Duke University. Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library

The Middlesworth Awards have been established to encourage and recognize excellence of research, analysis, and writing by Duke University students in the use of primary sources and rare materials held by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library of Duke University. The awards are granted annually to the authors of the best undergraduate and graduate student papers based largely on materials from the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Funding for the awards has been provided by Chester P. Middlesworth (A.B., 1949) of Statesville, North Carolina.

From the guide to the Chester R. Middlesworth Awards Records, 1988-ongoig, (University Archives, Duke University)

In the mid-nineteenth century, publishers printed the lyrics to popular songs, without their tunes, on small sheets called song sheets, handbills, or broadsides. These sheets were often illustrated with a woodcut scene or portrait and sold at gathering places where people sang together.

From the description of American Song Sheets collection, circa 1830s-1920s (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 297114192

The Picture File was created by the Duke University Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library as a vertical file from the 1950s to the 1980s. Images were separated from manuscript collections as well as added individually from other sources.

From the description of Picture File, 1600-1979 and undated (bulk 1814-1950). (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 212379061

Collection of campaign ephemera and other materials assembled by staff at the Rare Book, Manuscript, and Special Collections Library.

From the description of Political Campaign Materials, 1840-2000 and undated. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 191801158