth about everything from Ben’s grandfather to the JFK murder. Only one man has access to the storied volume—the president of the United States (Bruce Greenwood), and he won’t part with it willingly. Arriving day-and-date, this 2-Disc Blu-ray Disc features all of the bonus features from the DVD release plus a couple of exclusives… Audio Commentary with director Jon Turteltaub and actor Jon Voight Deleted and Extended Scenes with introduction by Jon Turteltaub The Treasure Reel – Outtakes and Bloopers Secrets of a Sequel – Jon Turteltaub and Jerry Bruckheimer join the cast and crew to talk about the film The Book of Secrets: On Location – From the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota to London’s historic Buckingham Palace, National Treasure: Book of Secrets was given unprecedented access to previously off limits locations.

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