Fresco of Guidoriccio da Fogliano, condottiere,1328
Fresco of Guidoriccio da Fogliano, condottiere,1328. Palazzo Pubblico, Siena, Italy. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Nuremberg, Germany - New Bedford library collection
Black and white photo of street and buildings in Nuremberg, Germany. Courtesy of New Bedford Free Public Library
Fresco in Libreria Piccolomini, Duomo di Siena
Fresco in Libreria Piccolomini, Duomo di Siena. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Woman, portrait - Public domain dedication image
Public domain image of 16th century portrait, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Entrance to the Duomo, Florence
Public domain scan of architectural drawing, architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Raphael's painting of St. Cecilia
Raphael's painting of St. Cecilia. Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Raphael's painting of La Velata Cartes de visite
Raphael's painting of La Velata. Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Secunda etas mundi = Secunda etas mũdi
Although published just as news of Christopher Columbus's discoveries was beginning to spread, this was the last noteworthy world map to be produced without any indication of the New World. This depiction of th... More
Cabrillo Memorial Parade, New Bedford
Sepia toned photo of parade in New Bedford, Massachusetts in honor of 16th century Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Courtesy of New Bedford Free Public Library
Altar hanging - A red and gold flag with a sun on it
Metal and fabric thread brocade, metallic fringe with metal sequin and appliqued [orphey] on red velvet lined with silk or linen. Orphey is a cloudburst with swan feeding 3 cygnets. Courtesy of First Parish in Brookline
Uniuersalior cogniti orbis tabula ex recentibus confecta obseruationib...
In 1507, the same year that Martin Waldseemüller issued three works announcing the existence of a new continent which he named America, Johann Ruysch published a totally different world map. This rendition, wh... More
World map - Public domain vintage map
As the first map printed in two colors, this is a monument to map printing. The place names in capital letters were printed in red ink by means of type set into the woodblocks. The decorative windheads, zodiaca... More
Martin Waldseemu Ller - Orbis typus uniuersalis iuxta hydrographorum t...
Waldseemüller may have had second thoughts about his 1507 proposal for naming the new continent "America." In 1513, he issued a fourth publication, a new edition of Claudius Ptolemy's Geographia. In it he incl... More
Caravaggio's painting of Cardsharps
Caravaggio's painting of Cardsharps. Three men playing cards, two cheating, c.1594. Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Tipus orbis uniuersalis iuxta Ptolomei cosmographi traditionem et Amer...
Although in his later publications Waldseemüller apparently retracted his depiction of a separate continent named America, other publishers quickly accepted his initial concept and imitated the shapes and nome... More
World map - Public domain map engraving
Bordonne, a cartographer and engraver working in Venice, was best known for his isolario or book of islands. First published in 1528, his book included 111 wood cut maps of islands. The world map, a simple outl... More
Noua, et integra vniuersi orbis descriptio
Fine, an eminent French cartographer, created this unique double cordiform or heart-shaped projection, emphasizing the northern and southern hemispheres. The European, Asian and African continents were prominen... More
Typus cosmographicus uniuersalis - Public domain old map
Decorated with sea monsters, mermaids, exotic animals, and cannibals, this wood cut map provides a marked contrast to the simplistic diagrams considered the earliest printed world maps. While the latter present... More
Photo reproduction of portrait of Darnley
Photo reproduction of portrait of Darnley Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Quam hic vides orbis imagine[m] lector ca[n]dide ea[m] ut posteriore[m...
