Online Content: Not Available / Year: <span class="from" data-blrl-begin="1955">1955</span> to <span class="to" data-blrl-end="1959">1959</span> - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

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]

Annual Announcement of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, 1855-1927, 1959-2009

Extent:: 1.0 linear feet
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 Annual Announcement was published every August from 1855 to 1927 and then from 1959 until the present. From 1927-1958, it was issued each year as no. 3 of the Bulletin of the Wagner Free Institute of Science. It is still being published and has been little changed over the years. The Annual Announcement generally includes a list of the trustees and faculty, the history of the Wagner Free Institute of Science, and a description of the types of instruction including specific lectures that were offered. The Annual Announcement of the Wagner Free Institute of Science collection contains copies of this publication from 1855 to 1927, 1959-2009. The collection is arranged chronologically.

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

Wagner Free Institute of Science Closing Exercises of the Lecture Season announcements and programs, 1921-1989 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.5 linear feet (1 container)
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 Closing Exercises of the Lecture Season announcements from 1936 to 1983 (intermittent) and programs from 1921 to 1989 (intermittent). The announcements provide information on the following: the date, time and location of the closing exercises, the person giving the introductory remarks and awarding the certificates, the person giving the lecture, and the title of the lecture. This collection provides a record of the lectures presented at the Closing Exercises of the Lecture Season, but no lectures or details of the event are contained within the collection. This collection is an excellent resource for researchers interested in students receiving awards and the subjects these students pursued. A researcher interested in the...(see more)

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

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]

J. Percy Moore papers, 1847-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:: 16.0 linear feet (45 containers)
Abstract:: John Percy Moore (1869-1965) was a Professor of Zoology at the University of Pennsylvania from 1912 to 1939, an Assistant Curator at the Academy of Natural Sciences from 1902 to 1938, and held several positions between 1920 and 1956 at the Ludwick Institute, which offered free lectures and courses in the natural sciences. He was also a world recognized authority on leeches. During his career, Moore named six genera, 229 species, five subspecies and four varieties of polychaetous annelids, or segmented worms (Loi 1980). The J. Percy Moore papers document Moore's professional career as a zoologist, primarily his study of leeches and other annelids; educator; and biographer. The collection dates from 1847 to 1963 and consists of his specimen notes, sketches, photographs, 16 mm film, travel logs, and field notes related to his study of leeches and other annelids. The collection also contains materials related to his involvement with The Academy of Natural Sciences (ANSP) Board of...(see more)

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

Orphan Photograph Collection, 1926-1985, undated

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet (2 containers)
Abstract:: The Orphan Photograph collection houses unrelated photographic prints, negatives, slides and other visual media created for or by the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, dating from circa 1926 to 1985. The collection has an unknown custodial history; it appears to have been gathered together over time due to the random nature of the images and lack or loss of any connection between individual images and other larger collections. Researchers will find images of a variety of animal and plant specimens; photos taken during a few Academy events and multiple Academy sponsored expeditions; exhibits; as well as numerous portraits and snapshots of people affiliated with the institution. In addition, there are a handful of photographs and negatives produced or collected by the Public Relations Department for use in the Academy newsletter, Frontiers and other publications. Of particular note, are the photographs taken during Academy sponsored expeditions, especially those few...(see more)

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

E.R. Fenimore Johnson photographs, 1929-1970 (inclusive)

Extent:: 13.5 linear feet (17 containers)
Abstract:: Eldridge Reeves Fenimore Johnson (1899-1986) was a pioneer in the development of underwater photography and was also an explorer, yachtsman and researcher. His interests in underwater photography developed during World War II when he enlisted in Naval Research and worked with underwater demolition and photography. He created his own company, Fenjohn Underwater Equipment Company and patented equipment inventions. The E.R. Fenimore Johnson photographs, 1929-1970, is a rich collection of images ranging from underwater photography; equipment and tests; natural history; yachting; and exploration. This collection consists of subject files, test photographs, motion picture films, index card guides to the motion pictures, index card guides to the use of the images, photograph albums of an expedition to Matto Grosso in Brazil, lantern slides, and negatives. Researchers interested in E.R. Fenimore Johnson, the development of underwater photography, marine life, expeditions, the Matto Grosso...(see more)

