Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Two examples from the Rare Book and Special Collections Division describe how early American children could learn about nature from engaging printed sources. "The History of Insects," published in 1813, is a very small book that describes tiny creatures with detailed illustrations and engaging text. "Wallis's New Dissected Map of N. America, engraved from the latest authorities for the use of Young Students in Geography," printed in 1794, is a puzzle map. Putting together the map teaches the child about the larger natural world around them, including rivers, mountains, and plains. Both the book and the map entertain a child while broadening their view of the natural world.
For transcript and more information, visit loc.gov/item/video-11746
Two examples from the Rare Book and Special Collections Division describe how early American children could learn about nature from engaging printed sources. "The History of Insects," published in 1813, is a very small book that describes tiny creatures with detailed illustrations and engaging text. "Wallis's New Dissected Map of N. America, engraved from the latest authorities for the use of Young Students in Geography," printed in 1794, is a puzzle map. Putting together the map teaches the child about the larger natural world around them, including rivers, mountains, and plains. Both the book and the map entertain a child while broadening their view of the natural world.
For transcript and more information, visit loc.gov/item/video-11746
