Mathew Brady was one of the most prolific photographers of the nineteenth century, creating visual documentation of the Civil War period. While Mathew Brady’s exact birthdate is unknown (circa 1822 - 1824), this year marks the beginning of the commemoration of Brady’s 200th birthday.
Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940. Transport between decks on steamer. National Archives Identifier 529338
Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940. Camp scene, camp cooks working. National Archives Identifier 529421
During the Civil War, Brady and his associates–notably Alexander Gardner, George Barnard, and Timothy O’Sullivan–traveled throughout the eastern part of the country and produced several thousand photographs, capturing the effects of the War through photographs of people, towns, and battlefields. Additionally, Brady kept studios in Washington, DC and New York City, where many influential politicians and war heroes sat for portraits.
The National Archives has digitized over 6,000 images from the series Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes (National Archives Local Identifier 111-B). Although many photos in the National Archives are attributed to Brady, many were taken by others under his supervision. When Brady published photographs from his collection, he credited them with his own name whether or not he actually took the photograph.
Their images depict the multiple aspects of the war except one crucial element: battle. Photographs show camp life, routines, war preparations, the moments just prior to battle, and the aftermath of battle. The primitive technology of photography required that subjects be still at the moment the camera's shutter snapped. Battle scenes are, therefore, missing from the record of history of this era. Learn more on our Educator Resources page and on DocsTeach.
Thanks to your contributions, we now have more than 2 million names transcribed in the 1950 Census!
*New Feature: Display of user contributed names in search results!*
We heard from many of you that you wished to see your transcriptions in the search results. We are pleased to share that the 1950 Census website has now been updated to display user contributed transcriptions!
Now, when you search for a name that has been transcribed, a new section displays the list of user contributed transcriptions below the population schedule. Any names that match the search term will be highlighted. The list is capable of being collapsed/expanded.
You can continue to help transcribe the 1950 Census name index! To help transcribe names, begin with a search, and then open any population schedule within the 1950 Census website. Click on the “Help Us Transcribe Names” button, and follow the prompts to verify your email address. Select a line and type in your transcription, and then click enter to submit! Your transcription will be indexed and searchable within 24 hours of submission.
Need ideas where to start? Interested in helping with more complicated forms? While you can transcribe any name or any page within the 1950 Census, we’ve identified several specific areas where we’d like your help transcribing. Visit our 1950 Census transcription project web page to learn more about specific enumeration districts or areas where we could use help transcribing. Search and transcribe the 1950 Census now!
Have a question? Find your answer on History Hub! Browse some of the existing questions already asked (and answered!) about Mathew Brady and other Civil War photography topics:
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