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Chalfant Robinson Collection, 1198-1935 (inclusive)

Extent:
3 boxes and 4.75 linear feet
Abstract:
Consists mainly of original manuscripts, photostats, and transcripts of German, French, and Italian Medieval and Renaissance legal documents, including papal bulls, passports, wills, deeds, petitions, wax seals, and manor rolls collected by Chalfant Robinson.

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

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History of the Book and Illustrations collection, circa 1250-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.46 linear feet
Abstract:
This collection contains material that shows the history of the book. The majority of the examples of manuscripts are illustrations but there are a few letters and other documents. The printed material in this collection spans the 13th to the late 16th centuries and contains examples of different printing techniques.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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Simon Gratz autograph collection, 1343-1928

Extent:
190.0 linear feet (; 633 boxes (18 volumes in boxes))
Abstract:
The collection was assembled by Simon Gratz, Philadelphia lawyer, school board member, and trustee of the Free Library. He began collecting at age 17 and, by the time he died, amassed about 175,000 manuscripts and portrait engravings and lithographs. Many of the latter he personally commissioned. In 1916 he became a vice-president of the Historical Society. Gratz continued until the end of his life to deal with such notable American collectors as George Brinley, Louis J. Cist, Adrien Joline, Charles J. Jones, E.H. Leffingwell, and Joseph J. Mickley. The dealers with whom he dealt included Charavay in Paris, Naylor and Maggs in London, Cohn in Berlin, Benjamin in New York, and A.S.W. Rosenbach in Philadelphia. The records of his transactions survive from 1861 to 1925 in his "Autograph Journals." On January 1, 1925, Gratz noted that his collection had, because of astute sales and exchanges, "cost less than nothing." Gratz acquired his collection by exchange with and purchase from a...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Historical manuscripts collection, 1775-1885 (bulk) 1347-1969 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Abstract:
This is a varied collection of historical manuscripts obtained by the Free Library of Philadelphia over the course of its history. The collection dates from 1347 to 1969 and is primarily an autograph collection. The collection includes American, British, and European materials; the majority of the items are American. There are typewritten transcriptions of some of the letters in the collection.

Held at: Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department [Contact Us]

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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]

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Ferdinand J. Dreer autograph collection, 1492-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:
105.0 linear feet (; 330 boxes, 133 volumes, 2 flat files)
Abstract:
Ferdinand Julian Dreer’s chief hobby was collecting autographs. He started with two documents and over time he was able to amass more than 15,000 items from some of the world’s most prominent and intriguing public figures. Owing to this interest, Dreer became acquainted with many people in the world of arts and letters, politics, education, clergy, business, and international affairs. As he was aware of such a collection’s potential impact on scholarship and society, Dreer donated all of his holdings to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, with which he had been associated for many years as the institution’s vice president.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Gilbert Chinard Collection of French Historical Material, 1494-1905 (inclusive) 1761-1885 (bulk)

Extent:
4 boxes and 1.7 linear feet
Abstract:
Contains historical and literary manuscripts collected by Gilbert Chinard (1881-1972), a Franco-American scholar who was associated with the Institut Français de Washington from 1928 and was Pyne Professor of French at Princeton University, 1937-50. His published work was on French literature and the history of Franco-American relations.

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

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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]

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Simon Gratz autograph collection, 1517-1925 (inclusive)

Extent:
130.4 linear feet (; 326 boxes)
Abstract:
This autograph collection was created by Simon Gratz, starting in his late teens. A myriad of documents are included and represent Gratz’s philosophy of collecting and the many relationships he formed with other collectors in the United States and abroad. Contained here are autographed letters, legal documents, and artifacts from many prominent and well known figures and personalities in the arts, religion, government, education, and military. While there are some non-substantive letters written to Gratz much of the collection includes correspondence between prominent women and men across classes, professions, and nationalities. The collection dates from the sixteenth century to the early twentieth century. Besides date range, this collection differs slightly from the Simon Gratz collection (#250A) in its alphabetical arrangement, compared to the arrangement by categories/subjects (Case) in #250A. One other distinction in this collection are the personal letters and papers of Simon...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Friends Historical Library Collection of miscellaneous manuscripts, 1547-1994 (inclusive)

Extent:
40 linear ft.
Abstract:
The Society of Friends or Quakers (today the terms are synonymous) was founded in the middle of the seventeenth century in England by George Fox and others. The Friends Historical Library Miscellaneous Manuscripts is an artificial collection, established in the middle of the 20th century to store single and very small groups of manuscripts and documents, both originals and copies. The collection includes holdings relevant to antislavery, temperance, women's rights, penal reform, and other social concerns of Quakers in the United States and in England.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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H. H. Furness Memorial Library manuscript collection, 1575-1991 (inclusive) 1812-1930 (bulk)