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

Ruth Patrick papers, 1960-1990 (bulk) 1908-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 159.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Born in Topeka, Kansas, in 1907, Dr. Ruth Myrtle Patrick spent most of her childhood in Kansas City, Missouri. Her interest in the natural sciences was shaped by her father's passion for the natural world. Her long association with the Academy of Natural Sciences began in 1933 as a volunteer. By 1937 she was curator of the Academy's Leidy Microscopical Collection and involved in the consolidation and expansion of the Academy’s diatom herbarium, but not on the Academy payroll until the early 1940s. From 1973 to 1976 she was the first woman to chair the Academy of Natural Sciences' Board of Trustees and later held the Academy’s Francis Boyer Chair of Limnology. She formed the Environmental Associates, a group of corporate executives concerned about environmental effects of industrial activities. She taught limnology and botany at the University of Pennsylvania for more than 35 years and wrote more than 200 scientific papers and a number of books. In 1970, Patrick became...(see more)

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

Independence Seaport Museum collection on New York Shipbuilding Corporation, 1919-1964 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.5 linear feet (4 containers, 1 volume)
Abstract:: The New York Shipbuilding Corporation (NYS) was founded in 1899 by Henry G. Morse (1850-1903), who served as the company’s first president. The company held significant government contracts during both World Wars, and built ships for the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Emergency Fleet Corporation as well as the Department of Commerce and Labor. During the 1930s, the company built luxury ocean liners, such as the Manhattan and the Washington for the United States Lines, and also built ships for Pennsylvania Railroad, Reading Railroad, Standard Oil and American Export Lines. During its tenure, the New York Shipbuilding Corporation constructed over 500 ships. NYS completed its last ship in 1967 and went out of business shortly thereafter. The collection houses small caches of documentation relating to the history and operations of the New York Shipbuilding Corporation from 1919 to 1964. Of note, is an oversized scrapbook of newspaper clippings about the New York Shipbuilding...(see more)

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

Pennsylvania Railroad records, 1891-1960 (inclusive)

Extent:: 45.33 linear feet
Abstract:: The Pennsylvania Railroad, which was headquartered in Philadelphia, transported people and goods, and was the largest railroad by traffic and revenue in the United States throughout its 20th century existence. At its peak, it controlled about 10,000 miles of rail line and it was at one time the largest publicly traded corporateion in the world. The Pennsylvania Railroad, also known as "Pennsy," operated from 1846 to 1968, when it merged with New York Central to form Penn Central Railroad. The Pennsylvania Railroad records date from 1891 to 1960 and contain 861 naval architectural designs and plans of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s body of floating equipment, which consisted of steamers, tugboats, ferryboats, carfloats, and barges. The collection also contains designs and plans of cranes and transfer bridges as well as a small number of dock, freight facility, and shipyard maps in the Philadelphia and Camden vicinity.

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

Philadelphia Naval Shipyard collection, 1859-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 8.9 linear feet
Abstract:: The Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, formerly known as the Navy Yard, was the first naval shipyard in the United States. The original site of the shipyard (Federal Yard) was located on Federal Street along the Delaware River, but the facility was eventually moved due to overcrowded conditions and increasing urban development. The new location at League Island was acquired by the Federal Government in the 1860s, while the old location at Federal Yard continued to operate until 1876. During the Spanish-American War and the years leading up to World War I, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard rapidly transformed into a major production facility, and the first Naval ship, the U.S.S. Henderson, was commissioned in 1917. During World War II the shipyard built 53 ships and conducted repairs, conversions, and overhauls of 1,218 other vessels. Throughout the 20th century, the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard actively completed repairs, constructions, and conversions; developed new materials and methods;...(see more)

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

Pollack collection of Ocean Liner ephemera, 1935-1967 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.75 linear feet (2 containers)
Abstract:: The Pollack collection of ocean liner ephemera (1935-1967) consists of menus, brochures, postcards, souvenir programs, deck plans, ship passenger lists, ocean liner newspapers, newspaper clippings, and luggage stamps from numerous ocean liners. The collection documents the many travels of Robert L. and Lydia A. Pollack on ocean liners including the French Lines, the Cunard Line, and the United States Lines.

