Top Ten Gift Ideas for American History Buffs

As an American history buff myself, I am giving you my expert advice on some of the best gifts to give people like me.

1. Lewis & Clark Keepsakes

The Corps of Discovery Bicentennial Celebration has been going on for a couple of years and is about to wind down. Because it has been the two hundredth anniversary of Lewis & Clark’s journey across the country, tons of books have recently been published on this subject. Many bookstores have complete sections on The Corps of Discovery because of the Bicentennial Celebrations, but if you want a unique item you should visit any National Park’s bookstore.

The best book purchase would have to be “Dear Brother” Edited by James J. Holmberg. Just a few years ago, Clark family ancestors found an old trunk in the attic. It held priceless mementos that have since been donated to The Filson Historical Society in Louisville, Kentucky. The biggest find was a collection of letters from William Clark to his brother, Jonathan Clark during and after the Expedition to the Pacific. These letters have been compiled into book format and are a must have for any American history enthusiast.

One of my favorite Lewis & Clark books is “Lewis and Clark – On The Trail of Discovery – The Journey That Shaped America – A Museum In A Book” by Rod Gragg. This oversized book has pull out replicas of letters, maps and journal entries. I consider it a keepsake, and was thrilled when I received this book as a gift.

2. Non-Fiction Books

Basically, every history buff is a non-fiction reader. Purchasing a non-fiction history book or collection of books will always be a hit. To make sure your gift is unique, look for encyclopedias and dictionaries of historical eras, battles or wars.

If you need help finding just the right book, visit the bookstore midweek, during the day. They will be less busy at that time and they will be able to show you the books they sell most frequently. If you live near a National Park, visit their bookstore for the best chance of finding something your history buff does not already own.

3. Figurines

Civil War history buffs are the easiest to buy for as you can find collectable figurines everywhere. Small boutiques and greeting card shops carry numbered and signed series of Civil War figurines. If you live near a battlefield, you will have an even larger selection of figurines and other civil war collectables.

Another type of figurine to look for would be miniature replicas of buildings and places, such as the My Home Town collection. These are blocks of wood which are either hand-painted or lithographed with a miniature view of a historical or locally significant building. You can find these for sale at the actual buildings depicted, local chambers of commerce and local shops.

4. Antique Map Reproductions

In some specialty shops, used book stores, antique and gift shops, you can find quality reproductions of antique maps. They might be maps of the United States, individual States or even battlegrounds.

History Buffs love maps. Either frame the map or put it into an archival sleeve. Some reproductions are as valuable as an actual map, so prices will vary greatly.

5. A Visit to a Battlefield

As National Battlefields charge only minimal fees, a gift to a battlefield should include an open-ended one night’s hotel stay with battlefield maps, a book detailing the events of that battle and area information.

You should call the area’s visitor’s bureau to obtain the area information and maps. You may also contact the battlefield and ask them to mail you some information and maps.

Some battlefields offer driving tours where you rent the audio equipment and listen as you drive through. This is another item you could pre-pay for and include in your gift.

6. DVD Movies

There are many must have movies for any American history buff’s collection such as “The Civil War – A Film by Ken Burns.” This boxed set comes from the PBS mini-series that ran in 1990. Even though this collection is over fifteen years old, it is one of the most important parts of any DVD collection.

Both directed by Ronald Maxwell, “Gods and Generals,” released in 2003, and “Gettysburg,” released in 1993, would be welcome additions to your history buff’s movie collection.

The new release “Lincoln and Lee at Antietam – The Cost of Freedom” directed by Robert Child is a documentary about the bloodiest battle of the Civil War and will eventually become a standard addition to the American history buff’s DVD collection.

7. Magazines

My favorite online magazine store is Magazines.com. I have used them for over five year. I have tried other magazine companies, but never had the level of customer service and satisfaction as I have encountered at Magazines.com

Our family’s favorite magazine is Smithsonian. We feel it is most well written, well published magazine available. The articles are about scientific and historical discoveries, in-depth research and current events with scientific or historical significance. We generally pay $22 annually by waiting for the right renewal offer, but to start out, Magazines.com offers a year subscription for only $29.00. An added benefit to receiving this magazine is that you receive a ten percent discount on admission to museums across the country and a $10 percent discount in all Smithsonian gift shops.

Another perfect magazine for your history buff is the American History magazine which is published every other month for only $19.95 through Magazines.com. You might also think about giving them the American Heritage magazine ($12.00/ 6 issues/ annually at Magazines.com).

8. American Flag flown over the Capitol Building

This gift requires some planning, as there are sometimes long waiting lists for these flags. In general, plan for six to eight weeks.

Each day, dozens of flags are flown over the United States Capitol building for the sole purpose of being given to citizens as mementos. United States Senators, United States Congress Representatives and United States Architect of the Capitol staff members have access to these flags.

If you know someone who works for the Architect of the Capitol, the Senate or Congress, that is who you should go to first. If not, then call your Senator or Representative’s office and ask for a flag. They may want it to be for a special occasion, so be prepared with an explanation of why this person deserves the gift of a flag.

Reasons you could give could be geared towards public service, military service, community involvement, notable life event, etc.

The flag will be sent directly to you. You could purchase a case with or without an engraved plate. Craft stores and discount department stores sometimes carry flag cases.

9. Weaponry

Collectable weaponry includes swords, bayonets, handguns, rifles, and all of their accessories. Finding real antique weapons is difficult, but history buffs will love you for purchasing them a quality replica.

My husband and daughter have begun collecting historical sword replicas. When we visited Gatlinburg last summer, sword shops were everywhere and they wanted to go to every single one. Swords are the easiest weapon collectable to find. Their popularity has created an increased supply, with even more selection to choose from. Every mall has at least one store where swords are sold. Indoor flea markets have at least one vender who sells these swords as well. The quality differs greatly, so take the time to inspect the quality of the workmanship. I have found swords to range in price from as little as $40.00 to well over $100.00.

In general, replica handguns will cost around $75.00 to $100.00. You can find WWI and Civil war spy glasses for $150.00 to $300.00. Rifles are the most expensive and run from $150.00 to $700.00.

10. Artifacts

Historical artifacts cover a wide range of items, but the most commonly found are Civil War bullets and Native American arrowheads. Gift and collectable shops usually have arrowheads. National Park gift stores almost always have both bullets and arrowheads, and you can find tons of each online. Since I live near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, I can assure you that adjacent to any Civil War site, you will find at least ten specialty shops which carry a wide range of artifacts, including Civil War bullets actually found on location.

Common artifacts are very inexpensive, so consider putting together a shadow box. In craft and frame shops, you can find a variety of shadow boxes or visit your local department store for a standard size. Arrange several artifacts inside the shadow box and you have created a wonderful personalized gift that any American history buff would love.