major collection of rare books, manuscripts, historic
documents, maps and art of the Americas was donated
to the Library of Congress in 2004 by the Jay I.
Kislak Foundation. The collection contains some of
the earliest records of indigenous peoples in North
America and superb objects from the discovery, contact
and colonial periods.
The Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress
is now the basis of an ongoing program of exhibitions,
research, education and public activities developed
and conducted by the Library. The annual Kislak Fellowship
in American Studies supports research related to the
discovery, contact and colonial periods. The Kislak
Lecture series presents free public appearances by
notable historians and scholars. Major exhibitions
introduce rare books, maps, manuscripts and other important
objects collected by Jay and Jean Kislak.