The Italian engraver and publisher, Antonio Salamanca, produced this finely engraved world map utilizing the double cordiform projection (heart shaped). Salamanca’s engraving was based on a 1538 map published b... More
Photo reproduction of portrait of Titian Vecellhis
Photo reproduction of portrait of Titian Vecellhis. Mary "Mollie" Stevens. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Tierra nueua - Public domain vintage map
Ruscelli's map of northeastern North America appeared in his 1561 edition of Claudius Ptolemy's "Geographia". The map was based on a smaller 1548 map by Giacomo Gastaldi, who took much of his information from t... More
La Nuoua Francia - Public domain vintage map
This map, among the earliest separate maps of northeastern North America, was primarily based on the voyages that were taken by Giovanni da Verrazano for the French in 1524. His discoveries confirmed the contin... More
Scotia tabula, Abraham Ortelius - Public domain old map
Public domain image of Abraham Ortelius map, 17th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description. Abraham Ortelius was a Brabantian cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer, conven... More
Americae siue noui orbis, noua descriptio, Abraham Ortelius 1527-1598
Ortelius's map of the Americas was one of the most identifiable and most famous cartographic representations of the western hemisphere created during the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography. It enjoyed great popula... More
Rubens painting, "Descent from the Cross"
Rubens painting, "Descent from the Cross." Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Rubens painting of Helen Formann mit ihrem Sohne (with her son)
Rubens painting of Helen Formann mit ihrem Sohne (with her son). Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Cristofano Allori's painting of Judith with head of Holofernes
Cristofano Allori's painting of Judith with head of Holofernes. Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Rubens painting, "The Elevation of the Cross"
Rubens painting, "The Elevation of the Cross." Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Uniuersi orbis seu terreni globi in plano effigies
Created during Shakespeare's lifetime, this map illustrates the late 16th-century concept of the world. Europe and the Mediterranean regions were well understood and confidently mapped, along with Africa and As... More
Sibilla Cumana by Domenichino - Stevens Coolidge travel collection
Sibilla Cumana by Domenichino. Photo reproduction of painting. Borghese Palace (Galleria Borghese). Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Die gantze Welt in ein Kleberblat, welches in der Stadt Hannover, mein...
Depicting the world as a cloverleaf, this cartographic curiosity reflects the traditional Medieval world view of three continents. Since it was published in the late-16th century long after the New World discov... More
Americae siue noui orbis, noua descriptio, Abraham Ortelius
In 1587, Ortelius revised the map of the Americas that appeared in his Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. The changes found on this second edition are more extensive than generally thought, and are evidence of the care t... More
Hemispheriu[m] ab aequinoctiali linea, ad circulu[m] Poli Arctici : He...
During the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography, many world maps were composed of two hemispheres, one for each of the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. However, this elaborately decorated world map projected the wor... More
Orbis terrarum typus de integro multis in locis emendatus
As was fairly common during the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography, this map projects the world on two hemispheres - Eastern and Western. It was the first richly decorated map of the period and influenced the art ... More
India Orientalis - Giovanni Antonio Magini 1555-1617
Public domain scan of a page from geographical atlas, geography, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
India Orientalis - Giovanni Antonio Magini 1555-1617
Public domain scan of a page from geographical atlas, geography, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Norumbega et Virginia - Public domain vintage map
Wytfliet's publication was essentially the first atlas devoted solely to the Americas. It consisted of a world map, 18 regional maps, and a text on the discovery, natural history, and geography of the New World... More
Patavinum Teritor = Territorio di Padova, Abraham Ortelius 1527-1598
Picryl description: Public domain image of Abraham Ortelius map, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. Abraham Ortelius was a Brabantian cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer, conventionally recogn... More
Van Dyck portrait of The Marchesa Brignole
Van Dyck portrait of The Marchesa Brignole. Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Van Dyck portrait of Marquis Antonio Brignole
Van Dyck portrait of Marquis Antonio Brignole. Photo reproduction of painting. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Pedemontivm, Abraham Ortelius 1527-1598
Pedemontanae Vicinorvque Courtesy of Phillips Academy Andover
Pedemontivm, Abraham Ortelius 1527-1598
Pedemontanae Vicinorvque Courtesy of Phillips Academy Andover
Secretary/desk closed - A wooden desk with a wooden top and drawers
This desk is in two pieces, which were built at separate times in the early 1800s (circa 1810) by Topsfield resident David Towne. It is made of birch and maple predominantly. David Towne learned his trade from ... More
Photo reproduction of portrait of Sir William Wallace
Photo reproduction of portrait of Sir William Wallace. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
The able doctor; or America swallowing the bitter draught
Cartoon shows Lord North, with the "Boston Port Bill" extending from a pocket, forcing tea (the Intolerable Acts) down the throat of a partially draped Native female figure representing "America" whose arms are... More
Secretary/desk open - A wooden dresser with china on top of it
This desk is in two pieces, which were built at separate times in the early 1800s (circa 1810) by Topsfield resident David Towne. It is made of birch and maple predominantly. David Towne learned his trade from ... More
Top of tomahawk - A rock that is laying on top of a table
This top of a tomahawk was found buried in the yard at 108 West Main Street, which had been the Blue Anchor Tavern, reminding the current residents that there had been several raids in the area in the 1700s. Cy... More
Wayland road book. Wayland, Mass.
