Hobbies & Interests Page 8 History & Events
How to Use -- Contents
There are millions of Internet Web sites devoted to hobbies. Our intent is to give you a sample in each category so you can start a new activity or improve one that you already enjoy. We provide historical references, sites of people who actually display their hobby online, as well as suggestions.
Use this index grid to jump right to the topic. If the category you want is not here, select something close. To make things easier, we may place the same link in several areas. For example, "collecting airline sickness bags" is listed in "Travel & Transportation" as well as in "Strange & Unusual." Due to the huge amount of resources for Hobbies, we have divided this into 20 pages. As you click on a link, it will take you directly to that topic on a new Slightly Creaky page.
Hobbies Categories
Updated May 14, 2010
Each area includes hobbies, how to do, and collecting
Also See Recreation Pets
Collecting (General Information) |
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Playing Card (Games - Collecting) |
Board Games (Playing - Collecting) |
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Miscellaneous (lots of stuff) |
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Online Games Page 1 |
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Online Games Page 2 |
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Open |
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Geography (inc. maps & flags) |
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Communications (inc. telephones) |
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China (pottery, glass) |
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Animals (live & preserved) |
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We try to avoid commercial sites, but in many cases they are the only ones who provide ideas and information. If you are looking to buy or sell, please use a generalized search engine.
NOTE: If the table lines do not show properly, please refresh the page.
Caution - Proceed with care
Slightly Creaky is not responsible for the content of web sites listed here or the actions taken by the people owning, managing, or participating on these sites. Once you click on a link you are leaving our site.
These listings are the result of thousands of hours of research. It is the property of Slightly Creaky and may not be reproduced in any form. Every attempt has been made to provide an accurate description of each organization. Contact us if you find an error.
Have We Missed Your Hobby?
We are constantly looking for more information, more links, as well as featured articles. Please help us improve our site and service. The Internet had millions of web pages dedicated to hobbies; we can only sample a few of them. Our purpose is to give our viewers a taste of what is out there so you can start a new activity or improve one that you already enjoy.
If you know any sites we should include write to suggestions@slightlycreaky.com
Historic Re-enactment
Historic Re-enactment
| Living History Reenactment Groups Worldwide | List may be out of date. Some links no longer work. But a good resource. |
| Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies | "An academic site, written and maintained by medieval scholars for the benefit of their fellow instructors and serious students. All articles have been judged by at least two peer reviewers. Authors are held to high standards of accuracy, currency, and relevance to the field of medieval studies." |
| Society for Creative Anachronism | "The SCA is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our "Known World" consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Participants, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which may feature tournaments, arts exhibits, classes, workshops, dancing, feasts, and more." |
| The French and Indian War Foundation | "To focus public attention on the early settlement of the American colonies' western frontier, with particular emphasis on the period of the French and Indian War (1754-1763)." |
| Castles on the Web | "We offer an extensive database of all things Castle related including a directory of castles from around the world, a photo gallery with thousands of castle photos, castle greeting cards, a castle forum where you can meet other castle enthusiasts, a castle glossary and more!" |
| Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia | " We re-enact medieval life by constructing and using reproductions of the periods accoutrements, and we generally have a lot of fun educating the public (and each other) with what we have learned in the process." |
| The Pirate Realm | " You can find famous pirates, pirate ships, or learn about pirate weapons.... travel with the Pirates of the Caribbean as they go treasure hunting.... discover the "sport of Pirates"....buy a pirate flag...and even find the men who helped inspire Robert Louis Stevenson's book, Treasure Island. Wherever the winds take ye, enjoy your visit to the Pirate's Realm!" |
| Medieval Horse Guild | "A group of horsemen and horsewomen who occasionally cast off the trappings of modern life and cloak themselves in the pageantry of the Medieval Period. As a group they engage in a variety of activities ranging from the study of the techniques of horsemanship in the Middle Ages to participating in parades and battle recreations." |
| Hurstwic | "A loosely affiliated group based in New England with an interest in the societies and peoples who lived in Northern Europe during the Viking age." |
| Reconstructing History | Blog |
| Medieval Groups & Resources | Internet links |
| FireStryker Living History Forum | "It is our mission to provide a place for Living History Enthusiasts and re-enactors from around the world to come together and exchange ideas regarding theories, group operations, events, tactics, weapons, armour, equestrian topics, and to be able to ask questions regarding just about anything else related to the Middle Ages." |
| Knighthood, Chivalry and Tournaments | A resource site. |
| Reenactment | "Historical reenacting is a great hobby!! And here on reenactor.Net, you will find information about historical reenacting all around the world. Now, you're probably thinking "You mean like the Civil War stuff?" Well, sort of... ANY time period you can think of is reenacted today and we cover them all!" |
| Historical Reenactment Events Diary | "Here is a very healthy historical global re-enactment movement comprising of many Societies and Organizations dedicated to research and performance of varied periods in English History. It is the intention of the site to get as detailed a list of historical and reenactment groups as possible," |
| A Cross-disciplinary Glossary of Terms for Historical Hobbyists |
