Chief Judge Robert M. Bell Special Collections Room

American Widgeon

John J. Audubon's Birds of America

Audubon's Birds of America contains 435 life-size watercolors of North American Birds. Learn more about the Library's collection.

Image of American Wigeon (Drake & Hen)

Exhibit on Loan: American Wigeon (Drake & Hen)

American Wigeons harvested from Maryland’s Eastern Shore and preserved by local taxidermy artist Earl Fox.. Read more.

Image of An Indian Gazette

American Historical and Literary Curiosities

A curated collection of American historical artifacts, documents, and literary oddities that provide an intimate look at the figures, events, and curiosities that shaped early American culture. Read more.

Map of Virginia and Maryland 1767

Gavin Map of Virginia and Maryland 1767

1767 map of Maryland and Virginia by Hector Gavin celebrated for its clarity and meticulous detail. Learn more.

Sonia Sotomayor Bobblehead

Justice Sonia Sotomayor Bobblehead

Sonia Sotomayor was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009 by President Barack Obama. Learn more.

Birds of America - American Widgeon
Exhibit on Loan: American Wigeon
American Historical and Literary Curiosities
Gavin Map of Virginia and Maryland 1767
Sonia Sotomayor Bobblehead

 

Library visitors will discover the gems of the Library's substantial holdings in its Special Collections Room. Reconstructed in 2006, the Room provides a state-of-the-art preservation environment for these rare and valuable items. Many of the materials in this extraordinary collection were acquired at the beginning of the Library's existence, in the early 1800's, when it also collected non-legal materials related to natural and social history, philosophy and literature. This legacy collection includes the oldest and most valuable works in the Library.

The Library's prized possessions include a first edition copy of John James Audubon's "Birds of America". These hand-colored copperplate engravings from the 1830's are artistically and historically significant—Audubon's detailed portraits of North American birds represented the first time that drawings of birds were portrayed in their natural environment. The Library's 430 individual prints, representing nearly the complete set of 435 total prints, underwent a comprehensive two-year restoration process through the professional services of the Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Philadelphia. The engravings are displayed for the public in a custom-built case near the Library's information desk on a rotating basis. 

In addition, the Library possesses other notable materials. Visitors to the Library's Special Collections Room may study these and other valuable works:

  • Acts of Congress, 1789-1791, signed by then-Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson
  • History of the Indian Tribes of North America, by Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall, 1837
  • An Abstract of all the Penal Statutes Which Be General, in Force and Use, Ferdinando Pulton, 1579 (the oldest book in the Library's collection)
  • The Constitutions of the Several Independent States of America, authorized by the Continental Congress, 1781
  • United States Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842

The Library takes seriously its obligation to preserve on behalf of Marylanders these extraordinary and priceless works. The Special Collections Room features advanced climate controls to maintain an ideal environment. It also includes a sophisticated leak detection system and an FM-200 chemical fire suppression system. The Library staff ensures that delicate books are properly stored in archival boxes. Visitors and staff comply with materials handling guidelines designed to ensure that fragile works last for generations. 

Previously Highlighted Special Collection Room Items: