History Mailbox
Written by PA Heritage Staff in the Mailbox category and the Spring 1981 issue Topics in this article:Erratum: The author of “A Philadelphia Family at the Centre of the Universe,” which appeared in the Winter 1981 edition of Heritage, wishes to note the following changes in citations for illustrations: photos appearing on pages 18 and 22 are printed courtesy of Holt, Rinehart and Winston from the book The Richard Harding Davis Years by Gerald Langford, and photos appearing on pages 19 and 21 are courtesy of Charles Scribner’s Sons from the book Richard Harding Davis: His Day by Fairfax Downey. Reference to the Philadelphia Historical Society in the text on page 18 should read the Philadelphia Historical Commission.
Mr. John H. Nyssen, 712 Vernon Ave., Williamsport 17701 is seeking copies of the following out-of-print back issues: Vol. I, Nos. 1, 2, 3; Vol. II, Nos. 1, 2, 3; Vol. III, No. 1; and Vol. V, Nos. 3, 4. Mr. Reaves F. Goehring, Jr., Hempfield Manor, R.D. 1, Columbia 17512 is searching for the same editions, plus Vol. VI, No. 1.
The PHMC is sponsoring its Fourth Annual Conference on Black History in Pennsylvania, April 30-May 1, 1981 at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park. Conference sessions will focus on black artists in the twentieth century, new perspectives on the Underground Railroad, special resources and bibliography on black history, black education, blacks in Centre County, black dance, blacks in the Great Depression and black political economy. Requests for further information should be directed to Matthew S. Magda, Assistant Historian, PHMC, Box 1026, Harrisburg 17120, or call (717) 787-3253.
The Victorian Society in America welcomes proposals for presentations on “Dining and Drinking in the 19th Century,” the topic of the Symposium to be held September 24-27, 1981 in Philadelphia. Topics may include: kitchens, dining rooms and restaurants, the growth of the food industry, room design, table settings, menus, nutrition, cooking implements, decorative arts, furniture and other related areas. Please send a one-page summary of your topic, a resume and the names, addresses and phone numbers of two references to Kristina Butvydas, Executive Director, The Victorian Society in America, East Washington Square, Philadelphia 19106. Proposals must be received by April 10, 1981, with selections to be made by April 17 [1981].
A one-hour, multi-media program on the Lenni Lenape people (Delaware Indians) is available for presentation by Mrs. Carla J. S. Messinger, 1819 1/2 Linden St., Allentown 18104, (215) 434-6819. The program can be altered to meet the needs of any audience, ages 4 through adult. although it is directed primarily toward children. The goal of the project is to promote a better cultural understanding and appreciation of the Indians who inhabited the area of Pennsylvania at the time the first Europeans arrived.
“Pennsylvania – 300 Years of History” is the theme of the Twelfth Biennial History Conference to be held at Kutztown State College, Kutztown on April 10, 1981. Any questions concerning the conference and scheduled papers, panels and seminars should be addressed to Moshe Kennet, History Department, Kutztown State College, Kutztown 19530.
Professor Linda Shopes of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus, Department of History, 5401 Wilkens Ave., Baltimore, MD 21228, has written a comprehensive guide for researchers in family history entitled, How to Investigate the History of Your Own Family. Such important topics as how to conduct research, how to develop an interview in an oral history project, what sources are available and how to use family photographs are presented in her very useful essay. Those interested in securing a free copy may write to the author.
