The Map Collection Reading Room is now open for study. To request assistance accessing maps, email librarymaps@csun.edu. (Posted on: 07/13/2024 11:01am)
Hidden among the thousands of rare and unique publications in Special Collections and Archives are undiscovered treasures that tell the story of Los Angeles. One of these gems is Visit of His Excellency Most Rev. Diomede Falconio, Apostolic Delegate to the United States. This souvenir book was published to commemorate the dedication of St. Joseph’s Church, one of the most...
Naturism, or Nudism, is a social movement that advocates and practices social nudity in an effort to encourage self-respect and respect for others. Advocates believe that they came into the world in the nude and therefore they feel closer to nature and the earth when they are in the nude. They also believe that by removing clothing, which establishes social status...
If you look up "men’s fashion" on your search engine you might see images of men wearing a combination of ripped jeans that look uncomfortably tight and ride too low, and an equally tight plaid button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, topped off with a vest that is too close to the body, unproportioned and improperly...
Historical accounts of the pueblo at Los Angeles first began to surface in the 1870s. Yet, aside from iterating the widely accepted facts related to Spanish exploration and the founding of the pueblo, early writers largely neglected the Spanish colonial period in Los Angeles history. These works were primarily regional histories created by boosters in an effort to glorify the city’s residents and promote...
When presented with the idea of 19th century whaling, most people think of Moby-Dick, Ishmael, and Ahab; or perhaps a hand-thrown harpoon or scrimshaw. Others see full rigging and square sails; ships, barques, and schooners; whaleboats manned by rowers and a harpooner; or the less romantic side of whaling...
Many believe that the modern Spiritualist Movement can trace its beginnings to a series of supernatural events which occurred near Rochester, New York in 1848. As legend has it, John Fox and his family moved into their Hydesville farmhouse in December 1947. Over the next few months the family was repeatedly frightened by unexplainable rapping, tapping, and other strange sounds...
Archeological discoveries have suggested that the art of tattooing may have been practiced as early as the Stone Age. Twenty-five years ago in the Otztal Alps, located between Austria and Italy, physical evidence of tattooing was discovered on Otzi, the ice man. In addition to his shoes, clothing, and a quiver...
he Navajo is currently one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States, located primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. Archeological evidence suggests that the Navajo migrated from Alaska and Canada into what is now the American Southwest circa 1400. The original treaty with the United States...
Many people enjoy fishing as a relaxing and tranquil recreational activity. Everyone who likes to fish has their own special ways of doing things with particular equipment and tools. Special Collections and Archives has several books that highlight fishing as a hobby and...
Johannes Gutenberg chose the Bible to be the first book he would print on his new printing press in the 15th century. As such, the Bible is the first mass-produced book in the world. Before the invention of the printing press, bibles and other books were written and illustrated by hand. It could take several years ....
