History Research Resources

Snuck in a bit of research today in the Local History section at the Halifax Library.

We had a few people ask us this weekend where and how we’ve found our material. The short answer? A tedious process of combined methods and many, many hours cross-referencing sources.

If you’re interested in researching local history - whether it’s burlesque, drag, circus, or other performing arts, here are a few tips to get you started:

📚 Visit your local libraries and archives. They often have resources you won’t find online.
📚 Search online newspaper archives, including Google News Archive.
📚 Look through old phone books, city maps, and municipal records. These can reveal venue names, ads, or listings you wouldn’t expect.
📚 Explore the Internet Archive. It’s a goldmine, and you can even borrow digital books for free!
📚 Google books related to your topic and the history of the city/town it took place in. Understanding the broader historical context helps connect the dots, and often leads you to your next clue.

If you have questions or need help, please feel free to reach out to us.