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

RTC Shipbuilding Company records, 1921-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:: 8.8 linear feet (21 containers)
Abstract:: In 1940, Leroy M. Robinson (President), George R. Taylor (Vice-president), and John P. Carson (Secretary and Treasurer) formed RTC Shipbuilding Company in Camden, New Jersey. Their initials are the basis for the name of the company. All three men were former executives at J. H. Mathis Company. Subsequent to the death of Robinson and the retirement of Taylor in 1946, Carson became the firm's president and assumed sole ownership. The RTC Shipbuilding Company records evidence the shipbuilding and repairs conducted by this company from 1934 to 1965. The collection also includes an impressive photographic documentation of the daily work performed on the RTC Shipyard. Heavily involved in ships designed for the Navy in World War II, as well as in building fishing vessels in subsequent years, one of the strengths of this collection lies in the hundreds of records found in the “Shipbuilding records” series. The “Photographs” series is also a strength of the collection, with many images of...(see more)

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

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]

Seamen's Church Institute records., 1919-1998 (bulk) 1828-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 55.0 linear feet (149 boxes, 30 volumes, 6 flat file folders)
Abstract:: Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) was founded in Philadelphia in 1919 to care for the moral, spiritual, mental and bodily welfare of seamen, and to generally better the conditions surrounding and affecting "men of the sea." It joined ranks with similar organizations that had established a long tradition assisting the merchant marine, going back to the first decade of the nineteenth century when the Bible Society of Philadelphia singled out seamen as important beneficiaries of their work. Over one hundred years later, and in a considerably more ambitious manner than this earliest precursor, SCI set to work providing clean and affordable housing, affordable food, morally sound entertainment, banking, religious services and employment assistance to seamen while in the Port of Philadelphia. The Seamen's Church Institute Records document the business activities of the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) in Philadelphia from 1919 to 2000. The collection boasts a wide breadth of textual...(see more)

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

Sun Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Company records, 1916-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 26.0 linear feet and 9 boxes 8 volumes 5 oversize drawers 1 drawer
Abstract:: Established in 1916, the Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company produced hundreds of ships (primarily tankers and cargo ships) for other companies as well as its own. These included private parties, other oil companies, and, particularly during World War II, the United States Maritime Commission. During World War II, the National Defense Program helped make the Sun shipyard one of the world's biggest producers of oil tankers, with more than 35,000 people working in the shipyard. The yard built more than 250 tankers for the war effort and repaired more than 1,500 ships that were damaged during the conflicts. The company also developed many new building technologies and became known for its use of "All-Welded Construction." The Sun Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company records date from 1916 to 1998 and document the design, construction, and launching of ships built by the organization; the history and promotion of the company; and also the administration of the organization through the...(see more)

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

Thayer family collection, 1892-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:: 10.0 boxes
Abstract:: The Thayers were a prominent Philadelphia-area family at the turn of the 20th century. John Borland Thayer, Jr. was a vice-president of the Pennsylvania Railroad when he died in the sinking of Titanic on April 15, 1912. The Thayer family collection consists of more than 700 items of ocean liner ephemera dating from 1892 to 1986, including postcards, abstracts of logs, advertisements, passenger lists, menus, deck plans, photographs, stationery and baggage tags from ships of more than 40 lines. The collection also includes one of the only extant first class passenger lists from Titanic.

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

Undine Barge Club records, 1856-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:: 35.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Undine Barge Club records documents the history of this rowing organization from 1856 to 1986. Included in the collection are annual records on membership participation, correspondence, files regarding stewdarship of Castle Ringstetten, and scrapbooks documenting significant Undine Barge Club events. Researchers interested in the history of this organization, or on the history of activity on the Schuylkill River would find this collection useful.