"I have made note of the "origin" of most terms, these are simply the source where I first heard the term and may not be the definitive origin. Also, usage may vary around the country. I have tried to make some note of this, but some definitions may reflect the "Midwestern usage" since Minnesota is where we are based." |
| Reenacting and Living History Resources | A resource guide. Especially good for female reenactors. |
| A Guide to Lady Reenactors | "There are several choices for women when it comes to reenacting, both civilian and military, but it may seen a daunting task, especially for those new to reenacting, to find the right role. Here are a few of your choices with a little practical advice to make your journey into Civil War reenacting more authentic and enjoyable." |
| The Association for Living History, Farm and Agricultural Museums | "Serves those involved in living historical farms, agricultural museums and outdoor museums of history and folklife. Since its founding in 1970, ALHFAM has been at the forefront of the growth and professionalization of the use of living history techniques in museum programs." |
| Call to Arms | " International Directory of Historical Re-enactment and Living History " |
| Living History Society | "We are an organization dedicated to the preservation of history through example. We portray, at present, eleven different eras of history." |
| Renaissance Fairs, Renaissance Festivals and Renaissance Faires | "The Renaissance faires allow you to "go back in time". Faire-goers, or Rennies, enjoy dressing in the period costumes and speaking in the accent of the times (many do a very poor job at this, but they enjoy it none the less)." |
| At the Faire | ""Posting renaissance festival stuff on the Internet since 1997!"" |
| An Extensive Guide To Renaissance Faires & Medieval Festivals Around The World | "Choose your pathway. From here you can find Faires & Festivals...links to Clans, Guilds, Re-enactment Groups, Musicians and more...webrings to follow...and even the Olde English Game of Farkle." |
| Guide to Renaissance Faires and Medievel Festivals | "Welcome to my gateway to ages past. Here fairs, festivals and other historical entertainments around the world are gathered to help bring the lives of our ancestors to life." |
| Renaissance Festival Forum | "Welcome to the forums! You've found the best place for fest info, and an even better place to meet us like-minded enthusiasts." |
| Renaissance Magazine | "Renaissance Magazine is a print publication which features articles on history, castles, heraldry, culinary and herbal arts, and in-depth interviews with the movers and shakers of the re-enactment and faire communities. Regular columns review period books, movies, music, web sites, and games." |
We are seeking links for this category - If you know any good non-commercial web sites, please let us know. Collectors' Forums are also welcome. suggestions@slightlycreaky.com. |
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Document Collecting
Document Collecting
Also see Books & Periodicals
| Preserving Works on Paper: Manuscripts, Drawings, Prints, Posters, Maps, Documents | "The manufacturing method and materials of works on paper, such as the inks, paints and paper components, influence the inherent, long-term stability of library, art and archival items. Providing a good environment, and safe handling and storage conditions are critical to preserving paper collections. " |
| Fantasy Masterpieces Art Restoration | "We are a company dedicated to the restoration of paper artwork of any type. Our work includes restoration on collectible comic books, sports cards, photographs, posters, newspapers, postcards, graphic artwork, game boxes and more. Virtually anything made of paper can be restored to some point. Proper restoration can aide in preserving your collectible for many years to come." |
| The American Printing History Association | "The American Printing History Association encourages the study of printing history and its related arts and skills, including calligraphy, type founding, typography, papermaking, bookbinding, illustration, and publishing. APHA is especially, but by no means exclusively, interested in American printing history." |
| Alice in Wonderland Collectors Network | " The Alice in Wonderland Collectors Network is a resource and communication vehicle for those who collect Alice stuff. I use the technical term "stuff" because it is all encompassing and when talking about Alice collectors "all encompassing" tends not to include nearly enough. As the Alice books can be read on many levels, so Alice collecting can also be pursued on many levels. Some people concentrate on one particular area, dolls for example, and some focus even finer, artist dolls." |
| The American College of Heraldry | "Heraldry is at once both an art and a science. Its origins are rooted in the social and political structure which existed in Europe and the British Isles from about the year 1100 A.D. However, far from being an obsolete relic of a bygone era, heraldry has rather emerged as a vibrant and growing cultural form. Legitimate coats of arms are more widely used throughout the world today than ever before in history." |
| Dr. Seuss on the Web | A huge listing of all things related to Dr. Seuss books, movies, and collectibles. |
| Dr. Seuss Went to War:A Catalog of Political Cartoons | "Dr. Seuss Goes to War by historian Richard H. Minear (The New Press, 1999) reproduced some two hundred of the PM cartoons." |
| An Index To Dr Seuss: Characters And Unusual Creatures | " With millions of books in print, and nearly all of his 50-plus titles still available for sale, Dr. Seuss was, up until his untimely death in 1991, probably the most prolific living writer behind Barbara Cartland. In fact, his GREEN EGGS AND HAM is the third largest selling book in the English language." |
| Collecting Telephone Books | "It all began in 1953 in Cortland, New York. In those days, almost every U.S. telephone book had plain gray covers like shirt stiffeners, with a title and a small line drawing vignette. Since about 1938, almost every Bell System telephone book had had the familiar "Spirit of Communications" on its cover, a winged figure wrapped in cable and standing on a globe. That year, when our new telephone book arrived, it had a different picture - probably a telephone, but I've lost the details. I immediately formed the idea of saving our telephone books so that I could line them up and see all the different drawings from year to year. I set aside the outdated Cortland phone book, and kept saving them for a couple of years, until they went out in the trash." |
