Primary Sources Making of America is a digital library of primary sources in American social history from the antebellum period through reconstruction. The collection currently contains approximately 10,000 books and 50,000 journal articles with 19th century imprints. MOA Journal Articles | MOA Books | MOA Maps Newspaper Abstracts – articles submitted by researchers – small,…
Anyone who spends enough time researching family history eventually encounters a document that seems almost impossible to read. Wills, deeds, church registers, court records, letters, and family papers may contain unfamiliar letter forms, obsolete abbreviations, inconsistent spelling, and handwriting styles very different from those used today. The study of old handwriting is called paleography. Fortunately,…
The definition of “proverb” is “a short, pithy saying stating a general truth or piece of advice.” Proverbs are meant to convey common wisdom or prudent counsel about how the world usually works. A proverb is most often a phrase or saying that gives advice in an obscure way. The phrase usually has an allegorical…
Here I share some of the terms I’ve learned about throughout my years of research. Adz, adze Sharp-edged wood-cutting tool with an arching blade set at right angles to the handle and curving inward. Logs and beams were shaped with the adze. Auger A tool for boring holes in wood, having a long pointed shank…
How many of us have found boxes of old photographs or family documents stored in the attic or basement? Upon inspection, the photos or papers inside are stuck together, stained or discolored, or crumble when touched. Those irreplaceable records of family history will not survive the adverse conditions of attics and basements, the worst places…
