Collecting authentic historic newspapers is exhilarating because you’re literally reading first reports and eye-witness accounts of the news as it was reported in its time. Practically every major event from the the invention of the printing press on is covered in newspapers: the real pirates of the Caribbean, the great plague in London, the Boston Massacre and Tea Party, the pivotal battles of the American Revolutionary War and Civil War, George Washington crossing the Delaware River, the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Wright Brothers first flight, the great Chicago fire, the gun fights of the wild west, Babe Ruth’s called shot, the sinking of the Titanic, and so much more. Newspapers are the first draft of history!
Prior to 1870, newspapers were printed on very durable rag linen paper – made from the linen in clothes and ship sails. So newspapers from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars are actually in better condition than yesterday’s newspaper, which is probably already yellow and brittle because it was printed on wood pulp.
The durability of rag linen newspapers from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s (as well as some institutional-only rag editions from the early 1900s) make them an excellent collectible. Just look at the photos throughout this website – the newspapers are unbelievably well-preserved for being close to 300 years old (and the ink doesn’t rub off on your fingers).
Many newspapers were bound in large volumes and stored in libraries, newspaper offices and other institutions. Bound volumes helped preserve the newspapers for hundreds of years and, along with the rag linen paper, is why they’re found in such mint condition today.
Proper storage and preservation of historic newspapers is critical. Acid-free, archival safe sleeves, folders or portfolios can be purchased online or often at your local art supply store.
