The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Photographic Library in Denver, CO has a helpful collection of digitized photographs available for researchers. These images, beginning in 1868, provide a visual history of the discovery, development and science of the United States and its Geological Survey. There are over 400,000 pictures in the collection and some have…
Delaware African-American Newspapers Chronicle the Local Story
Delaware has a strong collection of old newspapers available for historical and genealogical research. These serials, including the city dailies in Wilmington and many weeklies in communities all over New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties, provide an invaluable resource for those studying the past. But, too, there is a seldom-used collection of African-American newspapers published…
Online References for the Study of Temperance and Prohibition
As a visiting scholar and member of the speakers’ bureau at the Delaware Humanities Forum, I lecture on several subjects examining the past in the First State. The one on temperance and prohibition has received lots of attention lately, as organizations invite me to outline historical attempts to regulate the consumption of alcohol. This subject…
Observing the Memorial Arts and History in Old Cemeteries
Often when I visit an unfamiliar community for work or vacation, I will pause during my stay to visit the local cemetery. These old burial grounds are representative of the collective history of a place, and they provide fascinating insight into era and geographically specific cultural norms, artistic values, ethnic influences, and community history. A walk…