Very pleased to make this new website public!

What began some eight years ago for me as a passing interest in a Bermuda-related photograph (of NC blockade runner/pilot Thomas Mann Thompson) has since resulted in two magazine articles, and continuing on with the identification and documentation of nearly seventy-five images taken by photographer Samuel W. Gault during his time in Bermuda from 1861 to 1865.

With a desire to share that research, I have compiled an online database for any others who may be interested in photographer Gault, Bermuda photography, American Civil War, Royal military or just general 19th century Bermuda history, etc. to be able to research. Here is the link:

Bermuda Through the Lens of Samuel Walter Gault, 1861-1865

The site was created through a software called Omeka, which is a web-publishing platform used internationally for the display of library, museum, archives, and scholarly collections. (It’s the same one we use for the North Carolina, State Troops and Volunteers project.)

The site not only allows interaction and the ability to share images and stories, but also is user-friendly for research purposes, whether you are a scholar or hobbyist. A full word/phrase search engine is included, and images can also be browsed by a topical tag. Additionally, you can directly submit your own images and stories for inclusion. There are currently over 45 images, from private collections as well as Universities, Museums, and Historical Societies, that have been kind enough to grant permission. And I am optimistic that many more will be added in the coming months as I gain additional permissions.

So please, enjoy, share, bookmark, and visit again soon! I am rather partial to the result here, but I encourage you to take a look and find out for yourself. Likewise, please let me know what you think, or any recommendations you may have for improvements!