The sites collected here are some of my favorites, either because they provide me with creative inspiration or because I find them just plain interesting.
ARTIFACTS and HISTORIES Having had a lifelong interest in museums (which led me to work in a few), I was happy to come across these sites featuring a wide range of historical artifacts (objects, photos, prints, books, etc.) and the stories attached to them.
The Public Domain Review A site dedicated to public domain works and their histories
Smithsonian Institution Blogs Blogs from several of the Smithsonian Institution museums all in one place
The Bowery Boys: New York City History For those interested in Old New York
VISUAL ARTS Fine art, photography, folk art—these can often trigger ideas for writing. (I also have a particular fondness for writing ekphrastic poetry.)
Colossal: Art, Design and Visual Culture An exploration of contemporary visual arts showcasing some stunning pieces
Google Arts and Culture A one-stop shop for discovering artwork and museums around the world
FOOD for THOUGHT These sites intrigue me with their well-written, thought-provoking content.
Circle of Ignorance A blog featuring personal stories that explore a variety of contemporary issues
Bealtaine Cottage A website chronicling one woman’s experience with permaculture and sustainability, interspersed with Celtic lore and history, and rich with amazing photography
ALBA’S WORLD Alba, the protagonist in Madolina’s Daughter, leaves her hometown in Calabria, Italy, to live in New York City in 1947. These sites provide a visual glimpse into the era and locations in the story.
39 Fascinating Color Snapshots that Capture Street Scenes of New York From the 1940s From the Vintage Everyday website (vintag.es)
The Great Blizzard of 1947: New York, Buried in White Beautiful photos of New York City during the Blizzard of 1947 from Life magazine
Bleeding Espresso A blog about life in Calabria today, with some lovely landscape photos of the region