Main content

Northwestern University Woman's Medical School records/Chicago Woman's Medical College, 1870-1924, 1947

Extent:

1.25 linear feet (4 boxes)

Abstract:

The Woman’s Hospital Medical College of Chicago was founded in 1870 by Mary H. Thompson (1829-1895) and Dr. William Heath Byford (1817-1890) in order to provide equal education opportunities for female medical students in the Chicago area. In 1879, the name of the medical school was changed to the Woman’s Medical College of Chicago; and in 1892, it was taken over by the Northwestern University and renamed the Northwestern University Woman’s Medical School. Over the next ten years, financial difficulties arose and in 1902, the medical school was dismantled. The Woman’s Clinical Dispensary, “a working corps of clinical teachers and assistants” who held clinics, survived until 1907. This collection documents the Chicago Woman’s Medical College and its transitions to the Northwestern University Woman’s Medical School from 1870 to 1945, with the bulk of the material created from 1870 to 1924. The collection consists of Alumnae Association material, alumnae biographies, correspondence,...(see more)

Held at: Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center [Contact Us]

Main content

George A. Hay collection of administrative files of the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania, 1925-1965 (bulk) 1890-1970 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.25 linear feet (8 document boxes; 1 half size document box)

Abstract:

From 1925 to 1970, the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (WMC) underwent significant change, adapting to both survive and prosper in a transforming society. Administrative change was brought about and explored to spark institutional growth and/or to mollify financial stress. Among the more significant events in the College’s history was the 1930 move to new and larger facilities in East Falls, and an administrative reorganization in 1942. In the 1940s and 1960s, WMC also explored the financial and administrative benefits of merging with other institutions in the Philadelphia area; Kensington Women’s Hospital and the Woman’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jefferson Medical College. Amidst all of the change, WMC continued to honor its traditions and celebrate milestones, especially its Centennial Anniversary in 1950. In 1970, the College made the decision to admit male students for the first time and change its name to the Medical College of Pennsylvania. The George A. Hay...(see more)

Held at: Drexel University: College of Medicine Legacy Center [Contact Us]

Main content

American Society for Information Science, Delaware Valley Chapter, records, 1961-1974 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.0 cubic feet

Abstract:

The American Society for Information Science (ASIS), was a “non-profit professional association organized for scientific, literary and educational purposes and dedicated to the creations, organization, dissemination and application of knowledge concerning information and its transfer,” (ASIS Constitution). ASIS also served as a community of users to provide help, advice and the development of new techniques to those involved in the information sciences field. This collection documents the Delaware Valley Chapter of the American Documentation Institute (ADI) and later, after a name change, of the American Society for Information Science (ASIS). The records are largely administrative, but do provide insight into some of the concerns and challenges those in the information science profession faced from 1964 to 1971.

Held at: Drexel University: Archives and Special Collections [Contact Us]

Main content

Philadelphia City Planning Commission surveys conducted with New Deal Federal Work-Relief funds records, 1933-1939 (inclusive)

Extent:

156.0 cubic feet

Abstract:

The Philadelphia City Planning Commission had barely come into existence (April 1929) when the stock market crashed, marking the onset of the Great Depression. The PCPC requested federal funding, made possible through President Roosevelt’s New Deal work relief programs, to subsidize general administrative costs of PCPC and support the continuation of work on a master plan for the city of Philadelphia which had already begun. The agency also proposed to conduct a survey of central Philadelphia which would help address the problems of decaying older neighborhoods. From 1933 to 1939, the Commission employed hundreds of architects, engineers, social workers, and other professional and clerical staff in efforts to analyze the physical, economic, and social conditions of the city and to address these problems through a combined program of research, planning, and public advocacy. The Philadelphia City Planning Commission Survey files (Record Group (RG) 145-50) consist of 156 cubic feet of...(see more)

Held at: City of Philadelphia, Department of Records, City Archives [Contact Us]

Main content

Records of the Sesqui-Centennial Association, 1920-1931 (inclusive)

Extent:

40.0 cubic feet

Abstract:

The Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition Association was the organization which planned and administered the major international exposition held in Philadelphia from May 30 through November 30, 1926, in honor of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Thirty foreign nations participated in the event which attracted seven million visitors. Participation lagged behind expectations, however, and financial problems dogged the project from beginning to end. The Association passed into receivership in 1927 and several years passed before the claims of the organization's many creditors were resolved in U.S. district court. The official records of the Sesqui-Centennial Exhibition Association at the Philadelphia City Archives represent the largest extant body of material concerning this event. They consist of approximately 40 cubic feet of holdings dating from 1920 through 1931. The records are primarily made up of the files of the administrative...(see more)

Held at: City of Philadelphia, Department of Records, City Archives [Contact Us]

Main content

Wagner Free Institute of Science Superintendent's and Director's reports, 1903-1988 (inclusive)

Extent:

0.85 linear feet (2 containers)

Abstract:

Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. This collection consists of the superintendent’s and director’s reports from 1903 to 1988. This full-run of reports focuses mainly on financial matters such as renovation needs, real estate and property holdings, the estate of William Wagner, and the financial health of the institution. The reports also pay tribute to members of the staff and community who have recently died, announce or discuss programs and events at the Institute, and describe the professional activities of the directors.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

Main content

Wagner Free Institute of Science Director's files and business records, 1885-1924 (bulk) 1858-1938 (inclusive)

Extent:

10.5 linear feet (18 containers)

Abstract:

Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. This collection of records details the administrative, financial, and program aspects of the Institute from 1858 to 1938, with the bulk of the records dating from 1885 to 1924.

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

Main content

Robert Chambers collection on William Wagner and the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1820-1910 (bulk) 1798-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet (5 containers)

Abstract:

Incorporated by William Wagner (1796-1885) in 1855, the Wagner Free Institute of Science is a natural history museum and educational institution in Philadelphia that is dedicated to providing free public education in the sciences. The Robert Chambers collection on William Wagner and the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science includes material collected by Chambers and contains correspondence; genealogical and family information; documents on William Wagner's early business career with Stephen Girard, the Lennoxville Steam Saw Mill and Snowden and Wagner; Wagner Free Instute of Science financial and operational material; and personal material from Sydney T. Skidmore, a member of the Board. This collection will almost certainly not provide a researcher with all the information needed—instead, this is an excellent starting point. Because these materials were, according to institutional memory, removed from other collections by Robert Chambers and kept close at hand due to...(see more)

Held at: Wagner Free Institute of Science [Contact Us]

Main content

Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia Exhibits Department records, 1852-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:

49.0 linear feet (50 containers)

Abstract:

Prior to the 1930s, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia had neither an education department nor an exhibits department. However, the museum clearly stated that “to see that our scientific work is shared with the public in ways that instruct and entertain is one of our direct responsibilities, for knowledge of Nature not only widens the mental horizon, but helps to ease the common burdens of life.” In 1920, Harold T. Green came to work at the Academy. At first, he was in charge of arranging the public lectures funded by the Ludwick Institute. However, within a year he was also “superintending” exhibits. His skills as a taxidermist and artist soon overtook his role as a program coordinator and, in 1930 his title was officially changed to “Curator of Museum Exhibits.” In 1929, Green created his first habitat group, or “diorama” which depicted a group of rocky mountain goats. Over the years, the priorities and goals of the Exhibits Department shifted and expanded based upon...(see more)

Held at: Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Main content

Schuylkill Navy records, 1859-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:

50.0 linear feet (121 containers)

Abstract:

The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia was founded in 1858. It is the oldest amateur athletic governing body in the United States. By charter, "[the Schuylkill Navy’s] object is to secure united action among the several Clubs and to promote amateurism on the Schuylkill River." The Schuylkill Navy records documents the history of this rowing organization from 1859 to 2009. An organization dedicated to hosting rowing events for its member clubs and visiting teams, the collection houses the administrative records of the Schuylkill Navy and its member clubs, including the original founding members as well as clubs that joined the organization later; and records related to the planning and promotion of regattas. In addition, the collection includes an extensive assortment of newspaper clippings and photographs that highlight Schuylkill Navy rowing events and its influential members. The collection contains administrative records, information regarding regattas and member rowing clubs,...(see more)

Held at: Independence Seaport Museum, J. Welles Henderson Archives and Library [Contact Us]