Here's something that is fun to browse through, and you will get a bit of canning history education for your efforts.
This digital exhibit about canning comes from the United States Department of Agricultural Library. It is entitled "How did we can? The evolution of home canning practices." What an interesting and informative resource.
The exhibits are many and consist of historical and vintage pictures, articles and pamphlets and articles. These can be viewed in full on-line. Exhibits on canning history, canning practice, canning declines and resurgences, botulism, important changes to the USDA Guidelines are to be found.
How about Canning through the World Wars?
Great looks at historical information about the evolution of canning equipment (jars, cans, water bath and pressure canners). Take a look at the Tin Can page to see how cans were soldered together by hand when first used.
There is a lot of history here and I heartily recommend that you visit the exhibit and check it out extensively.