Image courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery

In 1827 Samuel Griswold Goodrich, American publisher and author of children’s books, began a series of books for the young that covered a wide range of topics related to geography, biography, history, science and fictional tales.

Better known under the pseudonym Peter Parley, he started the popular publication “Robert Merry Museum” in February 1841 and it remained popular with children of all ages until November 1872.

Not only were readers entertained by Parley’s fiction and nonfiction, poetry, puzzles and advice, but were eager to contribute their own viewpoints about current events and to share their life experiences.  This interaction became known as “Merry’s Monthly Chat with His Friends” and became the first magazine in the U.S. to include regularly printed letters from young readers.

Similar to online communities today, Merry’s Museum had hidden identities and virtual rooms.  Participants became known as “Cousins” and seated themselves at the knee of an imaginary “Uncle.”

Robert Merry’s Museum Magazine provides insight into the lives of children during a fascinating and historically significant period of history from the 1840s to the 1870s.  You can now enjoy excerpts from the 31 years of “Chat” and get to know these very perceptive and articulate “Cousins” who had so much to say about their life and times.

Click here to read letters