Gallery: Houdini's Letter, Mary Shelley's Hair Among New York Public Library's Artifacts

  • Houdini's Letter to the New York Public Library
    01

    houdinis-letter-to-the-new-york-public-library

    *Harry Houdini's letter to the New York Public Library accompanied his contributions to the institution's collection of books on "legerdemain, magic or hand-cuff tricks."*
  • World's Fair scrapbook
    02

    worlds-fair-scrapbook

    *This scrapbook documents the [1939 World's Fair in New York](http://stag-komodo.wired.com/thisdayintech/2010/04/gallery-1939-worlds-fair/).*
  • Beatles Trading Cards
    03

    beatles-trading-cards

    *Collectible Beatles trading cards from the 1960s.*
  • Charles Dickens' Letter Opener
    04

    charles-dickens-letter-opener

    *Charles Dickens loved his cat, Bob. He loved him so much that he had one of his paws turned into this letter opener, which dates back to 1862.*
  • Charlotte Brontë's Desk
    05

    charlotte-brontes-desk

    *The desk used by* Jane Eyre *author Charlotte Brontë.*
  • Civil Rights Buttons
    06

    civil-rights-buttons

    *This collection of civil rights-themed buttons from the 1960s and '70s shows the struggles of both the African-American and women's rights movements.*
  • Handwritten Declaration of Independence
    07

    handwritten-declaration-of-independence

    *This copy of the Declaration of Independence was handwritten by Thomas Jefferson between July 4 and July 10, 1776.*
  • Charles Dickens' Copy of David Copperfield
    08

    charles-dickens-copy-of-david-copperfield

    *This prompt copy of* David Copperfield *that Charles Dickens used for public readings dates back to 1875.*
  • Jack Kerouac's Harmonica
    09

    jack-kerouacs-harmonica

    *A few of Jack Kerouac's less-infamous personal effects: glasses, harmonica and rolling papers.*
  • Library Key
    10

    library-key

    *A ceremonial key to the New York Public Library was created in 1911 by medalist [Victor David Brenner](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victor_David_Brenner), who also designed the Lincoln penny.*
  • Lock of Mary Shelley's Hair
    11

    lock-of-mary-shelleys-hair

    *This lock of* Frankenstein *author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's hair was sent to her friend [Thomas Jefferson Hogg](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Jefferson_Hogg).*
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