| Paper Watermarks | "Watermarks are designs or patterns put into paper during its production, by making thinner (line or wire watermarks) or thicker (shadow watermarks) the layer of pulp when it is still wet. Hence, the name. Paper watermarks can be seen holding the paper against the light or, in some cases, over a black surface. Usually, they show the manufacturers's name, and geometric designs, or images of animals, etc. The object of watermarks in paper is, essentially, identifying the paper, as a signature of the manufacturer, or as a security measure to avoid forgery of important documents as bank notes, passports, entry tickets, etc. " |
| Girasol Collectibles | Commercial " Specializing in pulps, pulp related books and art, early magazines, comic book and illustration art, unusual print materials and anything else that looks like something you can’t do without." |
| Old Imprints | Commercial. "Antique Prints, Maps, Illustrated Books, Vintage Magazines, Ephemera " |
| Care for Your Paper | "Collecting old papers, photographs, and books can be exciting but, sometimes, the condition of a valuable paper item may appear that the document is beyond saving. Nevertheless, many of these are pieces that can be saved and preserved. This article will show how to unroll and unfold papers and long photos easily and inexpensively." |
| The American Society of Check Collectors | "The American Society of Check Collectors is a non-profit-organization of collectors of checks and other financial documents. It brings together those interested in this collecting area and assists them with sources of information on collecting and research. The Society has appeal not only for the check collector, but also those interested in banking history, vignettes and engravings used on fiscal documents, revenue stamps, security printers and stock and bond certificates." |
| Australian Map Circle | "A group of Australian map producers, users and curators, which acts as a medium of communication for all those interested in maps." |
| Illuminated Manuscripts | "Medieval illuminated manuscripts were books written by hand and decorated with paintings and ornaments of different kinds. The word "illuminated" comes from the usage of the Latin world illuminare in connection with oratory or prose style, where it means "adorn."" |
| When to Use an Appraiser: Your Options | "Many people will find themselves cleaning out an attic or garage this spring and looking at things that were inherited, or bought at yard sales, flea markets or antique stores and wondering, “what is this worth and how do I sell it?”" |
We are seeking links for this category - If you know any good non-commercial web sites, please let us know. Collectors' Forums are also welcome. suggestions@slightlycreaky.com. |
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Archeology & Paleontology
Archeology & Paleontology
| The Dirt Brothers | "The Largest Archaeology Web Site in the World! We do not sell artifacts! We share them with the world! " |
| Historic Archeology | From The Parks of the Little Bonnecher |
| Society for American Archeology | "To expand understanding and appreciation of humanity's past as achieved through systematic investigation of the archaeological record. The society leads the archaeological community by promoting research, stewardship of archaeological resources, public and professional education, and the dissemination of knowledge." |
| The Archeology Channel | "Recognizing that the archaeological record is the legacy of all human beings and dedicated to bringing the benefits of archaeology to a wider constituency." |
| Passport in Time | "Passport in Time is a volunteer archaeology and historic preservation program of the USDA Forest Service. PIT volunteers work with professional FS archaeologists and historians on national forests throughout the U.S. on such diverse activities as archaeological survey and excavation, rock art restoration, survey, archival research, historic structure restoration, oral history gathering, and analysis and curation of artifacts. The FS professional staff of archaeologists and historians will be your hosts, guides, and co-workers." |
| Archeology as a Hobby | "Some people might prefer to experience the excitement of archaeology but only as a hobby. Being a part-time archaeologist or employing one’s time in archaeology as a serious interest or hobby can be very rewarding." |
| Antiqiities Acts | "The Antiquities Act is the basic legislation for preserving cultural properties on Federal lands. One hundred years after its passage, it is still a vital tool for land managers and scientists. In 1966, the Act was strengthen with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act." |
| Lithic Technology | Lithic Technology is a peer-reviewed journal concerned with dissemination knowledge about archaeological stone tools. |
| Stone Aged Reference Collection | "SARC is a reference program containing information about the typology, technology, raw materials and study methods of the Stone Age." |
| Discovering Fossils | The study of the prehistoric world provides a lifelong interest that is as variable in discoveries as it is dramatic in length of time. From the initial building blocks of life, to the birth of insects, plants, dinosaurs and even mankind; the science of palaeontology leaves no stone unturned. The initial inspiration for the study of palaeontology soon grows into a fascinating range of practical and mental challenges, that enrich and enthuse the individual. Their efforts are rewarded with physical evidence, which in turn gives rise to a deeper questioning about the context of their discoveries. |
| Fossil Collections of the World | Although this site has not been updated since 1997, the links are mostly accurate and the sites they lead to have, for the most part been maintained properly. |
| Uncovering the Mysteries of Deep Time | Xfossils has the following goals. Advance the body of knowledge of Paleontology. Facilitate the collaboration of amateur and professional paleontologists. Obtain and provide subject matter and resources for professional journal publication. Support graduate study in Paleontology. Inspire and encourage amateur paleontologists |
| Arrowhead Hunter's Primer |
"Almost everyone takes delight in reaching over and picking up a fine, ancient arrowhead that has lain lost for hundreds or even thousands of years. Finding arrowheads is not hard, but it does take some thinking and some effort to be consistently successful." |
| Archaeological Institute of America | The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is North America's oldest and largest organization devoted to the world of archaeology with more than 8,500 members belonging to 104 AIA societies in the United States, Canada, and overseas, united by a shared passion for archaeology and its role in furthering human knowledge. |
