Freelance Historian

The World of Historical Manuscripts and Ephemera

Civil War Chaplain Photo Archive

| September 16, 2011

  My most recent job for a client was scanning and researching what is possibly the largest collection of Civil War chaplain carte de viste photos ever assembled by one person, and perhaps the largest in existence. Notable inclusions are several veterans of Gettysburg, Spotsylvania and Cold Harbor;  Henry Trumbull of the 10th Connecticut, who [...]

Why Good Research Matters

| October 30, 2009

Here’s an example of why the quality of your research (and researchers) makes a difference. While browsing a recent auction at a noted auction house, I came across the following: Timothy Pickering Autograph Letter Signed “T. Pickering” as secretary of state. One page, 9.75″ x 8″, January 10, 1799, n.p. The letter, addressed to Dwight [...]

Things I learned this week

| September 25, 2008

One of the neatest parts about this job is learning new things all the time. While researching lots this week, I learned; A “matross” is the old term for artillery crewman- he helped load, fire and sponge out the cannon. “Diorama” was originally traveling theater presentation using painted linen panels and lighting to produce what [...]