The Boston Globe Archive on trial

I’m happy to let you know the Library has trial access to The Boston Globe Historical Archive (1872-1985) from ProQuest. This resource delivers unique coverage of both New England and American history, covering a period of great change in Boston itself and the United States.

You can access this online archive via the E-resources trials page. Access is available both on and off-campus.

Trial access ends 23rd April 2017.

The Great Boston fire of 1872. The infamous 1893 Lizzie Borden axe murder trial. The failed 1919 police strike. Mid-twentieth century decline and renewal. These stories and more, as well as accounts of everyday life in historical New England, can be found in the digitised pages of The Boston Globe (1872-1985).

Screenshot from The Boston Globe Historical Archive (1872-1985); June 21, 1893; ProQuest Historical Newspapers: The Boston Globe.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s Boston was already one of America’s largest cities and struggling to absorb the high level of immigrants trying to make their home in the city. It was a time of rapid industrialization, technological innovation and urban development. It was also an era that saw a dramatic rise in the cost of living, the deterioration of labour relations and an increase in poverty and crime. By the mid-twentieth century Boston had entered a period of decline, which was followed by controversial urban renewal projects and an economic boom in the 1970s.

As well as “local” news though The Boston Globe gives you a different perspective on international events happening during that period. The Library already subscribes to the Historical New York Times (1851-2012), New York Tribune (1841-1922) and the Historical Washington Post (1877-1999) via the same provider and The Boston Globe Historical Archive provides a valuable alternative voice.

Access via e-resources trials.
Access available until 23rd April 2017.
Feedback welcome.

The Library already subscribes to a large number of digital newspaper archives. These can be accessed on the Newspapers databases page, along with databases that give access to current newspapers.

Access is only available to current students and staff at University of Edinburgh.

Caroline Stirling – Academic Support Librarian for History, Classics and Archaeology