The Richards Free Library Digital Archives provide a valuable tool for researchers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring Newport’s rich history. With digitized historic newspapers spanning over 150 years, you can uncover fascinating stories and details about the past—all from the comfort of your home. This guide, based on Pam LaFountain’s instructional brochure, will help you get started and make the most of this incredible resource.
For years, Andrea Thorpe, librarian at the Richards Free Library, had a dream of being able to provide locals and former Newporters with a way to easily access the 150 years of archival local newspapers that the library had on 123 rolls of microfilm. The cost of such a project seemed overwhelming, but just prior to 2015 the library received a $4,000 grant from the NH Charitable Fund to begin such an endeavor. According to an article in the Valley News, dated April 19, 2015, Mary Lou McGuire, Richards research librarian at the time, explains that donations to complete the $20,000 project began pouring in from local donors, area historical societies and former Newporters. The dream became a reality! To any local researcher this reality is truly a “gem.” With a little practice and some trial and error, anyone can use this digital archive. Since my retirement, I have been able to pursue my passion for local history, and I have found that I love researching things which I have been curious about all my life. Being able to do it from the comfort of my couch or deck table, has made the experience even more enjoyable. So, I thought I would give you some tips on using this valuable resource. – Pam LaFountain (NHS Board Member)
Getting Started with the Technology
To access the digital archives, ensure you have the following:
- A web browser (Firefox or Internet Explorer recommended).
- The latest version of Adobe Reader installed on your computer.
- Note: The archives may not be accessible on mobile phones or tablets due to the large size of the newspaper pages.
How to Access the Digital Archives
There are three ways to access the archives:
- Directly visit: Richards Free Library Digital Archives
- Perform a Google search: “Richards Free Library Digital Archives.”
- Navigate through the Richards Free Library website:
- Go to Richards Free Library.
- Click on the Local History tab in the green menu bar.
- Select Historic Newspaper from the dropdown menu.
- Follow the link labeled “searched on-line” to access the archives.
Tips for Searching
Searching for a Specific Place, Person, or Event
- Type your search terms into the search box (e.g., a person’s name, event, or place).
- Use the dropdown menu to the left of the search box to select “Exact Phrase” for precise results.
- Click the blue “Discover” button to view a list of relevant newspaper articles.
Example: To search for “Seth Richards,” type the name into the search box, select “Exact Phrase,” and click “Discover.” Results will display articles with the search terms highlighted in blue.
Searching with Additional Keywords
If initial searches return too many results, refine your search by:
- Adding more specific keywords.
- Limiting the date range using the options on the left-hand menu (by decade or individual year).
General Tips
- Names may have variations or misspellings. If searching for a person, try alternate spellings.
- Record article details (newspaper name, date, and page number) for reference. These details are displayed in blue under each article.
Examples of Using the Archives
Pam highlights several examples of how to search effectively in her brochure:
- Historic Awards: For instance, finding details about the Sarah Josepha Hale Award presented by Richards Library in 1980.
- Photographs or Captions: Use words from captions or visible details in photographs to discover related articles or context.
Additional Notes
- The oldest newspaper in the archive, The Whip and Spur, was a political paper published from 1839-1860.
- Be aware that using the digital archives can be habit-forming—enjoy the journey of discovery!
We hope these instructions help you navigate the Richards Free Library Digital Archives with ease. For additional questions or support, please contact the Richards Free Library or visit during their open hours.