Language: English - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Extent:: 2.75 linear feet
Abstract:: The Works Progress Administration was a "New Deal" program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935 to employ out-of work Americans on public works projects and arts and culture initiatives. The WPA of Pennsylvania started a Museum Extension Project to employ out-of-work artisans and historians in creating visual education aids for classroom use. The WPA Museum Extension Project photographs of Philadelphia, circa 1940, consist of almost 500 photographs of sites and streetscapes in Philadelphia.

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Solomon "Sol" Mednick (1916-1970) was a photographer active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and New York from the 1940s to the late 1960s. After becoming a successful freelance commercial photographer, Mednick took a position teaching photography at his alma mater, the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts), in 1951. While there, he established the school's photography department, helped to nurture the Philadelphia photographic scene, and maintained his freelance business. The Sol Mednick photographs, circa 1920-1968 (bulk 1940-1968), consist of photographs, photograms, color transparencies, and a few negatives taken by Mednick during his career as photographer. The collection contains images that were used in Mednick's work as a commercial photographer, as well as non-commissioned, more artistic photographs, many of which depict images of Philadelphia.

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Extent:: 50.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Neil Benson is a Philadelphia-based photo journalist whose photographs were featured in local and national publications, both alternative and mainstream, such as The Drummer, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Time, and many more from the 1970s to the 1990s. Born in the Logan neighborhood of Philadelphia in 1953, in 2000 Benson shifted his focus to creating works of art from found objects and recycled materials. The Neil Benson photographic collection, 1965-2005 (bulk 1970-1992), largely consists of photographs in various formats taken by Benson during his career as a photo journalist from the 1970s through the 1990s. Tear sheets from and issues of publications in which Benson's work was featured, as well as some ephemera and office files are also present in the collection. The collection is organized into seven series: Series I. Negatives; Series II. Contact sheets; Series III. Slides; Series IV. Prints; Series V. Publications; Series VI....(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Extent:: 150.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was founded in 1682 by William Penn. Because of its central location among the American colonies, Philadelphia became a gathering place for American revolutionaries during the Revolutionary War era and served as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800. In the 19th century, Philadelphia became a major hub for railroad transportation and home to a variety of industries. As of 2014, Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, known for its arts, culture, and parks. The Philadelphia History Museum local history collection, circa 1682-2014, consists of a wide variety of paper materials from, or relating to, the Philadelphia region from the late 17th century to the 21st century. The collection is particularly strong in visual documentation and in printed materials, although there are also a large quantity of manuscript and other written documents. An extensive number of individuals, families, businesses,...(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Extent:: 6.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Plymouth Meeting (in Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships) in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, was settled during the late 17th century by English and Welsh Quaker and German immigrants. In 1686, the discovery of limestone drew more settlers to the area. Several railroad lines were constructed in the area during the 19th century, which encouraged a growth in industry. Plymouth and Whitemarsh grew significantly after World War II, especially during the latter decades of the 20th century after completion of the Blue Route (Interstate 476) with its major interchange in Plymouth Township. The Plymouth Meeting Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1850-2002, consists of various photographs--including daguerreotypes, tintypes, ambrotypes, stereographs, film and glass negatives, and photo albums--documenting Whitemarsh and Plymouth Township local history. There are pictures of houses and buildings, identified and unidentified people, and Plymouth Meeting Historical Society events....(see more)

Held at: Plymouth Meeting Historical Society [Contact Us]