File:Great Hall. View of grand staircase and bronze statue of female figure on newel post holding a torch of electric light, with bust of Thomas Jefferson at right. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson LCCN2007684261.tif

English: Title: Great Hall. View of grand staircase and bronze statue of female figure on newel post holding a torch of electric light, with bust of Thomas Jefferson at right. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington, D.C.

Physical description: 1 photograph : digital, TIFF file, color.

Notes: More information about the Highsmith Collection is available at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.highsm; Forms part of the Library of Congress Series in the Carol M. Highsmith Archive.; Exhibit caption: "Celebration of Electricity. The importance of electricity is celebrated throughout the Jefferson Building. A bust of Benjamin Franklin is placed outside the central window of the Jefferson Building. Franklin was not only a statesman but also a scientist who made important discoveries about electricity. When the building was completed in 1897, the United States was eager to celebrate many American inventions made practicable by scientific advances relating to electricity. These include the telegraph, the telephone, electric motors and lighting devices, and the elevator. The bare light bulbs throughout the building show how important the introduction of electric light was to America and this building." (Source: MyLOC.gov Great Hall exhibit, 2008); Title devised by Library staff.