A Phoenix-area ophthalmologist and newspaper collector is providing a unique way to look back at the nation’s history ahead of its 250th anniversary. The United States of America is gearing up to celebrate it’s 250th birthday, also known as the semi quincentennial.
Dr. Frank Caserta’s collection dates back centuries and includes important historic documentation such as the Declaration of Independence and newspapers from the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
Dr. Frank Caserta joined “Arizona Horizon” to share his collection of historic newspapers.
Caserta explained how the collection started when he was trying to find a gift for his father.
“Fifteen years ago, I was trying to find a gift for my dad and he’s always watching the news, reading the news, and I happened to just come across an original 1865 New York Times reporting the assassination of President Lincoln who was still alive at the time the newspaper was printed. We found that fascinating and it just set me on the path of collecting over the next 15 years,” Caserta said.
Whether it’s browsing online or receiving copies from his patients, Caserta has found multiple different ways to collect old newspapers.
“There are dealers online who sell these. You can get them on eBay. There are many auction houses like Christie’s and Sotheby’s and Bonhams, etc. People have estate sales and sell these things. I even have patients who come to my office and give them to me because they know I have an interest in collecting,” Caserta said.
