Arcadia Publishing
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1993 |
| Founder | Tempus Publishing (UK company) |
| Headquarters | Mount Pleasant, South Carolina , United States |
| Products | Regional, local, and neighborhood history books; photographic content; The History Press volumes on American folklore and history |
| Parent | Lezen |
Arcadia Publishing is a U.S.-based publisher that concentrates on regional, local, and neighborhood history across the United States, presented primarily through photographic content. Additionally, it operates The History Press, which produces text-centric volumes focusing on American folklore and historical subjects.
History
Established in 1993 in Dover, New Hampshire by the UK company Tempus Publishing, Arcadia gained independence following a management buyout led by its CEO in 2004. Its main office is located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. The publisher's collection contains more than 12,000 titles, with Arcadia and its imprint The History Press releasing approximately 900 new publications each year.
The company’s approach centers on collaborating with local historians and authors to create 128-page books that include between 180 and 240 black-and-white images accompanied by captions and introductory commentary. Its primary series is the Images of America collection, complemented by other notable series such as Images of Rail, Images of Sports, Black America, Postcard History, and Legendary Locals.
In May 2017, Arcadia broadened its portfolio by acquiring Palmetto Publishing Group, a Charleston-based self-publishing firm. The next year, ownership transferred to Lezen, a company controlled by Lili and Michael Lynton. In March 2019, Walter Isaacson joined the organization as editor-at-large and senior adviser to enhance strategic development, partnerships, and marketing initiatives.
Reflecting its dedication to environmentally responsible practices, since 2010 all Arcadia books have been printed on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper produced in South Carolina with materials sourced from the United States.
Imprints
- Applewood Books (acquired in 2023).
- Arcadia Children's Books (launched in 2019).
- Belt Publishing (acquired in 2024).
- Commonwealth Editions (obtained in 2021 from Applewood Books).
- The History Press (U.S. branch acquired from its UK parent company in 2014), which specializes in regional narratives and local histories. Prominent series include American Legends, Forgotten Tales, and Haunted America, featuring stories about local folklore, lesser-known history, and paranormal accounts authored by regional experts.
- Pelican Publishing Company (acquired in 2019), recognized for works focusing on Louisiana and Southern culture, culinary traditions, art, and historical topics.
Distribution
Arcadia Publishing produces all its books domestically within the United States and oversees its own sales and distribution operations. Revenue is evenly split among three main channels, each contributing roughly one-third:
- Major bookstore chains
- Independent bookstores, libraries, and museums
- Alternative venues including historical societies and hardware stores