| Typology | "Science of classifying stone tools by form, techniques and technological traits. Must include duplication of the technique by first observing the intentional form, then reconstructing or replicating the tool in the exact order of the aboriginal workman. Shows elements of culture. Typology cannot be based on function." |
| Fossil Web | For fossil identification. |
| The Fossil Forum | Open Message board |
| Public Lands, Public Fossils | "A number of laws govern the collection of fossils from federal lands. Generally, these laws are based on the premise that fossil resources are the property of the American people. Important fossils, often vertebrates, ought to be treated responsibly and housed in public institutions." |
| Fossil Facts and Finds | "You don’t have to be a paleontologist to enjoy learning about these extinct relics of the earth’s history. You’ll find teaching tips and innovative lesson plans, word puzzles and more about fossils and geologic time." |
| Collecting Fossils.org | "Everything you need to know about collecting fossils, including what you were afraid to ask." |
| Paleoindian & Other Archaeological Stuff | "I began creating this WEB site in 1996 to share my ideas and knowledge of the Paleoindians, the Archaic and archaeology of mostly the southwest." |
| Anthropologicl Resources | "Anthropology, the study of both ancient and modern peoples, helps us to understand the full range of human diversity. Each of anthropology's four major fields (socio-cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistics, and archaeology) shares the same goals - to understand what we are and how we came to be. " |
| Arch Net | "The ArchNet website is designed to promote appreciation, understanding, and knowledge about archaeology and the preservation and interpretation of cultural resources, both prehistoric and historic." |
| Forensic Archaeology Recovery | "Forensic Archaeology Recovery is a volunteer organization that assists local authorities to locate, record, and recover human remains and associated personal effects and other materials at mass-fatality disaster scenes." |
| Center for American Archeology | "Originally formed in 1953, the CAA's mission is to discover and disseminate the unwritten story of earlier Americans' lifeways, accomplishments, and changing natural environment. Through integrated programs of archeological investigation, educational outreach and cultural stewardship, the CAA strives to accomplish this mission." |
| Society for Historical Archeology | "The Society will be for the promotion of scholarly research and the dissemination of knowledge concerning historical archaeology. This Society will cooperate with other learned and scholarly organizations in the pursuit of common objectives. Historical Archaeology is the application of archaeological method to the study of History. It is concerned with the identification, excavation, interpretation and conservation of sites and material on land and under water and the publication of the resulting studies." |
| Backyard Fossils | "When a plant or animal dies in the wild, usually it decays and essentially disappears. However, sometimes dead organisms are covered with sediment such as with mud during a flood or when an aquatic organism settles to the water's bottom, or maybe by ash during a volcanic eruption." |
| PaleoCurrents | "I offer a place to publish paleontology articles free-of-charge if you have information you would like to share with the public. If you like what you see here, please let me know." |
Genealogy
Genealogy
| Ancestory.com | "Already familiar with historical records? Simply enter what you know about one of your ancestors and we'll search billions of historical records for more information. Even a guess can help." |
| MyHeritage | "MyHeritage.com was founded by a team of people with a passion for genealogy and a strong grasp of Internet technology. Our vision has been to make it easier for people around the world to use the power of the Internet to discover their heritage and strengthen their bonds with family and friends. " |
| Native American Data | Database contains 538804 records (17687 surnames) |
| How Do I Trace Indian Ancestry? | "To determine if you are eligible for tribal membership, contact your ancestral tribe. Individual tribes determine tribal membership. Additional resources links to trace Indian ancestry are provided below." |
| Finding US Naturalization Records | "Many Naturalization records prior to 27 September 1906 can be found on microfilm from the Family History Library. Try a search in the Family History Library Catalog for the place (the county, but sometimes the city or even the state) where your ancestors were living at the time they were naturalized." |
| International Census Indexes & Records | For Australia, Canada, Ireland, Scandinavia & the United Kingdom A genealogy directory of online census records (a fee may be required) |
| England, Scotland & Wales - a Genealogy Guide | A genealogy directory of online census records (a fee may be required) |
| The Genealogy Home Page | Genealogy help, list, links, and information. |
| Family Search | "We have designed our site to give everyone, from beginner to expert, the training and tools they need to do family history research. To begin, just click one of the tabs (Home, Search, Share, or Library) across the top of the screen to go to corresponding sections. " |
| Access Genealogy | A collection of records to make tracing ancestors easier. |
| Beginning Genealogy | In outline form, a starters guide to tracing family history. |
| History of First Names | Almost everything you need to know about "given names" including those from many different languages. Traces names through history and from one language to another. |
| Free Dictionary of Surname Origins & Last Name Meanings |
"What does my last name mean? If you have ever wondered about the meaning of your last name, where your family lived, what they did, or how they looked, you may find your surname may answer some of these questions about your ancestors from many hundreds of years ago. " |
| UK BMD | "Since 1837 all births, marriages and deaths in England and Wales have had to be registered at the register office in the district where the event took place. In Scotland such registration became compulsory for all in 1855 and for Ireland it was 1864 for births & deaths and 1845 for marriages. Genealogists and Family Historians can make use of these registrations to help create their family tree, working backwards from the present day to the start of civil registration." |
| FamilyHistory.com | (A fee site) Access information about your family by last name, state, US census records, or through birth, marriage, and death records. |
| African American Family History Resources |
"We believe that every person is important and that families are meant to be both sacred and eternal. We encourage all people to find their ancestors and preserve their family histories. " |
