Philadelphia Area Archives

Start Over Creator Princeton University. Library. Special Collections Year 1810 to 1814

Student Correspondence and Writings Collection, 1768-2020 (inclusive)

Extent:: 19 boxes and 4 digital files
Abstract:: The Student Correspondence and Writings Collection contains original materials from the university archives that document aspects of student life as experienced by students at Princeton University.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Jonathan Belcher Collection, 1747-1967 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 1 folder
Abstract:: Jonathan Belcher, was a merchant and colonial governor of the Provinces of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey and was instrumental in the founding of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton). The Jonathan Belcher Collection consists of collected research materials regarding Jonathan Belcher's relation to the history of Princeton University and consist of correspondence, articles, clippings, and copies of original materials from Belcher collections held at Princeton and elsewhere.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Nassau Hall Iconography, 1760-1981 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6 boxes and 1 folder
Abstract:: The collection contains representations of Nassau Hall and other historic buildings of Princeton University. Most of them are reproductions, some photographic.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection of Historical Subject Files, Grounds and Buildings, 1802-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 21 boxes, 342 items, and 20 digital files
Abstract:: The Princeton University Library Collection of Historical Subject Files, Grounds and Buildings contains information relating to the buildings, grounds, and architects of Princeton University. The collection also includes information on the development of the campus and the various chronologies of construction and land acquisition that have been gathered.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Princeton University Archives John Maclean, Jr. Collection, 1794-1935 (inclusive) 1852-1880 (bulk)

Extent:: 6 boxes
Abstract:: John Maclean, Jr. was a professor, vice president, and president of Princeton University. The Princeton University Archives John Maclean, Jr. Collection consists of letters to and from John Maclean regarding the history of the College of New Jersey as well as family matters.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

General Manuscripts Collection, 1765-2016 (inclusive) 1836-2016 (bulk)

Extent:: 1.9 linear feet (5 boxes) and 1 folder
Abstract:: The General Manuscripts Collection consists of manuscripts and small collections of papers and records which are related in some way to the history of Princeton University. While most documents in the General Manuscripts collection were produced by alumni or student organizations, there are several documents produced by trustees, faculty, and other members of the University community.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

New Jersey Collection, 1648-1931 (inclusive)

Extent:: 10 boxes and 3.75 linear feet
Abstract:: The New Jersey Collection, dating from 1648 to 1931, is a grouping of material relating to New Jersey history, with emphasis on some of the more notable people involved in politics, government, and the legal system. The collection includes correspondence, legal records, financial records, land records, estate records, government records, and military records.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Miriam Y. Holden Collection, 1930-1969 (bulk) 1676-1993 (inclusive)

Extent:: 104 boxes and 45.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Miriam Holden Collection consists of books, periodicals, manuscripts, clippings, photographs, cartoons, letters, and other materials about women and their achievements collected by Holden.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton Greek Manuscripts Collection, 1601-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:: 57 volumes and 6.8 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of an open collection of bound Greek manuscripts dating from the 17th to the 19th century.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Dickinson Family Collection, 1790-1865 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists chiefly of correspondence and documents from 1861-1862 when S. Meredith Dickinson was commissioned as a paymaster in the United States Navy, assigned to the U.S. sloop of war Dale.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Robert H. Taylor Collection of English and American Literature, 1280s-1958 (inclusive) 1800s-1930s (bulk)

Extent:: 51 boxes, 229 items, and 13 volumes
Abstract:: The Robert H. Taylor Collection consists of over 4,000 3,300 manuscripts illustrating in their wide range the scope of English literature from the fourteenth century to the 1940s. This finding aid focuses on the modern manuscripts, both bound and unbound, in the collection, which is designated "RTC01" within the Manuscripts Division of the Special Collections Department of the Princeton University Library.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

New Series of Islamic Manuscripts, 1300-1920 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2400 items and 195 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of approximately 5000 texts in 2194 volumes.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Thomas Potts Johnson Collection, 1769-1846 (inclusive)

Extent:: 8 boxes and 3.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of miscellaneous papers relating to Thomas Potts Johnson's legal practice covering the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, and Essex; papers pertaining to his position as New Jersey attorney general; and two family photograph albums.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Boarded Hall Estate (Barbados) Plantation Records, 1676-1887 (inclusive) 1712-1845 (bulk)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 1.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of eighteenth and nineteeth-century records of Boarded Hall Estate, a slave plantation in Barbados in the West Indies. The material was found on the estate in the 1820s by George Harnage, the son of its last English owner, and annotated by him in subsequent years.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection of Modern Greek Materials, 1677-1967 (inclusive)

