[Detail] Charge of the light brigade march. 1896 
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Collection Overview
Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920 contains more than 3,000 pieces of American sheet music from Duke University. The variety of music in the collection provides a window into American history and culture. The collection is strong in antebellum Southern music and Confederate and Civil War songs. It also includes minstrel songs, patriotic and political songs, spirituals, dance music, marches, and songs from vaudeville, "Tin pan alley", and World War I. Sheet music cover illustrations convey the political, patriotic, racial and religious views held at the time the music was composed.
Special Features
There are currently no Special Features for this Collection.
Historical Eras
These historical era(s) are best represented in the collection although they may not be all-encompassing.
- The Civil War and Reconstruction, 1850-1877
- Development of the Industrial United States, 1876-1915
- Emergence of Modern America, 1890-1930
Related Collections and Exhibits
These collections and exhibits contain thematically-related primary and secondary sources. Also browse the Collection Finder for more related material on the American Memory Web site.
- African-American Sheet Music, 1850-1920
- An American Ballroom Companion: ca. 1490-1920
- The American Variety Stage, 1870-1920
- Band Music from the Civil War Era
- Civil War Sheet Music
- Music for the Nation: American Sheet Music 1820-1860
- Music for the Nation: American Sheet Music, 1870-1885
- The Alfred Whital Stern Collection of Lincolniana
Other Resources
Recommended additional sources of information.
Search Tips
Specific guidance for searching this collection.
Search for sheet music using the keyword search, or by selecting from the Author Index and Subject Index. You can also browse the collection by date. For help with search words, go to the Synonym List. For help with search strategies, see Finding Items in American Memory.
Last Updated: 06/12/2009