| Genealogy Reference Desk | (As of February, 2008) - 89 Internet resources for genealogical study. |
| Free Genealogy Forms and Charts | Toolkits, charts, forms, and "trees" all free for downloading. |
| Ten Basic Steps to Researching Your Family Tree | "It has been said that one should study the past in order to understand the present and anticipate the future. Serious genealogical research takes time, patience, and persistence. No one ever said that genealogy would be easy but it can be enjoyable and rewarding. You may discover more about where your ancestors came from, what adventures they may have had as pioneers, what businesses or trades they may have been involved in - many more interesting things about them and, at the same time, learn more about history. " |
| How to Make a Family Tree | "A family tree is a chart of information that shows the relationships of family members over time. They show family connections between individuals, consisting of the names with marital and parental connection lines." |
| GENi Family Tree | "Geni is a private place for your family to build your family tree, preserve your history and share your lives. " |
| Hello Tree | "HelloTree is a new kind of collaborative family tree where everyone participates. Watch it grow as you invite family to join." |
| Do You Collect Old Magazines? | "Here you will find tips on collecting old magazines woven directly into detailed original histories of select publications." |
| Old Magazine Articles | "The effort of one old magazine enthusiast in particular who believes deeply that today's readers of history can learn a good deal from the old periodicals." |
| Old Catalogs | A blog. |
| Collecting Old Yearbooks | " Fascination with one's own past is easy to understand, and a yearbook is a testament to all the hard work we did at school, friendships won and lost, dreams still to be realized. But why would anyone want to collect yearbooks - other people's old yearbooks? Perhaps the greatest motivation is the cult of celebrity that's rampant though our culture. " |
Books & Periodicals
Books & Periodicals
"Damage to a book is cumulative. The repeated incorrect handling and storage of a book can quickly transform a new book into a worn or even an unusable one. Proper handling and storage in a stable, cool, clean, non-humid environment, can prolong its life." |
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| Care, Handling and Storage of Books | |
| Children's Picture Book Collecting | "This website offers free information for the beginning and advanced collector of contemporary children's picturebooks. We provide a solid introduction to the hobby, children's book values, and first edition identification points for key picturebooks, including Dr. Seuss and Caldecott Medal books." |
| First - The Book Collectors Magazine | "Firsts has established itself as the premier publication in its field. Now in its eighteenth year, Firsts is an invaluable resource, providing information, entertainment, and an entry into the delightful world of book collecting. " |
| Rare First Edition Books | "Over time, popular books get printed and reprinted dozens, sometimes hundreds, of times. The more sought-after the title, the more it will be reprinted. And, as the number of printings in existence increases, the value of first edition prints also increases." |
| Identifying First Editions | "First Edition Books are sought after items for any collector, but how do you identify a first edition book?" |
| How to Identify First Edition Books | "Book collecting is a hot market. The most coveted copy of any book -- especially older or antique -- is a first edition. If you hold a first edition of a famous work of literature, you are most likely holding a piece of printing history." |
| How to Identify A First Edition | "Criteria for indicating a first edition varies from publisher to publisher. To complicate matters, some publishers do not identify their first editions at all, or have used varying methods over the years. " |
| Book Collecting | "Information the novice and professional can use in book collecting, investing, dealing, pricing, grading, terms and descriptions used. Tips and information in the area of antique and collectable books, books for sale and general information " |
| Ten Book Collecting Tips | "Condition is critical to the value of a book. Just reading a book once can result in stains, tears, or rubbing that may reduce its value by 30-50% or more. The highest grades of a book are called Very Fine (essentially flawless) or Fine. The dust jacket condition these days is very important as the dust jacket can attribute up to 75% of a book's value." |
| Joy of Collecting Autographed Books | "There is something about an autograph that excites me to no end. It's almost like holding life pulse of the person who created that signature with his or her own hand." |
| Author Signatures & Signed Book Values | "Signed means the book has been signed by its author (or perhaps by an illustrator, or editor). Signed books are much desired by collectors, and, generally speaking, a signature will enhance the value of the book." |
| Tips on Book Collecting | "The first and foremost rule of collecting is to collect what you like. Since collecting is a totally optional pursuit, a hobby, it should be governed solely by what gives you pleasure. The number of book collecting categories is virtually endless and if you can think of it, there are probably people out there collecting it. " |
| A Guide to Book Collecting in the 21st Century | "Is collecting everything published on space aliens worthwhile? Answer your questions on beginning or sustaining a book collection by reading some advice from Roger Gozdecki who has been collecting and selling books for more than 20 years." |
| Book Collecting | "I've put together a lot of tips for any aspiring book collectors out there." |
| Tips To Help You Find Tomorrow's Valuable, Collectible Books | "Our mission here is to try and acquaint you with potentially valuable books from promising new authors. In other words: tomorrow's collectible books." |
| Book Jacket Values | "I purchased the book jackets and now I am considering selling the books. I would like to know what effect these dust jackets would have on the value of the books." |
| Collecting Paperbacks | "One of the most neglected areas of popular culture, but one that offers an endless amount of fun and fascination is collecting paperback books. They have always been with us. Most of us baby boomers have grown up with them, and today they exist as a mirror to our youth, our culture - the way we were. They're interesting, exploitive, campy, corny, lurid and cool! And lots of people are collecting them. Some are selling for real big bucks too!" |