Extent:: 4 boxes and 4 folders
Abstract:: Consists of an open collection containing miscellaneous source material related to Modern Greek studies, including letters, documents, artwork, and other unbound manuscript items.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Field Family Collection, 1767-1885 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected correspondence, documents, and a genealogy of the Field family of New Jersey.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Joline Family Collection, 1869-1912 (bulk) 1814-1950 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of correspondence, manuscripts, and documents of members of the Joline family of Princeton, New Jersey.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Oliver Ellsworth Collection, 1775-1883 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of correspondence, engravings, documents, and printed material related to Oliver Ellsworth, the eighteenth-century Connecticut senator and jurist.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Alfred A. Woodhull Collection, 1776-1916 (inclusive)

Extent:: 9 boxes and 9 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of works, correspondence, genealogical information, photographs, miscellaneous material, and printed works of surgeon and medical inspector Alfred A. Woodhull (Princeton Class of 1856).

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Andrew Hunter Family Collection, 1770-1820 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected correspondence and documents of both Andrew Hunter, an early nineteenth-century Princeton professor of mathematics and astronomy, and his clergyman uncle of the same name.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection of Napoleon I, Emperor of the French, Materials, 1796-1840 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 1.8 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected letters and documents of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

John Forsyth Collection, 1802-1851 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected correspondence and documents of John Forsyth, senator from Georgia and secretary of state under Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

William Wordsworth Collection, 1799-1847 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected autograph manuscript poems and correspondence of William Wordsworth, one of England's most respected poets of the nineteenth century.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Penelope Pennington Collection, 1798-1827 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box
Abstract:: Consists of selected letters and manuscripts of Penelope Pennington, who was part of the social and literary women's group that was centered around the English diarist and patron of the arts Hester Lynch Thrale Piozzii (1741-1821).

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection of George Washington Materials, 1750-1793 (bulk) 1750-1904 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 1.7 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected correspondence and documents by and about George Washington, first president of the United States, as well as some items of members of his family.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

New Mexico Documents Collection, circa 1777-1890 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of retained copies of 66 notarial documents for primarily 19th-century land transactions in what is now the state of New Mexico.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

19th-Century Maritime Collection, 1781-1928 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of correspondence, documents, financial material, and printed matter of Caleb Bates, captain of the Juno of Boston, John B. Church, marine insurance underwriter, and others involved in predominantly nineteenth-century American maritime trade.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Shippen Family Collection, 1750-1783 (bulk) 1750-1810 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of correspondence, manuscripts, and documents of several members of the prominent Shippen family of Philadelphia during the colonial, revolutionary, and early federal periods. Portions of the material are related to the College of New Jersey and its move from Newark, N.J. to Princeton, N.J.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Randolph Family of Virginia Collection, 1771-1833 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of selected correspondence and documents of the Randolph family of Virginia--one of the great extended dynastic families of late colonial Virginia.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Manuscript Maps Collection, 1700-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6 boxes and 9.1 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of an open collection of manuscript maps. Included is the eastern section of the Mason-Dixon Line drawn by Charles Dixon and Jeremiah Dixon in 1768.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection of William Cowper Materials, 1634-1877 (inclusive) 1770-1820 (bulk)

Extent:: 1 box and 0.2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists primarily of the correspondence of renowned poet William Cowper as well as the correspondence of family, friends, and associates, much of which relates to Cowper.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Garret D. Wall Collection, 1807-1850 (bulk) 1699-1909 (inclusive)

Extent:: 10 boxes
Abstract:: The Garret D. Wall Collection, dating from 1609-1909, consists primarily of material from the legal practice of Garret D. Wall (1783-1850). The bulk of the material dates from 1807 to 1850, when Wall was actively practicing law, serving in the United States Senate, and serving as judge of the Court of Appeals of New Jersey.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Miscellaneous European Documents Collection, 1500-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5 boxes and 2 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of miscellaneous documents and manuscripts from European and North African countries about politlcal, religious, or colonial matters between the 16th and 19th century. The countries include England, France, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Ireland, and Poland.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Thomas Jefferson Collection, 1781-1826 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of two manuscripts and assorted correspondence by the architect, scientist, author, and third president of the United States Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826).

