About
The Site
Images from American History will mine the artistic and visual culture of the United States for paintings, photographs, and other objects that shed light on the lives of those who have lived here, and on the changing identity of the nation. Undoubtedly it will reflect my interests in fashion, vernacular (folk) art, and issues of gender, race, class, and sexuality. So, if you’re looking to read about Civil War artillery, this probably isn’t for you. If you’re looking to read about snapshots and pantaloons, you’re in the right place.
The word “image” can connote something immaterial, but that isn’t my intention with the title of this blog. Rather, the choice of “image” instead of “object” is meant to emphasize the visual/art-historical focus of the entries.
Happy reading!
The Author
Kate Scott is a public history librarian at the Indiana Historical Society, where she answers patron questions on everything from Civil War uniforms to tenderloins as big as your head. She received her PhD in Art History from Rutgers University in 2016, specializing in American art and the history of photography. Kate lives in Indianapolis and has an unfair mistrust of people with nothing on their walls.
Disclaimers
- These entries are carefully thought through and supported by scholarly research, but occasionally engage with material I am just learning about. If there is anything you would like to add to the discussion, please post a comment or contact me personally.
- I employ the term “American” self-consciously in relation to the United States, with the awareness that for many people it refers more broadly to the Americas as a whole.
- The opinions expressed in this blog are my own and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Indiana Historical Society or Rutgers University.
- I do not own the rights to any of the images used here, and have attempted to provide identifying information when possible.
- Please contact me before citing this blog, as I may wish to provide more information.