| Collecting Science Fiction Books | "Inevitably, when talking about collecting science fiction, fantasy and horror books many of the subjects are equally applicable to collecting books in general. The two orbits will intersect. However my focus is on SF/F/H so here we’ll be less concerned about the larger field of antiquarian book collecting and more about modern collectibles, limited editions and the rarities of a genre which really only dates back to the beginning of the last century." |
| Collecting Mystery Books - New and Used Mystery Books | "Detective and mystery fiction has become the most popular area in book collecting in the last 25 years. Yet prior to 1970, relatively few collectors focused on the crime and mystery genre, many venturing tentatively into the pool through their primary interest in "modern literature."" |
| Book & Book Collecting | "Here you'll find tools, information, and access to information -- tools, such as search forms to locate books, a service for linking sets with missing volumes, or a cm to inch converter -- information, such as a pseudonym database, explanations of book size nomenclature, or a mini-history of the Britannica -- and access to information, in the form of links to newsgroups, mail lists, out-of-print magazine dealers, guide to book collector's references, etc. This site is intended to serve as a kind of home-base for the bibliophile. I hope you find it useful." |
| A Book Collector's Glossary | "This is the first full edition of "A Book Collector's Glossary." It is not complete, but is a work in progress, and a labor of love for those who collect books, published here as a service to those who've requested it." |
| Bibliomania | "The ultimate source for collectors." |
| Powell's Rare Book Basics | Book terms illustrated and rare book condition standards |
| Bookseller World | "This site aims to be a complete one-stop resource site for all your book needs Bibliographies, articles, collectors guides, book dealers and shops + much more" |
| Fadedgiant Guide To Antique Book Values | "How much is my book worth? Research your old books. Perform your own antique book appraisals. Search Fadedgiant's online database of over 50,000 antique book prices. The world's largest free online database of old book values and the ONLY free online old book price guide with values determined by auction prices. " |
| Book Collector's Resources | Guides and references for rare and not-so-rare books. |
| 30,000+ Used and Rare Cook Books | "People collect cookbooks for various reasons. Some buy them as investments. Others simply want to try new recipes. For some, cookbooks provide good bedside reading. And there are those who acquire cookbooks for their historical and sociological value. Nostalgia is a big factor. Open an old cookbook and the past comes rushing back." |
| Questions About Book Collecting | A library of answers to questions asked about book collecting. |
"So, you've got that stash of magazines you just never got around to looking through and tossing or selling and you're probably wondering, "Is it worth keeping old magazines?" Some are older than others, maybe even given to you by someone else in the family, the family pack-rat, perhaps. They kept them; should you?" |
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| Is It Worth Keeping Old Magazines | |
| Always After Time | "Collecting Newsweek Magazine ranks as you would expect it would--not as popular as collecting old Time Magazines. In fact, except for a brief time in the late 1960's Newsweek has always trailed Time in terms of popularity and this is no different in terms of collectibility. While vintage issues of Time often used beautiful illustrated portraits of famous or important world figures on their covers, more often than not a copy of Newsweek Magazine from the same date will have a topical photograph of no one in particular gracing their front page. " |
| Magazine Collectors Club | Blog and forum - members only |
| Complete Magazine List | An Alphabetical list of currently published magazines |
| Do You Collect Old Magazines | "Here you will find tips on collecting old magazines woven directly into detailed original histories of select publications." |
| Magazines From a Format Perspective | "This is a series of spotlights on the history of American magazines and their personalities. Every magazine, in its blend of graphic and writing style -- whether on paper or on the web -- reflects the taste and character of a community of people who create and read it." |
| The History of Women's Magazines | "This paper will cover certain themes in women's magazines from the late 1600s to World War II. Though it would be worthwhile to focus on a particular decade or era in women's magazines, I want to look at the full course of their existence, to get a sense of their history and the role they play in women's history. " |
| Time Magazine: Luce and Hadden Revolutionize the News Magazine |
"Time Magazine was the product of two young men studying journalism together and soon after using their academic connections to realize their goal of a magazine intended to better deliver news to the mass public. Henry R. Luce and Briton Hadden were rival editors while at Hotchkiss and served together on the Daily News at Yale." |
| Collecting Magazine Ads | "Advertising has a long history. Long before there were pop up ads on the internet, commercials on the television and radio, merchants used print media to get their message across to the consumer masses. Just about any company that has or had goods of services to sell has advertised in a magazine at one time or another. Our past, is filled with a treasure trove of history and nostalgia from ads of yesterday from magazines and newspapers. Ads in magazines not only provided merchant communication with potential buyers, they were about American culture, times and changes." |
| The Pulp | "Long before TV, when movies were silent and radio was rarely heard, the pulp magazines burst onto the scene. The cheaply produced magazines offered an eager populace with a pasttime that carried them to far–away places on adventures far beyond their everyday lives." |
| Pulp Heroes | "This extraordinary site will introduce you in the manner of an encyclopedia to heroes and heroic figures published from, roughly, 1902 to 1939. It is not restricted only to the pulps, either, although the many characters from that medium will constitute the majority of the entries on this site. It includes characters from "respectable" fiction and comic strips and radio shows and children's fiction as well as pulps and adventure fiction. Sections include brief historical information, pictures, a bibliography and links to other pulp sources. " |
