American MemoryThe National Digital Library Program: Archived Documentation

The Library of Congress / Ameritech National Digital Library Competition (1996-1999)

Image from collection

Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc.

Maritime Westward Expansion

Amount of award: $57,218

Mystic Seaport Museum's digital project is a selection of 7,500 items from its archival collections. These items include published and unpublished materials dating from the mid to late nineteenth century, including logbooks, diaries, letters, business papers and other manuscript items, images, imprints and ephemera, and maps and charts. The unique maritime perspective of these materials offers a rich look at the events, culture, beliefs, and personal experiences associated with the settlement of California, Alaska, Hawaii, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest. The materials chosen to be digitized relate to major themes in the history of westward expansion, including (but not limited to) the California Gold Rush, the decline of native American cultures and populations, the politics and economics of "manifest destiny," the roles of women, and the immigrant experience.

Online Collection


Image Caption: Image 32 from Sailing card collection, ca. 1850-1860. (Mystic Seaport Museum, Inc., G. W. Blunt White Library. Reproduction Number: Coll. 112)