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

John James Audubon Collection, 1788-1970 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6 boxes and 6 volumes
Abstract:: John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a nineteenth-century ornithologist, artist, and naturalist who published his illustrations of American birds and quadrupeds. This collection includes several original manuscripts, transcripts and photostats of manuscripts, correspondence of John James and Lucy Bakewell Audubon (originals and copies), and other printed materials related to Audubon, which have been assembled from various sources.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection on Slavery in the Americas, 1700-1888 (inclusive) 1790-1863 (bulk)

Extent:: 4 boxes and 6.1 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of a closed collection of documents related to slavery, the trade of enslaved persons, and the colonial plantation economy, particularly in the United States, the Caribbean, and Brazil in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton Collection of Ethiopic Magic Scrolls, 1700-1900 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 207 items
Abstract:: Consists of an open collection of Ethiopic magic scrolls.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Princeton Ethiopic Manuscripts, 1600s-1900s (inclusive)

Extent:: 95 items
Abstract:: An open collection of bound Ethiopic manuscripts with texts in Ge'ez and occasionally in Amharic.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

William H. Tower Philatelic Collection, 1380-1950 (inclusive) 1700s-1940s (bulk)

Extent:: 20 boxes and 15.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of envelopes both used and unused (also known as covers), letters, postcards, documents, postage stamps, and a variety of other philatelic material from around the world as collected and annotated by the Reverend William Hogarth Tower (1871-1950). The collection spans the topics of English Postal History, United States Postal History, War Covers, Philatelic Miscellany, and Franking.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Elmer Adler Papers, 1651-1961 (inclusive) 1925-1955 (bulk)

Extent:: 464 boxes
Abstract:: Elmer Adler was a printer, publisher, editor, and author. This collection consists of the personal papers of Adler as well as the business archives of the Pynson Printers and The Colophon.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]

Playbills Printed on Satin, 1803-1923 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box, 2 items, and 1.6 linear feet
Abstract:: The Playbills Printed on Satin collection comprises 46 playbills printed on satin fabric.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Rare Book Collection [Contact Us]

Broadside Playbills, 18th-20th century (inclusive)

Extent:: 17 boxes, 2 items, and 44.8 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection contains broadside playbills from the United States, England, and Europe.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Rare Book Collection [Contact Us]

Scrapbook collection of playbills,, 1808-1967 (inclusive) 1880-1950 (bulk)

Extent:: 1 box, 483 volumes, and 48.79 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of 486 scrapbooks of playbills covering not only theater but also opera, ballet, and music.

Held at: Princeton University Library: Rare Book Collection [Contact Us]

Steward and Refectory Records, 1782-1869 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1 box
Abstract:: The Steward and Refectory records relate to various expenses incurred by students while at Princeton. They are divided into two series. The first, refectory accounts, consists predominantly of lists of students and the amounts due from each for itemized expenses including room and board, tuition, library, servant wages, washing, damages and fuel. Other materials include bills, various accounts and reports, an inventory of furniture belonging to the kitchen in 1816, and bills, accounts and reports relating to the building of a new refectory in 1834-35. The second series consists of accounts, vouchers, correspondence, receipts and statements of expenses relating to the University Steward. The 1869 Steward's file consists of a list of local boarding houses and the owners, student residents and payments.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Inspector's Records, 1793-1857 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2 boxes
Abstract:: The Inspector's records consist of reports, receipts, vouchers, accounts and some correspondence concerning repairs to student rooms and other buildings. The receipts and vouchers are mainly from craftsman who conducted the repairs. Little information concerning individual students or their accounts can be found in these records. The position of Inspector was instituted in 1767 and apparently lasted until the mid-19th century at which time it merged into the Treasurer's Office.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Honorary Degree Records, 1749-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:: 25 boxes
Abstract:: Consists of files pertaining to honorary degree recipients throughout Princeton University's history.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Lottery Records, 1749-1954 (inclusive) 1749-1772 (bulk)

Extent:: 3 boxes
Abstract:: The collection consists of contemporary documents pertaining to five of the lotteries held in the eighteenth century to raise funds for the colonial College of New Jersey. Also included is some secondary source material about the lotteries.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Princeton University Broadsheets Collection, circa 1807-1983 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2 boxes and 1 folder
Abstract:: This collection comprises broadsides, posters and similar single-sided oversize printed objects created by or for Princeton University.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Pyne-Henry Collection, 1747-1947 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3 boxes
Abstract:: The Pyne-Henry Collection is a diverse group of documents, letters and writings relating to Princeton University, covering an array of topics primarily concerning student life and administrative activities. The collection consists of letters, essays and orations, reports, memoranda, minutes, proclamations, accounts and class lists, and other documents written by students, faculty and administrators which, along with other administrative records and Trustee Minutes, constitute the earliest records and documentary history of the University. Most of these papers and records were amassed by Princeton alumni Moses Taylor Pyne (Class of 1877) and Bayard Henry (Class of 1876) during the latter half of the nineteenth century.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]

Historical Subject Files Collection, 1746-2019 (inclusive)

Extent:: 442 boxes, 21 folders, and 8 items
Abstract:: The Historical Subject Files Collection documents Princeton University history and related topics from 1746 to the present. The collection consists of documents in almost every two-dimensional format: articles, books and booklets, clippings, correspondence, memoranda, non-photographic images, notes, pamphlets, posters, and reports.

Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]