These tools of the teaching trade date back to the 1920s or 1930s. (Photo Courtesy of Brenda Yenke)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Independence Day, or the Fourth of July, is a great moment in our history. The holiday honors those who adopted the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress: A new nation resounded victory!

Fireworks, concerts and parades still encompass the celebratory mood. Happy 246th birthday, America!

We celebrate the founding of America (Land of Americus) by Christopher Columbus, who set sail in 1492, and Amerigo Vespucci, in 1497. The name first appeared on a map in 1507 by Waldseemuller, giving Columbus his due. Vespucci’s Christian name in Latin is Americus.

Maps have long been a great key to the past. As discoveries were represented through careful explorations, they bridged the countries and seas, connecting the world.

Early maps are beacons from the past, shedding light from studied cartographers.

Now, if you are fortunate to have collected maps or globes, you are probably looking at older versions of our world.

The very first examples were drawn on papyrus; the leaves were formed into layers for a base and dried in preparation for the writings. These plants have origins in Egypt.

Older paper maps are valuable and should be treated for preservation. Keep humidity low and use archival sleeves for storing. Conservators provide the necessary route for future generations.

One of my small collections is an old globe that is on a stand, and it actually spins. Some of the countries are Persia and the Dominion of Canada. The tin letter box next to it is from the Iroquois Publishing Co. of Syracuse, N.Y. It is complete with cardboard letters and figures, as noted on the tin. Were these teaching tools or just collectibles?

Your notable teaching tools are pristine and very portable. The globe is mint, dating from the 1920-30s, and I believe was made as a collectible too. How interesting with the original countries! The Iroquois Publishing Co. was known to assist educators as well. The letter box dates to the same period as your globe. Value would be $45 for the globe and $85 for the letter box.

If you have an item for evaluation, send a clear picture with history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, P.O. Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You may also email photos and information requests for Brenda to evaluate at kenyenke@aol.com.

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