I am in the midst of a large research project on the US Consular Service, which was part of the US Department of State from 1789 until 1924, when it was combined with the diplomatic corps to create the US Foreign Service. The research project will definitely consist of a data set and book; I’m also considering various opportunities for a digital humanities project element. I won’t be done for quite a while, but I’m finding all sorts of interesting things, and people keep asking me questions about the service and its records, so I thought I would start this blog as a way of sharing things as I go along.
Unless otherwise noted, everything here is a work in progress. You’re welcome to cite information presented here, but please be aware that I may change my mind about its accuracy as I learn more.
Questions and friendly suggestions are welcome; feel free to email me at nphelps@uvm.edu.