"Newspaper collecting is a relatively new hobby, one which is gaining in popularity daily as more Americans discover the richness of this neglected aspect of our heritage. The links below lead to sections from our An Introduction to Collecting Historic Newspapers, which we prepared to give the novice collector some background to this enjoyable pursuit." |
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| Collecting Historic Newspapers: An Introduction | |
| Preserving Newspapers | " As a resource for scholars and researchers, no form of publication captures the day-to-day life of a community and its citizens better than the local newspaper. " |
| Collecting Historical Newspapers? | "Here is a hobby that is an intellectual paradise – acquiring original historical newspapers! They do exist, a fact that many of us might not have suspected. After all, nothing is more fragile and delicate than old paper. And newspapers are considered ephemera, or paper that is not intended to be saved. Almost always the daily newspaper went into the can the next morning. But some were saved, often those that are most desirable, the issues covering major historical events." |
| Black Newspapers | "ProQuest Historical Newspapers-Black Newspapers offers primary source material essential to the study of American history and African-American culture, history, politics, and the arts." |
| Primer on Collecting Old & Historic Newspapers | "The age of the newspaper has very little to do directly with the value. As you will see in reading this file, it is possible to purchase an authentic American newspaper from the 1790's for as little as $25, or an original late 1600's British newspaper for under $25, while an original December 7, 1941 Honolulu Star-Bulletin sells for from $200 to as much as $700." |
| Historical Newspapers Online | "This table provides a list of some of the historic newspapers that are available online through Penn subscriptions or at no cost. Hundreds more historic newspapers are available online as part of the following databases" |
| HistoryBuff.com Online Newspaper Archives | A chronological list - 1700-2004 |
| Washington State University Historical Newspaper Collection | "Faced with the rural isolation of the town of Pullman, Washington State College librarians actively sought to build and maintain a newspaper collection that represented historical, national, and international scope. The Historical Newspaper Collection represents only a fraction of the University’s newspaper collection--in general, these items were singled out as a “special collection” because they were determined to have particular historical significance" |
| Search Historic Newspapers | (Fee site) "GenealogyBank sheds new light on the daily lives and communities of millions of American families from 1690 to today. With more than 3,700 newspapers and other helpful documents in all 50 states, you’ll find not only names, dates, places and events, but also learn about the everyday challenges and moments of triumph that defined the lives of your ancestors." |
| Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers | "This site allows you to search and view newspaper pages from 1880-1910 and find information about American newspapers published between 1690-present. " |
| America's Historic Newspapers | "his growing collection of fully searchable historical American and Hispanic American newspapers is the most extensive resource of its kind. With nearly 2,000 titles from all 50 states, America’s Historical Newspapers provides an unparalleled record of the topics, people, issues and events that have shaped America for nearly three centuries." |
| The Daily Newspaper Collection | "You might think I am a bit crazy when you hear that I collect daily newspapers. Well, crazy or not, I do collect them and I am always looking for new titles. Currently, there are about 700 entries in my collection. Why not have a look list below and check whether you have a new copy for me?" |
| "At Paragon Comics we LOVE comic books of all shapes, sizes and colors (yes, even those colorless black and white comic magazines so popular in the 1970's). We love to read them, collect them, look at them, buy them, stack them and, yes, occasionally sell them. Well, hopefully more than occasionally..." | |
| Paragon Comics | |
| Comic Book History | "A breif history of the comic book industry." |
| Vintage Comics & Comic Art | Buy, sell, and get prices for comics. |
| Comic Book Resources | Articles, resources, buying guides. |
| Marvel Comics Home Page | All you need to know about Marvel Comics, past, present, and future. |
| DC Comics Home Page | "DC Comics is one of the largest and most diverse publishers of comics and comics-related products today. Collectively, with our mature readers line, Vertigo, and cutting-edge action line, WildStorm, DC is the only publisher that offers a complete line of comics for every age group and literary taste. DC is also one of the industry's most prolific publishers, producing more than eighty comics titles every month and close to one thousand titles per year. DC is also one of the oldest comics companies, with a continuous publishing history that spans over sixty years." |
| Fantastic Collectibles | "If you are searching for Science Fiction & Fantasy paperbacks, hardcover books, or pulp magazines, you have come to right place. It may take some time, as my pages are arranged like a bookstore where you browse, rather than use a search engine. But if you follow the links on this page, you will eventually find all 45,000 books I have to sell or trade. They are scattered over a dozen or more pages to load better, so be persistent in looking until you find what you need." |
Military & War
Military & War
| American Society of Military Insignia Collectors | "The American Society of Military Insignia Collectors (ASMIC) is the oldest and largest organization of collectors of military insignia in the world. Founded in 1937 by a small group of enthusiasts and chartered as a non-profit organization, today the Society is 'home' to nearly 3,000 dedicated collectors in the United States and two dozen foreign countries. Whether you are a collector of military insignia or a student of heraldry or military history, whether an expert or a novice, you will find that membership in ASMIC has many advantages." |
| Militaria | "A Place for Military Collectors and Military Historians" |
| The Association Of American Military Uniform Collectors | "The ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MILITARY UNIFORM COLLECTORS was founded early in 1977 by a small group of collectors of American military uniforms who felt the need to work together to improve their personal collections and themselves by exchanging their ideas and knowledge. As a group, AAMUC (pronounced "amuck" is dedicated to the collection, preservation and study of American military uniforms." |
