This collection contains research, photographs, family histories, and correspondence of those within Sharptown, Maryland from 1870 to 1982. Documents detail genealogy, businesses, and the development of the town.

Sharptown was founded on the banks of the Nanticoke River as a shipbuilding town around 1769 and was first settled by the Marine family. The town grew as a port and its name can be traced back to the colonial Proprietary Governor of Maryland, Horatio Sharpe. Sharptown was known for its Sharptown Marine Railway company, which allowed the area’s ship development to increase. Its status as a helpful trade port allowed the town to support more settlers and develop a profitable market. Methodist churches made up much of the town’s history and are some of Sharptown’s oldest buildings. Sharptown’s fire department began holding carnivals in 1926 and became a staple of the town’s community engagements.

This collection contains historical texts, photographs, family histories, and correspondence of those within Sharptown, Maryland from 1870 to 1982. Documents detail genealogy, businesses, and the development of the town to create a clear representation of Sharptown's culture and community in the early 20th century. Within the collection are excerpts from reference books regarding the origins of the Mason-Dixon line and deeds explain the lands sold and combined to create Sharptown. Family Documents include scanned newspaper articles, announcements of activities and town involvement from local families and advertisements for their businesses, as well as obituaries from the town newspaper. Photographs are of Sharptown's families and local children, homes, and businesses, primarily from the late 1800s to early 1900s. Some documents come from Marian Bradley, a child of a prominent family, accompanied by genealogy searches that detail her lineage. Entertainment pamphlets with advertisements of local businesses and playbooks are also included and showcase the town's theater community. A description of the development of the “Double Mills” sawmills in Wicomico County connects Sharptown to the region’s booming lumber industry. Correspondence consists of postcards and holiday cards. Private John Edward Goslee was a Sharptown resident and uncle of Carolyn Adkins; his documents include an Action Report and farewell message from World War Two.

• Some original folder titles are maintained 
• Series 1: Sharptown Historical Texts 
• Series 2: Community Entertainment 
• Series 3: Family Documents/Obituaries 
• Series 4: Photography 
• 5: Correspondence 
• 6: Private Goslee Documents