An interesting page on Ancestry.com presents aggregated statistical surname data from an array of standard primary genealogical research materials. Drawing on sources such as census schedules, the Social Security Index, Civil War Enlistment papers, immigration records, and more, users query the searchable databases for surnames. In graphical and tabular formats, the inquiry yields information on where…
Digital Online Newspapers for Researching the War of 1812
While at the College of Southern Maryland doing a program on communications and newspapers during the War of 1812, the audience was interested in some of the digital newspapers that are now available online for researching this era. We had talked about how editors gathered and distributed news during the times when the region was on…
Interview For College of Southern Maryland Radio Show Examined Newspapers and Communications During War of 1812
I did a radio interview with Dr. Bradley Gottfried the President of the College of Southern Maryland today on his Sunday morning radio show, “Southern Maryland Perspectives.” Dr. Gottfried interviews scholars and newsmakers about local perspectives for several Southern Maryland radio station, which air his weekly show. I will be at the College on November…
The Flickr Commons Has Many Old Photographs and Postcards
As a result of developing research materials for centuries many of the nation’s largest public libraries have vast collections of photographs and postcards from earlier times. These items, which are helpful to those digging into the past, have always been available, safely preserved and stored away for visiting patrons. But now access is greatly enhanced…