STUDENT GUIDE for HISTORY DAY 2010
This page provides a list of possible topics and themes that can be researched at the Hagley Library in Wilmington, Delaware.
If you cannot do your research at Hagley, we have also have a guide for material in our Digital Archives that you can use online.
If you would like to speak with our staff about your topic, please contact Marge McNinch at 302-658-2400 ext 319 or mmcninch@hagley.org.
HISTORY DAY TOPICS at the HAGLEY LIBRARY
Oliver Evans, Delaware resident, patented two major innovations: the automated flour mill and the high-pressure, non-condensing steam engine.
Benjamin Latrobe, a Virginia resident, was an architectural engineer who served as consultant on early canal and river improvement projects. He designed the first Philadelphia Waterworks and was named by named by President Jefferson as surveyor of public buildings.
Remington Rand, Typewriter Division, had an impact on women's roles in making businesses successful.
Remington Rand, Safe Cabinet Division, constructed vaults and safes for insurance against loss of business records.
Thomas Lamb designed handles to fit the human hand more easily, particularly in the design of kitchen knives and crutches.
Henry Janvier of the Ferracute Company installed the first coin minting machine designed by Ferracute in China in the early part of the 20th century.
Mary Hallock Greenewalt was a pioneer in the use of light to enhance music (1910-20)
Nora Edwards invented the skirt supporter and went into business. It was an innovation in its day in the early 20th century.
T. Coleman du Pont and his construction of the Du Pont Highway in Delaware was an innovative and successful idea, which tested the technologies of the 1920s.
Richard C. du Pont's development of glider planes, which were used in WWII, have added to the technology used today.
Navy Admiral S.F. Du Pont revamped promotion and punishment policies within the US Navy during the Civil War.
Henry Gun Works in Pennsylvania were known for making fine rifles, some of which were supplied for use during the Revolutionary War.
A Delaware Company, the Warner Company, was innovative in the production of hydraulic cement used in construction in the mid 20th century.
Sperry Gyroscope Company developed the ship stablizer, gyrocompass, and autopilot.
DuPont Company has a number of topics to choose from including E.I. du Pont's innovative design of his mills and works; the use of sodium nitrate for saltpeter in explosives to be more efficient; and the discovery of nylon.
Photograph Collections
If you are looking for images to develop or illustrate your project, here are some of the themes covered by Hagley's photograph collections:
Early computers
Early production of gunpowder
Innovation in gunpowder and explosives
Invention of smokeless powder
Early color photography
Innovative aerial mapping cameras
Innovation in plastics
Invention of Nylon & other synthetic fibers
Innovation textile manufacturing
Early record players
Invention of the gyroscope
Innovation in gasoline production
Record-setters in early aviation
First steel car-body and stainless steel airplane
First electric locomotive
Innovation in mid-20th century aviation
Early helicopters
Streamline design
Innovative product packaging
First suburban shopping malls
Digital Collections
Hagley Library has approximately 50,000 pages of primary sources in our Digital Archives. These can be accessed online at digital.hagley.org.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a time to visit Hagley, please contact Marge McNinch at 302-658-2400 ext 319 or mmcninch@hagley.org.