Scrapbook Historiography: The American Catholic Historical Society's Early History, 1884–1904

Abstract

Abstract: This essay presents a kind of lens or technique for obtaining information on the founding years of the American Catholic Historical Society. Most historians of the Society have relied on its printed literature, especially this journal, but much can be gleaned from contemporary scrapbooks assembled by early members. Through their pages, a more accurate picture of the Society's first decade emerges, and with it, a new method for documentation of its history. The author explores the utility of scrapbooks as such but posits that the ACHS scrapbooks relate important aspects of late nineteenth century collecting habits, the role of lay people in the local church, and the impact of ethnic Catholicism in what counts as vital markers for one generation's heritage and the legacy they wish to bequeath.