New Graphics Division Finding Aids, June 2026
The Graphics Division has published thirteen new finding aids documenting the lives of individuals and families from the 1840s to the 1990s.
“Spy of the Cumberland”: Recognizing the Legacy of Pauline Cushman and her Historian
By Graphics Assistant Sirianna Blanck and the Graphics Department, in honor of William J. Christen, who dedicated 14 years of his life to ensure that the life of Pauline Cushman would not be lost to or obscured by history and its myths. Newly arrived at the Clements,...
What’s In Your Attic 2026
Last month, we hosted a “What’s In Your Attic?” open house-style events where members of our community brought their own paper treasures (letters, journals, photographs, prints, books, and maps) for discussion with Clements Curators and guest Americana collectors. A handful of our guests generously chose to donate materials to the Clements Library at this event, here are a few of those newly donated acquisitions!
New Manuscripts Finding Aids, June 2026
As always, the Manuscripts Division has been diligently processing unique collections to make them available for research. All are welcome to research at the Clements Library, so request an appointment if any of these collections are calling your name!
Additional Resources
Additional and related resources for “Up, Up, and Away: A History of Ballooning in America.”
The View From Above
For many Americans, the whole fascination with ballooning was the prospect of being able to look down on the world.
Balloons Are Everywhere
The experience of going up in a balloon was still very much a novelty, but the idea of a balloon was becoming familiar.
The Dangerous Business of Ballooning
This highly dangerous business was accompanied by an increase in accidents and fatalities among aeronauts.
Pioneering Aeronauts
By the 1830s, American ballooning had reached its heyday. American aeronauts made technological improvements that allowed them to achieve higher and farther flights.