Hidden History Discovered at the State Library
Recently I noticed a book that was incorrectly shelved at the State Library. With nearly 2 million items, mistakes are bound to …
It’s Turkey Time!
Each year as November rolls around, many Americans’ thoughts turn to turkey. But how did this uniquely North American bird become a …
Acts of an Uncertain Nature: A Mystery Starring Historical Documents
Update: Please scroll down to read the solution to this mystery, with credit to one of our readers who contacted us via …
Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear!
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention campaign, making it the longest-running public service advertising campaign in …
Manuscripts in Ohio Memory: A Muster Roll, A Monthly Return, and the Battle of Wabash
A few weeks ago, a State Library of Ohio patron visited and asked to see a collection of archival materials and, in …
“The Outrages Committed by the Authorities of Michigan”: The Toledo War
Ohio’s northern border with Michigan is, peculiarly, a diagonal line, unlike neighboring Indiana’s. The line is a result of Ohio’s eventual “victory” …
Penalty and Incentive: The Ohio State Reformatory
The Ohio State Reformatory – also known as the Mansfield Reformatory – opened its doors on September 15, 1886. As the name …
Our Flag Was Still There: Francis Scott Key and the “Star-Spangled Banner”
On September 7, 1814, American attorney Francis Scott Key boarded the British ship HMS Tonnant, which was anchored just in the Baltimore …
The End and the Beginning of an Age: American Children in World War I
For American children in World War I, life on a home front far from battle did not mean life lived far from …
The Madison Home: From a Grand Army to Ghosts
Today’s Friday the 13th post focuses on the Madison Seminary and Home. Although today it is known for its resident “ghosts” and …