Extracts from the Wayland MA town records concerning county roads, proprietors’ roads, and town roads that cover the time period 1683 to 1909 has been gathered in one volume. Notes such as the "Masters Brook wa... More
Geographica restituta per globi trientes
Displaying the known world of the early 17th century as a triptych, with the map divided into three segments or gores, was very uncommon during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. However, such a format was co... More
New England : the most remarqueable parts thus named by the high and m...
Based on John Smith's 1614 voyage along the New England coast, this is the first printed map devoted specifically to this region. It is also the first to use the name “New England” for an area that had up until... More
New France, New Englande, New Scotlande, and New Foundlande
Alexander, one of the leading members of the Council of New England and the first Viscount of Canada, had been given large grants of land by James I and Charles I of England. He proposed a system for the coloni... More
Carte de la Nouuelle France, augmentée depuis la derniere, seruant a ...
France's territorial claims in North America, which initially focused on the St. Lawrence River Valley and the Great Lakes, can be traced to Samuel de Champlain's explorations and trading activities in that reg... More
Nova Belgica et Anglia Nova (Willem Janszoon Blaeu 1571-1638)
This elaborately decorated map is based on the 1614 explorations of Adrian Block, a fur trader working for the Dutch, who sailed from the north shore of Long Island to explore the southern coast of New England.... More
Noua Anglia, Nouum Belgium, et Virginia - Jan Jansson
Covering the eastern portion of North America's coastline from North Carolina to Nova Scotia, this influential map appeared in English, German, Latin, Dutch, and French editions of world atlases published by Ho... More
Noua totius terrarum orbis geographica ac hydrographica tabula
First published in 1606, Blaeu's world map is one of the foremost examples of ornamentation and decoration during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. This map had a long life, and was reissued numerous times, ... More
The south part of New England, as it planted this yeare, 1639
Public domain scan of a vintage map, city plan, atlas, cartoghraphy, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.
Noua totius terrarum orbis geographica ac hydrographica tabula
Ornately decorated and beautifully colored, this world map epitomizes the baroque style favored during the Golden Age of Dutch cartography. The map was prepared in 1630 by Henricus Hondius, who had joined in pa... More
Map of old Reading, Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1647
Public domain scan of a page from geographical atlas, geography, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Menotomy map 1650 - Public domain vintage map
Included are property ownerships, and property transfers, with names, locations and dates. Also included are areas of Indian settlements, Meeting House, Black Horse Tavern, Wayside Inn, church locations, busine... More
Belgii Novi, Angliae Novae, et partis Virginiae : novissima delineatio
Printed at the peak of the Golden Age of Dutch Cartography, this famous and influential map of the northeastern coast of North America was flattered by no fewer than twenty-seven copies published in Holland, En... More
Novi Belgii, Novaeque Angliae nec non partis Virginiae tabula
This is an early re-issue of the influential map of northeastern North America, first published by Jan Jansson in 1651. While Visscher copied much of Jansson's original map, he did invert several decorative det... More
Pas caarte van Nieu Nederlandt - Public domain old map
A rare map published in Colom's "Zee Atlas" is recognized as one of the first navigational charts of New Netherlands. The chart covers the North American coast line from Cape Hatteras on the southwest to Cape C... More
Noua orbis terrarum delineatio singulari ratione accommodata meridiano...
In this striking image, the world is portrayed on one full circle (or hemisphere), which is flanked by two half circles. This unusual geometrical configuration is embraced by a double-headed eagle. Realizing th... More
Brewster Water Mill built 1660 postcard
Public domain photo of vintage Massachusetts postcard, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Yarmouth is located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, on Cape Cod, and... More
Carta particolare della Nuoua Belgia è parte della Nuoua Anglia
Compiled by an Englishman but published in Italy, this was the earliest printed sailing chart showing New England. It appeared in Dudley's marine atlas, which was the first such atlas made of charts drawn on th... More
A mapp of New England - Public domain vintage map
A foundation in the early history of the mapping of New England, this map is the first printed version of William Reed's original survey of 1665. The survey was commissioned by Massachusetts authorities to supp... More
A chart of the coast of America from New found Land to Cape Cod
Published in Seller's Atlas Maritimus, the earliest general marine atlas produced in England, this was the first English chart of New England waters. It clearly shows the northern navigation routes with soundin... More
A map of New England and New York - Public domain map
This beautifully engraved and colored map represents an English version of the Jansson-Visscher series of maps of northeastern North America. Since it was published shortly after the expulsion of the Dutch from... More
Richard Sears, also known as The Pilgrim, 1630
Public domain reproduction of portrait art print, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description Yarmouth is located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, on Cape Cod, and was... More
Estate of John Sharp[?] - Brookline public library manuscript collecti...
