The New York Public Library has three major digital exhibitions currently running to complement their in-house exhibits. Together, these exhibits constitute a marvelous introduction to Western history via primary documents and images from the era. Touring West "celebrates the creators, promoters, and performers of professional theater, music, and dance who toured the American continent" from 1803 to 1893. The collection includes annotated postings of playbills, broadsides, handbills, souvenirs, postcards, and after 1848, photographs. These materials touch on the major historical events of the time including abolition, the development of the railroads, and the rise of certain American dramatic icons who made their names playing European heroes -- James O'Neill, father of playwright Eugene O'Neill, among them.