Almanacs

The Maryland and Virginia Almanac for 1798 (also known as: The Maryland & Virginia Alamac; or Washington Ephemeris: for the Year of Our Lord 1789…) focuses a great deal on the happenings and culture of Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. Unsurprisingly, there is a great deal of information regarding politics within the first pages. These are specifically cited for the Maryland courts, when they are held and where. It can feel strange seeing that various courts were meeting in Annapolis at this time. Knowing and understanding history feels more real when readers can see original documents, as is the case in this particular almanac. The courts additionally follow very specific schedules, with most of the days occurring in the spring or fall, most likely due to the weather in Maryland during those times. Spring and Fall would have not been too hot like the summer months or too cold and icy, as is common in the winter months.

From a 21^st century perspective, and a personal perspective, this Alamac is particularly interesting to me because this year the musical Hamilton arrived on the streaming platform Disney+. Hamilton explores the life of founding father, Alexander Hamilton. This particular almanac features one senator in particular that fans of the play may notice: Philip Schyuler, Alexander Hamilton’s father-in-law. With America’s rejuvenated interest in the founding fathers, this Alamac can provide interested viewers a deeper understanding of what America was like after the Revolution in reality.

Works Cited

The Maryland & Virginia almanac; or Washington ephemeris: for the year of our Lord, 1798; ...

Likewise, The way to wealth, Advice to young tradesmen and several useful tables. George-Town [D.C.], [1797]. Eighteenth Century Collections Online. Gale. University of Maryland College Park. https://go-gale-com.proxy-um.researchport.umd.edu/ps/retrieve.do?tabID=Monographs&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&searchResultsType=SingleTab&hitCount=2&searchType=BasicSearchForm&currentPosition=2&docId=GALE%7CCB0132179200&docType=Monograph&sort=Pub+Date+Forward+Chron&contentSegment=ZCFD&prodId=ECCO&pageNum=1&contentSet=GALE%7CCB0132179200&searchId=R2&userGroupName=umd_um&inPS=true