SIX RESOURCES FOR INAUGURATION RESEARCH
1. The Library of Congress:
The Library of Congress (LOC) provides access to primary sources like photographic archives, historical newspapers, and manuscript collections. These resources offer rich visual and textual insights into public sentiment, political commentary, and the details of inaugural events across history.
2. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA):
NARA safeguards official government records, including documentation of preparations made for inaugurations. Also available are congressional records and vast audiovisual materials, providing comprehensive views of the ceremonies and their administration.
3. Presidential Libraries:
Each Presidential Library offers a unique focus through their president’s personal and official papers, First Lady’s collections, and specific inaugural committee records. These resources provide intimate details, oral histories, and direct insights into the president’s own inauguration.
4. The Congressional Record:
The Congressional Record documents legislative debates, committee proceedings, and official remarks related to inaugurations. It is a vital resource for understanding the legislative history and congressional involvement in the ceremonial events. These records also capture the proceedings of the swearing-in ceremony, including Inaugural Addresses. Publication of the Congressional Record began in 1873. Records prior to then are searchable in the Annals of Congress.
5. The Senate Historian:
Serving as the Senate’s institutional memory, the Historical Office collects and provides information on important events, precedents, dates, statistics, and historical comparisons of current and past Senate activities.
6. The Senate Curator:
The Office of the Senate Curator holds a collection of inaugural ephemera and historic objects, including a range of invitations, tickets, programs, seating charts, police badges, ribbons, credentials, historic engravings, and other memorabilia related to the varied proceedings and traditions of the inaugurations and luncheons held at the U.S. Capitol.