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Posted by: Valerie Haeder
When Michael Hill opened his mailbox in 1982 and found a letter from renowned historian David McCullough he was astounded, and his life changed forever. Two months earlier he’d sent a letter to Mr. McCullough offering his research services, the envelope addressed only to David McCullough, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts—no zip code, no street address. Somehow …
Posted in: Biography, Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers
Posted by: Malea Walker
For 82 years people have tried to solve the mystery Amelia Earhart's disappearance, but in 1937 America remembered her as the brave pioneer woman who conquered flight.
Posted in: Biography, Digitized Newspapers, Mystery, Sports, Women's History
Posted by: Arlene Balkansky
Abhorrent in their treatment of people as property, these brief descriptions of African-Americans who escaped enslavement bear witness to the bravery and unique characteristics of individuals who defied a massively powerful system allied against them.
Posted in: African American History, Digitized Newspapers, U.S. Presidents
Posted by: Amber Paranick
Today is Constitution Day and on this date, we celebrate the signing of the Constitution by the members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on September 17, 1787. Here’s an early original version of the proposed Constitution we found in the September 19, 1787 edition of the Pennsylvania Packet, and Daily Advertiser newspaper (Philadelphia, PA). …
Posted in: Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers
Posted by: Heather Thomas
For centuries, be it by diving, tightrope, barrel, or rubber ball, there have been those willing to risk their lives for fame and fortune at the majestic and powerful Niagara Falls. Some of them miraculously survive, often narrowly escaping catastrophe. While others end up paying the ultimate price for their stunt with their lives.
Posted in: Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers
Posted by: Valerie Haeder
Why is there a Labor Day holiday celebrated in September when there already is a perfectly good labor day celebrated on May Day? While you will find no text book with a clear explanation—there is none—we can infer the reasons between the two days that honor the working man. May Day is the traditional day …
Posted in: Digitized Newspapers, Holidays
Posted by: Heather Thomas
It was the result of pure serendipity—a deadly assassin impeded by casual effects. Ordinary items that were unintentionally but strategically placed by the victim in a breast pocket that blocked the course of an otherwise lethal bullet.
Posted in: Crime, Digitized Newspapers, Newspapers, U.S. Presidents
Posted by: Valerie Haeder
On July 24, 1849, the residents of Salt Lake City were “awakened by the firing of nine rounds of artillery, accompanied by martial music.” It was Pioneer Day in Utah, marking the two year anniversary of the first group of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to reach the Salt …
Posted in: Digitized Newspapers, Holidays
Posted by: Malea Walker
Now that Chronicling America has more than 15 million newspaper pages, it's time to put them to good use! Here are some tips for doing genealogical research in Chronicling America.
Posted in: Digitized Newspapers, Genealogy