
Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman (Left) and Maryland Room Librarian Becky Riti showcase the Maryland Room and the popular books visitors like to read. (Photo by Christina Acosta).
In honor of Talbot Day, taking place on April 25, we would like to invite you to immerse yourself in the Talbot County Free Library’s Maryland Room all year round.
“The library staff is excited to help residents and visitors of all ages learn more about the history of Talbot County leading up to the celebration of Talbot Day (the County’s birthday celebration) on April 25, 2024 at the Courthouse,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “Please visit the Maryland Room and learn more about the rich history of the County.”
The Maryland Room Collection features materials that offer knowledge of the social and economic life of past and present Marylanders. It consists of over 4,500 books, 96 reels of microfilm of newspapers; 33 reels of census data (Talbot County complete); 30 reels of microfilm of church records; six reels of microfilm of tax lists; 400 maps; 22 drawers of vertical files; 87 boxes of manuscript material, and numerous journal subscriptions.
“The collection is very local-oriented,” said Talbot County Free Library Maryland Room Librarian Becky Riti. “It is Easton, Talbot County, and the Eastern Shore. Of course, there are materials about other parts of Maryland, too.”
Riti added that some resources including, “the Vertical Files Collection [would surprise the public because of] the richness of its contents, its scope and organization.”
The collection started in 1941 through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. James Dixon and Mrs. David Lindsay Gillespie. Their donation included 1,500 books, pamphlets, periodicals, maps and other materials. In 1966, the library acquired the James Clayland Mullikin collection of Marylandia which consisted of books, newspapers, maps and letters.
The books and pamphlets are currently cataloged and available via the library’s online card catalog. Via the Maryland Room webpage, online finding aids are available for the Manuscript and Ephemera Collections.
Some of the highlights of Maryland Room’s Collection are the manuscripts of James A. Michener’s Chesapeake; Dickson Preston’s Young Frederick Douglass and Talbot County: A History; Nelson Pusey’s 1000 negatives and photographs of Easton and Talbot County; Arthur and Mary Louise Gutman Map Collection of 38 rare maps of Maryland and the Eastern Shore; and numerous post cards and other ephemera items.
“Among the treasures that can be found in the Maryland Room Collection about Talbot history include a rare copy of the 1858 Dilworth Map of Talbot County— on display in the Frederick Douglass Meeting Room; 100 years of the Star Democrat on microfilm; the Easton Gazette, oral historical narratives, and information on popular Talbot topics such as Frederick Douglass, genealogy, historical homes and local organizations,” said Newman.
The Collection is open to the public for all areas of research. Before visiting, please visit our website to learn more about the Maryland Room Policies.
The Maryland Room is open only when staffed, and it is recommended that you call or e-mail to schedule an appointment.
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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.
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