Diaries by Teens

These are historical diaries and journals written by teenagers. They cover many different time periods, locations, and themes. You can use the navigation menu above to find diaries and journals based on other criteria.

1878 Diary of a 15-Year-Old Girl in Gorham, ME

This is the 1878 daily diary of Alice A. Shurtleff, a 15-year-old girl living in Gorham, Maine. Table of Contents Background Selected Images The Diary Comments Background According to a note at the beginning of the diary, 15-year-old Alice A. Shurtleff of Gorham, Maine received this 1878 diary as a […]

1863 Diary of a 17-Year-Old Teacher in Upstate New York

This is the 1863 diary of Hulda Comstock, a 17-year-old teacher in Albion, NY. Table of Contents Background Selected Images The Diary Comments Background Hulda Comstock was born in 1846. In this 1863 diary, she lists her location as both Albion, NY and Carlton, NY. Hulda kept this daily diary […]

1874 Diary of a Young School Teacher in Liberty, NY

This is the 1874 diary of Flora Emaretta Parsons, who turns 20 on July 18 during the diary year. At the beginning of the diary, she is finishing her last year of schooling. In May 1874, she begins working as a school teacher and boarding near the school, sharing with […]

Civil War Diary of a Lisbon, OH Boy

Background This is the 1861 diary of a teenage boy living in New Lisbon, the seat of Columbiana County, Ohio. His job doing various tasks at a local newspaper ensures that he is well-informed of current events as the American Civil War breaks out. Like any teenager, he is fascinated […]

Diary of an 1829 Visit to Coastal Maine

Background This is a journal written by Edgar J. Doolittle in the summer of 1829 as he visits a small island off the coast of Maine, explores Thomaston on the mainland nearby, and visits Boston on his way back home to Wallingford, CT. Though only 19 years old, he is […]