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
A map of New-England, being the first that ever was here cut, and done...
Based on a 1665 survey by William Reed, this is the earliest map drawn, engraved and printed in North America. The survey was commissioned by the government of Massachusetts to justify the colony's northern and... More
Copy of court order empowering Deacon W. Parke and T. Gardner to make ...
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Copy of court order empowering Deacon W. Parke and T. Gardner to make ...
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Decision of W. Parke and T. Gardner to give Widow Sharp 100 pounds
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Oak glass case fragment
English "glass cases" were used for the storage of glasses, table garniture and pots. This fragment of the front of a glass case is the only New England example known and was made in Rowley, Massachusetts circa... More
Pas-kaart vande zee kusten inde boght van Niew Engeland : tusschen de ...
Published by the leading Dutch producer of navigational aids, this chart of New England is unlike any other of the region. It was the only Dutch chart of the colony published in the 17th century. Near the end o... More
A new map of New England, New York, New Iarsey, Pensilvania, Maryland ...
England's widening sphere of influence in eastern North America is reflected on a late 17th century map published in London. By this time, the British had extended their territorial claims from the original Che... More
Imperii Sinarum nova descriptio - Public domain old map
Public domain scan of an 18th-century map, vintage, old city plan, fortifications, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description.
A mappe of a certaine tract of land lying within the limits of Waterto...
Shows boundaries of Dedham and Sudbury, John Woodward and Barnett, Jenisons’ farm and middow mears [ meadow of shallow lake]. Shows brooks, lakes and various acreage of plots of meadows, land and ponds. List “e... More
Boston Harbour in New England nautical chart
This is the first printed chart of Boston Harbor. It appeared only in the 1689 and 1698 editions of The English Pilot, The Fourth Book. Seller's publication became the most popular navigational manual for ships... More
A new mapp of New England and Annapolis and the countrys adjacent
As an example of early English mapping of the British Colonies in North America, Browne's map shows the northeastern part of the continent from the St. Lawrence River to the Chesapeake Bay. Interestingly, the m... More
Robert Sharp's power of attorney to Stephen Williams on going to war
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Some sort of legal document, mentions Joseph and Martha Buckminster
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Receipt to Thomas Nowell for 4 pounds 10 shillings
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Will of Sarah Nowell - Brookline public library manuscript collection
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Josiah Dennis Manse (built 1735 or 1736) corner of Nobscussett Rd. & W...
Yarmouth is located in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, on Cape Cod, and was first settled in the 1600s. The area has a rich history and maritime heritage. It was a major shipbuilding, whaling, ... More
Appointment of Sarah Nowell as administrator of the estate of her form...
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Deed of land from Esther Grosvenor to Gyles Dyer
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Deed of land from Esther Grosvenor to Gyles Dyer
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Azariah Egleston, Lenox, Massachusetts
Public domain image of portrait painting, 18th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description
Hannah Egleston, Lenox, Massachusetts
Picryl description: Public domain vintage artistic photograph, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
Petition of Sarah Sharp to have estate of land of her late husband div...
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
"Italian Credenza, ca. 1700" - Stevens Coolidge travel collection
Italian Credenza, ca. 1700. Carved wood credenza with candlestick on top; paintings hanging above. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Menotomy map 1700 - Public domain vintage map
Included are property ownerships, and property transfers, with names, locations and dates. Also included are areas of Indian settlements, Meeting House, Black Horse Tavern, Wayside Inn, church locations, busine... More
Petition of Sarah Sharp to have estate of land of her late husband div...
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Photo reproduction of painting of Queen Mary of Scots escape from Loch...
Photo reproduction of painting of Queen Mary of Scots escape from Loch Leven Castle. Courtesy of The Trustees of Reservations, Archives & Research Center
Wrentham and Franklin - Public domain vintage map
Public domain scan of a page from geographical atlas, geography, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Deed from Joseph and Hannah White to son Benjamin
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.
Deed from Joseph and Hannah White to son Benjamin
Public domain scan of manuscript related to Massachusetts, American history, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description.