In November 1977, James A. Michener left all papers connected to the writing and publication of Chesapeake to the Maryland Room of the Talbot County Free Library. These papers have been filed in 17 archival boxes.

The Chesapeake collection also includes the uncorrected first proof and a special edition of Chesapeake, as well as a photo album and audiotapes of Michener interviews.

Papers about The Watermen were given later and are filed in Box 18.

Box 1

Barcode: 33536001643976

  • Notebooks of diverse sizes
  • Looseleaf notebook with maps, artwork, family trees, historical data, time plans...
  • Notes on book progress from July 1976 to October 1977.

Box 2

Barcode: 33536001643984

Carbon copy on yellow sheet of the "rough draft".

Box 3

Barcode: 33536001644032

Original manuscript with corrections.

Box 4

Barcode: 33536001644073

Pieces of manuscript with corrections and editorial correspondance.

Box 5

Barcode: 33536001643992

"True Copy" of the original manuscript. Chapters 1 to 7.

Box 6

Barcode: 33536001644016

"True Copy" of the original manuscript. Chapters 8 - 14.

Box 7

Barcode: 33536001644040

Photocopy of "True Copy". Chapters 1 to 7.

Box 8

Barcode: 33536001644057

Photocopy of "True Copy". Chapters 8 to 14.

Box 9

Barcode: 33536001644081

Manuscript on onion skin with corrections.

Box 10

Barcode: 33536001644065

Copy of orignial manuscript with editorial corrections. Chapters 1 to 8.

Box 11

Barcode: 33536001644024

Copy of original manuscript. Chapters 9 to 14.

Box 12

Barcode: 33536001644107

"Galleys" - Master Set First Pass.

Box 13

Barcode: 33536001685548

"Galleys" - Air Set.

Box 14

Barcode: 33536001644099

"Book Blues".

Boxes 15 and 16

Barcodes: 33536001644123 and 33536001644115

Correspondance. 1975 - 1978. Copies of letters or rough-drafts of letters as well as letters received by James Michener filed chronologically.

Box 17

Barcode: 33536001685530

  • Book reviews - Interviews - Biography.
  • Notes by Nadia and D.D.S.??
  • Chesapeake Diary on onion skin. Michener's thoughts about the writing of Chesapeake.
  • Notes on Nature, some were later incorporated in the Chesapeake Diary.
  • "...year-long review of what {Michener} saw of wild life and land and water during {his} year on the Eastern Shore..." July 1, 1976 - July 1, 1977.

Box 18

Barcode: 33536001685563

The Watermen

  • Editorial Precede
  • Chesapeake chapters used for the book
  • "Master Galleys"
  • "Set 2 untouched"