Arcadia Publishing
American publisher specializing in pictorial local and regional histories; known for the Images of America and Then & Now series and owner of the text-focused imprint The History Press.
Arcadia Publishing is an American publisher best known for producing pictorial local and regional histories that document neighborhoods, towns, industries and cultural life across the United States. Its books emphasize collections of historical photographs, postcards and other visual materials accompanied by short captions and concise contextual introductions intended for a general readership. Arcadia’s model places images at the center of narrative, making its volumes accessible and attractive to local communities, libraries and historical societies.
Typical format and notable series
Arcadia’s titles are characterized by dense photographic content and clear, compact explanatory text. Commonly recognized series include:
- Images of America — community-by-community pictorial histories that trace local development and everyday life;
- Then & Now — paired historical and contemporary photographs that illustrate change over time;
- Postcard History — themed collections of vintage postcards with contextual captions and background information.
Production and contributors
Most Arcadia volumes are compiled with contributions from local authors, historians, collectors, and volunteers. Editors work with community archives, historical societies, libraries and private collections to assemble image galleries and write short captions and introductory essays that place images in historical context. Permissions, provenance and image attribution are important aspects of the editorial process, which often involves collaboration with local organizations and contributors who supply photographs and background information.
Imprints and scope
Arcadia expanded its publishing scope by adding imprints focused on text-driven history. Notably, it owns The History Press, an imprint that publishes longer, narrative-driven books on local and national history, folklore and regional studies, complementing Arcadia’s image-first titles. The two imprints together offer a range of formats for readers interested in visual documentation as well as more detailed historical narrative.
Audience, distribution and uses
Arcadia books are widely used by genealogists, educators, museum staff and community organizations. They serve as reference works, classroom resources, fund-raising items for local groups, and collectible keepsakes for residents and former residents. Titles are typically available through bookstores, libraries and online retailers, and they are often promoted at local historical events and community programs.
For more information see the publisher site: Arcadia Publishing, and the imprint page: The History Press.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Arcadia Publishing Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/5255
Sources
- postandcourier.com : "Mount Pleasant-based Arcadia Publishing buys Charleston-based self-publishing service in effort to diversify business"
- nl.newsbank.com : "Histories in the Making"
- sfgate.com : "Mini-Americana Publisher Finds Small to Be Bountiful"
- columbia.edu : "Arcadian Visions of the Past"
- neighborhoodlife.net : "Neighborhood Life"
- arcadiapublishing.com : "Our Story"
- charlestonbusiness.com : "Investor group acquires Arcadia Publishing"
- arcadiapublishing.com : "The History Press"
- publishersweekly.com : "Arcadia Publishing Buys The History Press"
- arcadiapublishing.com : "Legendary Locals Books - Individuals That Wrote Our History"