| Civil War Guns | "The Internet website for information about the weapons and ordnance used by American Forces during the Civil War (1861-1865)" |
| The American Society of Arms Collectors | "The American Society of Arms Collectors was founded in 1953 as a permanent national organization for persons interested in the collection, research, study, and preservation of arms, armor, and accessories and accoutrements; to establish and promote standards and ethics in research and dissemination of information pertaining to the history of arms and armor; and to promote and further the preparation, publication and distribution of scholarly literature pertaining to the development and history of arms and armor. " |
| Arms & Armor Society | "The Society was formed in 1950 by a small group of dedicated enthusiasts to further the study of arms and armour, from earliest times, by bringing together scholars, collectors, professional experts and all who share this common interest. It has now grown into one of the leading groups of those concerned in the study, collection and preservation of arms and armour." |
| USAFPatches | "The Internet's premier information source for United States Air Force (USAF) patches. Founded in March 1996 as the Air Force Patch Collectors Homepage, USAFPatches.com is the Internet's largest and oldest continuously operated website focused on USAF patch collecting." |
| Military Insignias | "I'm a Danish collector of military insignia from all over the world especially USA, Russia, Canada, Sweden and Norway." |
| Soviet Collectible Page | "This is my personal collection of Soviet militaria, items and images of art." |
| Imperial German Orders | "I would like to make my experience accessible for all those who are not only accumulating their treasures, but looking for the history behind orders, decorations and medals." |
| Medalman | " This site is dedicated to everyone who shares my passion for collecting American military memorabilia. " |
| The Orders and Medals Research Society | "If you are interested in the Orders, Decorations and Medals of Great Britain and the rest of the world, then you should consider membership of this Society. You gain the opportunity to discuss and exchange the results of research with some 2,500 members worldwide, including many acknowledged experts in this absorbing hobby." |
| Orders and Medals Society of America! | "The Journal is currently published six times per year for the benefit of members. It contains articles contributed by members on a variety of medallic subjects, accompanying photographs or illustrations, book reviews and a collectors marketplace for member advertising." |
| Institute of Heraldry | "The purpose of this site is to provide information on United States Army heraldic entitlements; how they are displayed, and how and why it is worn." |
| Air Force Historical Research Agency | "The Air Force Historical Research Agency is the repository for Air Force historical documents. The Agency's collection, begun in Washington, DC, during World War II, moved in 1949 to Maxwell Air Force Base, the site of Air University, to provide research facilities for professional military education students, the faculty, visiting scholars, and the general public. It consists today of over 70,000,000 pages devoted to the history of the service, and represents the world's largest and most valuable organized collection of documents on US military aviation." |
| U.S. Army Women's Museum | "An educational institution, providing military history training and instruction to soldiers, veterans and the civilian community. The museum is the custodian and repository of artifacts and archival material pertaining to the service of women across all branches and organizations of the U.S. Army from inception to the present day. The museum collects, preserves, manages, interprets and exhibits these unique artifacts as a means to provide training and educational outreach." |
| US Army Center of Military History | "Responsible for the appropriate use of history throughout the United States Army. Traditionally, this mission has meant recording the official history of the Army in both peace and war, while advising the Army Staff on historical matters. In terms of this tradition, the Center traces its lineage back to those historians under the Secretary of War who compiled the Official Records of the Rebellion, a monumental history of the Civil War begun in 1874, and to a similar work on World War I prepared by the Historical Section of the Army War College." |
| US Militaria Forum | Membership messageboard. |
| M-1 Helmet | Promotes a book, but has lots of information. "This book contains 320 pages and 700 highly detailed full color photos that cover the development and combat use of the WW2 US ‘fixed bale’ M-1 helmet to the fullest. Much attention was given to the many specific manufacturing details, contract numbers and dates involving the M-1 and M-2 helmet. The book also contains rare liners, unit painted helmets, rank marked helmets, camouflaged helmets, paratrooper helmets, groupings, fully dressed mannequins and much more!" |
| World War I Document Archives | "This archive of primary documents from World War I has been assembled by volunteers of the World War I Military History List." |
| Online Military Indexes & Records | Revolutionary War to Vietnam. "This website is a directory of links to online military indexes and records for USA genealogy research. Included are rosters, databases of soldiers, and listings of military and war casualties. Also included are some links to sources for military records in other countries (for World War I & II). " |
| Geography of the Great War | A 40-page online book dedicated to World War I. |
| Army Historical Foundation | "The Foundation seeks to educate future Americans to fully appreciate the sacrifices that generations of American soldiers have made to safeguard the freedoms of this nation." |
| Naval History and Heritage Command | "In 1943, a sailor serving aboard the aircraft carrier Hornet wrote home to his parents, saying "wherever we go, [we] will be part of America." Indeed, the Navy's story is the nation's story and every Navy story has a history. The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) preserves those stories and interprets that history." |
| Soviet Authentication | "An independent research service dedicated to studying and evaluating Soviet orders and medals. We have 12 years of experience analyzing and recording thousands of Soviet orders, medals and related documents. We do not sell Soviet awards and we are not affiliated with any dealer." |
| Military Trader | "Dedicated to the collecting preservation, restoration, study, and display of historic military artifacts. Spanning interests from military uniforms to medals, or helmets to ordance and weapons," |
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