Brief History Lesson

Here are two interesting (if somewhat trivial) resources dealing with drum history:

1. History of the Drum Set
2. Vienna Symphony's Snare Drum History

Somewhat related is Disc #2 of Steve Smith's Drumset Technique/History of the U.S. Beat DVD set. Steve uses period-correct drums and cymbals (and associated hardware) to step you through the evolution of US drum kit playing, starting with ragtime and ending with fusion. The playing and the gear are wonderful glimpses into history.