Baby, it's Cold Outside!

All I can think about today is the near-record cold temperatures we are experiencing in the DC area, but I'm sure the people in points north and west where it has been even colder are even more preoccupied. So let's go on a journey of things that make you say "brrrr" in the Collections Search Center.

Rockwell and Frances Kent in native dress, ca. 1930 / unidentified photographer. Rockwell Kent papers, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.

From the Archives of American Art, where I work, a photo of painter Rockwell Kent looking cozy in traditional Inuit dress. I could have used some animal skin pants for my commute this morning.

Cold snap [sound recording] : traditional and contemporary songs and ballads / sung by Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl, 1978. From the Folkways Records Collection 1948-1986, Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections

 From the Ralph Rinzler Folklife Archives and Collections, today's soundtrack.

[Miscellaneous Images in Maryland] [glass negative]: Wilson and dog playing hockey on James' pond [between 1890 and 1900].
From the Dr. G. Howard White, Jr. Collection, Miscellaneous Images in Maryland. Archives of American Gardens.

This photo from the Archives of American Gardens reminds us of one benefit of weather this cold - at least the ponds will freeze over hard enough so you and your dog can go out and play some ice hockey. 

Icebreaker Covered in Ice, 1947-1948. Smithsonian Institution Archives, Accession 02-223, Box 1, Folder Photographs. Neg. number SIA2010-0644

From the Smithsonian Institution Archives, an Antarctic icebreaker ship that gives just a little bit of perspective. At least we're not there!

Skating's all right ... [greeting card], circa 1910. From the Norcross Greeting Card Collection, 1800-1981 (mostly ca. 1880-1900, 1920-1981) at the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History : Archives Center

This greeting card from the National Museum of American History: Archives Center is cold in two ways, both in its ice skating subject matter, and in the sense that it is a so-called "vinegar valentine." The recipient must have thought: dang, that's cold.

And last but not least, from Smithsonian Libraries you can check out a copy of: How to deep-freeze a mammoth, by Björn Kurtén. I have not read this, but I imagine the answer is: take it outside on a day like today.

Warmly,
Bettina Smith, Digital Projects Librarian
Archives of American Art