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

Ward collection of New York Shipbuilding Corporation material, 1954-1967 (bulk) 1919-1969 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The New York Shipbuilding Corporation (NYS) was founded in 1899 by Henry G. Morse (1850-1903), who served as the company’s first president. The company held significant government contracts during both World Wars, and built ships for the United States Navy, Coast Guard, and Emergency Fleet Corporation as well as the Department of Commerce and Labor. During the 1930s, the company built luxury ocean liners, such as the Manhattan and the Washington for the United States Lines, and also built ships for Pennsylvania Railroad, Reading Railroad, Standard Oil and American Export Lines. During its tenure, the New York Shipbuilding Corporation constructed over 500 ships. NYS completed its last ship in 1967 and went out of business shortly thereafter. The bulk of the collection appears to have been work-related materials used by John F. Ward, a New York Shipbuilding employee in the 1950s and 1960s. The collection includes material from 1919 to 1969, with the...(see more)

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

Library Company of Philadelphia publications, 1834-2006 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.0 linear feet and 2 containers, 52 volumes
Abstract:: In 1731, Benjamin Franklin and a group of intellectual Philadelphians established the Library Company of Philadelphia, a subscription library supported by its shareholders. The Library Company of Philadelphia is now an independent research library specializing in American society and culture from the 17th to 19th centuries. The mission of the Library Company of Philadelphia includes preserving, interpreting, making available, and augmenting the valuable materials within its care. In order to achieve this mission, the Library Company of Philadelphia curates exhibits, hosts symposia and conferences, and publishes works regarding the Library Company and its collections. This collection consists of printed material created by the Library Company of Philadelphia. Included are brochures; information about resources and services; event brochures, announcements, exhibit catalogues, and conference programs; and published works regarding the Library Company of Philadelphia or the materials...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Library Company of Philadelphia Shareholders records, 1732-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:: 12.0 volumes
Abstract:: In 1731, Benjamin Franklin and a number of his fellow members of the Junto founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, in order to provide its members access to books that they could not afford to purchase individually, but could afford to purchase collectively. Fifty subscribers invested forty shillings each and promised to pay ten shillings a year thereafter to buy books and maintain a shareholder's library. Thus "the Mother of all American Subscription Libraries" was established. Over the years, the Library Company continues to be supported by its members who participate in a centuries-old tradition by becoming shareholders and therefore allowing the Library Company of Philadelphia to continue serving the public, free of charge. This collection consists of twelve volumes of shareholders records dating from 1742 to 2007. The volumes, Record Books A to L, document share purchases and transfers of shares. Entries include date, name of member, and occasionally brief notes on...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Artifact collection, 1924-2010 (bulk) 1895-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 29.0 linear feet (22 custom sized boxes and 2 loose objects)
Abstract:

Held at: Archives [Contact Us]

Collection of Samuel Barber materials, 1919-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.3 linear feet ((1) archival box)
Abstract:: The collection of Samuel Barber materials includes letters from Samuel Barber, autograph manuscripts, programs, clippings, photographs, and miscellaneous materials concerning Barber, originating from multiple sources. Autograph music manuscripts are kept in the Curtis Institute of Music Special Collections.

Held at: Curtis Institute of Music Archives [Contact Us]

Collection of William Horne memorabilia, 1826-1970 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet ((2) photo boxes)
Abstract:

Held at: Curtis Institute of Music Archives [Contact Us]

Veda Reynolds collection, 1926-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.45 linear feet ((1) archival box )
Abstract:: The collection contains reminiscences and memorabilia relating to Veda Reynolds, the majority gathered on the occasion of a tribute program organized at the Curtis Institute of Music after her death in 2000 (Veda Reynolds, A Celebration of Life, 24 September 2000)

Held at: Curtis Institute of Music Archives [Contact Us]

Jane Hill Meyer collection, 1926-1974 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.45 linear feet ((1) archival box)
Abstract:: Correspondence, photographs, and memorabilia relating to the Curtis Institute of Music, its faculty, and students.

Held at: Curtis Institute of Music Archives [Contact Us]

Samuel Lifschey collection (MSS 19), 1912-1955 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.85 linear feet ((1) legal sized flip-top archival box (1) deep lid print box containing (2) bound scrapbooks)
Abstract:

Held at: Curtis Institute of Music Archives [Contact Us]

Anna Moffo collection (MSS 62), 1932 - circa 2005 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.43 linear feet
Abstract:

Held at: Archives [Contact Us]

Anthony di Bonaventura papers (MSS 64), 1930-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2 linear feet
Abstract:

Held at: Archives [Contact Us]

Vertical files collection, 1924 - 1980 (bulk) 1924 - circa 2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 25.7 linear feet ((13) record boxes)
Abstract:

Held at: Archives [Contact Us]