Library of Congress: Investigation Stations

Investigation Stations, part of the newest exhibit at the Library of Congress, The Source, teaches kids how to use primary sources, inviting them to step into the shoes of a researcher at the LOC.

Client: Library of Congress
Technology: Electron, Phidget RFID Reader, 15-inch 1080p PCAP display
Role: Lead Creative Technologist

The Source is the Library of Congress’s newest exhibit, a space where kids are invited to get a taste of what it’s like to be a researcher at the LOC (before they can get Researcher Cards of their own at age 16). The Source’s Collection Room has five zones: one for each of four kinds of media (Text, Film, Sound, and Image) and a Rsearcher’s Desk where visitors can dive deeper to “investigate" the over 200 replica text, image, film, and sound items found within The Source — manuscripts, stereograph cards, film reels, and more.

An Investigation Station sits on the table, and beyond it, another Investigation Station adjacent to a shelf of replica manuscripts

Visitors can scan these RFID-activated replica items at any of 15 Investigation Stations found throughout the Collection Room and at the Researcher’s Desk to explore the Library’s collection in closer and deeper detail. Here, they can listen to music and interviews, read personal notes and newspapers from important dates and figures throughout history, closely inspect and analyze historical images, and watch clips of films of significance.

Students exploring a Sound replica item during the opening week of the exhibit

Visitors fill the Collection Room at The Source, exploring the many replica items

I was responsible for full-stack development and install for all 15 Investigation Stations, which were developed with Electron, with interactivity via touch and RFID. The Source opened in early May 2026. It was an honor to work on a project that has the potential to inspire so many children and that will reach such a diverse audience, and I especially loved building this as part of such a wonderful team. This was definitely the most meaningful project of my career so far!