The Delmarva region has many helpful research repositories for studying the past. Many are found in public libraries, and in that group there is the M. Virginia Webb Memorial Maryland Room at the Dorchester County Public Library (DCPL).
I have used this collection periodically over the years, and last week I needed to examine newspapers from the top of the 20th century. As I got stated I found that a major upgrade in special collections had been made since my last trip, which shouldn’t have surprised me as this fine institution has always provided excellent service.
DCPL had retired a cranky, decades old analog microfilm reader with a state-of-the-art computer workstation. The aging analog machine was in constant use by genealogists, local history researchers, and curious types, and while it got the job done, it was showing its age.
DCPL unveiled this new digital microfilm reader/scanner about two months earlier. It doesn’t look like the old ones most researchers have used somewhere. It consists of a computer, image management software, a small desktop scanner, and a large horizontal monitor, which allows you to see the full page.
In addition to reading and printing the microfilm, it allows for extensive image manipulation and the creation of PDFs and JPGS, which you may save to a flash drive. You may also enhance the image digitally, an important addition as most of us are familiar with the eye strain created by trying to read film that is too light or too dark.
This new unit makes the data collection process much easier, and it is a user-friendly machine. Without any instruction, I effortlessly used it and acquired the data I needed.
Beyond this upgrade, the Maryland Room is a strong resource with books and other materials. There are courthouse records, including land, probate, and court records. The newspapers include the full run of the Cambridge Daily Banner and other titles published in the county. There is much more, including city directories, pension applications, and more.
Thank you, Dorchester County Public Library, for providing such a strong heritage-oriented collection and for keeping up with the times. I see I have lots more work to do in Dorchester County.