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A key piece of Somerset County history is now accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey has digitized the first of two scrapbooks chronicling the Tour of Somerville, making decades of race history available online.
Often called the “Kentucky Derby of cycling,” the Tour of Somerville began in 1940 and is the oldest major bicycle race in the United States. The scrapbooks feature newspaper clippings, race-day photographs and memorabilia documenting the event’s evolution.
“These scrapbooks are a treasure trove of Somerset County history,” Teresa Bayles, technical services manager at the library system, said in a news release.
“By moving these records into the digital realm, we are fulfilling our mission to connect our customers with the resources and history that define our community. Now, anyone — from a local resident to a cycling enthusiast — can explore the evolution of this race,” Bayles said.
To preserve aging materials, the library’s technical services team converted the collection into a high-resolution digital archive as part of an ongoing effort to protect local history.
The online archive allows users to browse and search individual pages while retaining the original look and context of the scrapbooks.
The project comes ahead of the 81st Tour of Somerville on Monday, May 25, which will include the Frank Quinn Family Fun Ride at 8 a.m., followed by a full slate of professional races, including the Mildred Kugler Women’s Pro and Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro events.
The digital scrapbook is available through the library system’s archives at sclsnj.org/somervilletour.
Email: [email protected]
This story was created by reporter Brad Wadlow, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.Learn more.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Somerville cycling race archives go online before May 25 event
Continue reading...
The Somerset County Library System of New Jersey has digitized the first of two scrapbooks chronicling the Tour of Somerville, making decades of race history available online.
Often called the “Kentucky Derby of cycling,” the Tour of Somerville began in 1940 and is the oldest major bicycle race in the United States. The scrapbooks feature newspaper clippings, race-day photographs and memorabilia documenting the event’s evolution.
“These scrapbooks are a treasure trove of Somerset County history,” Teresa Bayles, technical services manager at the library system, said in a news release.
“By moving these records into the digital realm, we are fulfilling our mission to connect our customers with the resources and history that define our community. Now, anyone — from a local resident to a cycling enthusiast — can explore the evolution of this race,” Bayles said.
To preserve aging materials, the library’s technical services team converted the collection into a high-resolution digital archive as part of an ongoing effort to protect local history.
The online archive allows users to browse and search individual pages while retaining the original look and context of the scrapbooks.
The project comes ahead of the 81st Tour of Somerville on Monday, May 25, which will include the Frank Quinn Family Fun Ride at 8 a.m., followed by a full slate of professional races, including the Mildred Kugler Women’s Pro and Kugler-Anderson Memorial Men’s Pro events.
The digital scrapbook is available through the library system’s archives at sclsnj.org/somervilletour.
Email: [email protected]
This story was created by reporter Brad Wadlow, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process.Learn more.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Somerville cycling race archives go online before May 25 event
Continue reading...
