While popular memory may have forgotten them, about half of the sailors, soldiers, missionaries, tradesmen, and colonists that made up the Spanish Empire were Black, people who were part of the African diaspora. Studying their history allows scholars new ways to research and interpret Spanish colonialism, perhaps especially in the Pacific context.
Among the objects donated to the museum last September was a large steamer trunk. This trunk (see below) was used at the Granogue Estate to store a collection of 19th century prints, paintings, and artists’ materials historically connected to Elise Wigfall (Simons) du Pont (1849-1919). Granogue served as a place of residence for the family of Irene Sophie du Pont, daughter of Elise and her husband, former DuPont Company vice president Francis Gurney du Pont (1850-1904).
While I am writing this on a rainy spring day, I look forward to the upcoming dry, warm and sunny days at the Delaware beaches. One of my favorite “beachy” patent models is this one for a Surf Hut.
Picture yourself as an American livestock worker at the turn of the 20th century. What would success look like?
Oops! This Hagley Vault post is a bit belated. In our defense, time moves differently when you're living on the surface of the sun. This week's heatwave has inspired this post; a love letter to air conditioning.