History Channel to visit Library of Congress

The Library of Congress will open its vaults to the History Channel in a deal to bring the library’s vast public collections to a larger audience.

The History Channel and its numerous sister channels will draw from the historical content preserved by the Library of Congress for original specials and documentaries.

“We’re pleased to join forces with History in this effort that will help better fulfill our mission of making knowledge more accessible and useful to the Congress and the public,” said Librarian of Congress James Billington.

Billington said there are more than 138 million items in the library’s collections, including a Gutenberg Bible, George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the first United States map and the contents in Abraham Lincoln’s pockets the night he was assassinated.