One of my favorite pay-to-play research sites on the internet is www.Newspaperarchive.com, which features text-searchable newspapers from across the world, going back hundreds of years. They add new pages every day. I love to read old newspapers. Is that a curious hobby, to read articles about old murder trials? It’s such interesting, expressive writing, who couldn’t get hooked on reading this stuff?
Now you have a chance to chime in on some free content from Newspaperarchive – just tell me what case you want to read about. I recently got a note from the folks who run Newspaperarchive saying they’ve set up several free sites that showcase their special collections. They’d be willing to post a true crime collection, too.
Right now, they offer 9 different free archives. If you’re into Disaster Journalism, click on “Titanic.” If you’re into any of the following subjects, you’ve struck research gold:
www.martinlutherkingjrarchive.com
www.collegebasketballarchive.com
Now isn’t that a curious assortment of subjects? I happen to think they need a true crime library. A very interesting subject to begin with would be the prototypical American badman, Jesse James. A lot of writers and readers remain keenly interested in this man. It would be interesting to read about his exploits from the people who cheered him on, the journalists of Missouri during Reconstruction.
Anyway, this same note that I got from Newspaperarchive also said that they “would be willing to add additional archives tailored specifically to the interests of your audience.”
Yippee! So you, gentle Reader, visitor of Clews, are being asked what subjects you’d be interested in reading about, gratis. If you have any ideas email me or leave a comment. Should I ask for Black Dahlia? Lizzie Borden? What kind of newspaper articles would you be interested in?
If you ever run across a man shooting an Adams Co. Sheriff in either West Union, Ohio or Blue Creek, Ohio let me know would you? Happens to be an ifamous relative of mine. Not sure of the year it happened.
Posted by: Home Sweet Home | March 28, 2006 at 11:15 PM
I'd be interested in a Crime section, because I'm interested in knowing if there are more Villisca Axe Murders looming about in the Archives.
What I'd really like is to be an Archivist for them! I'd love to pour over all the fiche and back issues.
Kath
Posted by: katherine | March 29, 2006 at 03:42 AM
Laura, wow thanks for all the kind words for NewspaperARCHIVE. I look forward to seeing what kind of site you and your readers want. Additionally, I'm just letting you know that the Daily Perspective newsletter also has a blog at dailyperspective.blogspot.com. Have a nice day!
Posted by: Liz | March 29, 2006 at 09:12 AM
Laura! Love this blog. Do you have any info in your archives on the 1912 Villisca, Iowa axe murders? I stumbled upon the story after seeing a documentary about the case (see www.villiscamovie.com) and have been hooked ever since. This is a little known murder that may have connections to other murders in connecting states. Former FBI profiler Robert Ressler appears in the film (it's called Villisca: Living with a Mystery) and has some real insight into the killer. Really an excellent true crime documentary, and the case will keep you digging for more information. The documentary goes national in October 2006. Anybody have any other serious information on this crime, I'd be very interested!
Posted by: terre | August 10, 2006 at 07:09 PM