Dana Newman, director of the Talbot County Free Library, announced that the library has been awarded a $10,000 grant to create “The Talbot Boys Collection,” which will be in the main library’s Maryland Room.
The collection will be a comprehensive compilation of materials related to the Talbot Boys statue and Talbot Boys. The collection will tell the story of the varied and changing impact the statue had on Talbot County for over twelve decades, told from all sides of the issue.
The anonymous donor expressed the hope that the grant “will demonstrate that our community was able to preserve Talbot history and remove the monument as well.” The library has the sole authority over all aspects of the collection, but the donor’s wish is that “the library assemble and organize as much information and material of all varieties as it reasonably can, from a wide variety of sources and of varied types…that the collection preserve Talbot’s history by being a repository for the whole story of the statue, not any one story in particular.”
The library is currently in the process of hiring a graduate intern to collect, archive, and arrange the collection. The public is asked to hold items including letters, photographs, articles, personal communications, and any other documents related to the Talbot Boys statue that they wish to contribute.
An announcement will be made when the donations will be accepted.
“The discussions, printed material, presentations, etc. taking place within the past several years regarding the Talbot Boys statue have been quite emotional, and passionate – on both sides. The work contributed by a focused scholar should allow future Talbot Countians and researchers the possibility to view all aspects, thereby being able to form their own conclusions,” said Becky Riti, Talbot County Free Library Maryland Room Librarian.
“During the pandemic, quite a few individuals directed their attention to researching the Talbot Boys statue. It was discovered that there really was not a great deal of information readily available about the statue being erected,” said Riti. “If the scholar working on this project can uncover more information about the Talbot Boys statue around the time period of 1916, this would help to fill in a gap. Additionally, any further information pertaining to the statue throughout the 20th century will be, for the most part, new material. That would be exciting.”
About Talbot County Free Library
It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.
Jill Poe says
This should have been done and made very public to all the masses who still Do not understand the meaning of the Talbot Boys statue. It is all water need the bridge. The development in Trappe is the new legacy for Talbot County and it is very fitting.