Extent:
10 linear feet (20 boxes and one oversized folder)
Abstract:
The H.H. Furness Memorial Library focuses on the study of Shakespeare and other Tudor and Stuart dramatists. Horace Howard Furness (1833-1912) and his son Horace Howard Furness Jr. (1865-1930) founded and edited the Variorum Shakespeare and their library was donated to the University of Pennsylvania in 1932. This collection contains personal correspondence to and from Rev. William Henry Furness (1802-1896), Horace Howard Furness, and Horace Howard Furness, Jr., largely relating to Shakespearean study and the H.H. Furness Memorial library; notebooks; copies of speeches and articles; and other assorted items relating to Shakespearean scholarship or to the Furness family.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts [Contact Us]

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Penn family papers, 1629-1834 (bulk) 1592-1960 (bulk 1629-1834) (inclusive)

Extent:
56.0 linear feet (51 boxes; 222 volumes)
Abstract:
The British colony of Pennsylvania was given to William Penn (1644-1718) in 1681 by Charles II of England in repayment of a debt owed his father, Sir Admiral William Penn (1621-1670). Under Penn's directive, Pennsylvania was settled by Quakers escaping religious torment in England and other European nations. Three generations of Penn descendents held proprietorship of the colony until the American Revolution, when the family was stripped of all but its privately held shares of land. The Penn family papers house the personal and governmental records of William Penn, the proprietor of Pennsylvania, and his family. This collection, which dates from 1592 to 1960 (bulk of materials dating 1629 to 1834), consists primarily of correspondence, legal records, governmental records, surveys, deeds, grants, receipts, and account books; there are also 19th and 20th century auction catalogs and other secondary materials. This collection documents the creation of the Pennsylvania colony through...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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"The Making of Modern Law: Trials, 1600-1926 Digital Archive" Tapes, 1600-1926 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 box
Abstract:
The Making of Modern Law is a three part series that contains a vast array of information on legal history. This collection consists of the backfiles of the The Making of Modern Law: Trials, 1600-1926, which is the third series. The bulk of the collection consists of 10 Super DLT Tapes which contain files on unofficially published accounts of trials; official trial documents, briefs and arguments; and official records of legislative proceedings, administrative proceedings and arbitrations. The collection also has a complete file list which is included on the CD disc.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: Biddle Law Library [Contact Us]

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William Penn Charter School archives, 1611-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:
17 linear ft. (24 boxes, 1 oversized drawer, 150+ books, 24 microfilm reels, 1 box of 3-dimensional objects, 1 box of stereopticon photographs)
Abstract:
The William Penn Charter School archives contain the financial, historical, business, and social records of the school, dating back as far as 1611. Documents signed by William Penn, Benjamin Franklin, and former Philadelphia mayors William Hudson and Edward Shippen, are included as well as a variety of school texts and memorabilia, which illuminate the traditions and history of the William Penn Charter School.

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Stewart M. Robinson Collection of Colonial Sermons, 1615-1960 (inclusive) 1745-1785 (bulk)

Extent:
42 boxes and 16.2 linear feet
Abstract:
Consists of a collection compiled by American clergyman Stewart M. Robinson (Princeton Class of 1915), including photostats of sermons, letters, pamphlets, and communications to newspapers by clergymen in colonial America, which he used as research material for a proposed book entitled "The Political Thought of the Colonial Clergy."

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

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Hacienda San Diego (Mexico) Records, 1634-1902 (inclusive)

Extent:
1 box and 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:
Consists of two volumes of certified copies of land titles and estate records of the estate known as Hacienda San Diego, situated in the Armadillo Valley of the northern state of San Luis Potosí (Mexico), a silver mining region, covering the period from its origin, in a 1634 grant from Viceroy Pacheco y Osorio to Diego del Castillo, to 1902, when John A. Wright bought the estate on behalf of George W. Brackenridge, a prominent citizen of San Antonio, Texas.

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

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Gloria Dei records, 1636-1927 (inclusive)

Extent:
14 manuscripts
Abstract:
Gloria Dei, founded by 17th century Swedish settlers, is Pennsylvania’s oldest congregation. The archives of Gloria Dei include journal entries, correspondence, financial records, vestry minutes, and records of marriages, births and deaths.

Held at: Gloria Dei Church (Philadelphia, Pa.) [Contact Us]

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Logan family papers, 1670-1872 (bulk) 1638-1964 (bulk 1670-1872) (inclusive)

Extent:
34.8 linear feet (65 boxes, 79 volumes, 12 flat files)
Abstract:
The Logan family was a prominent Philadelphia family dating back to 1699, when James Logan, the family patriarch, arrived in Philadelphia to serve as the first secretary of the Pennsylvania colony. Through work in agriculture and politics, Logan and his descendants were intimately involved in the development of the Pennsylvania colony and, later, the fledging United States. James Logan's prominence resulted in connections, both professional and familial, with other prominent colonial families, including the Norris and Dickinson families. The Logan family papers, 1638-1964 (bulk 1670-1872), documents James Logan’s personal and professional life, as well as that of several generations of his descendents. There are papers documenting the lives of his son William, his grandson George Logan, his great-grandsons Albanus Charles Logan and Algernon Sydney Logan, and the subsequent relationships with the Dickinson and Norris families. John Dickinson, who married one of James Logan's...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Albert Cook Myers Historical Collection: William Penn papers, 1645-1960 (inclusive)

Extent:
81.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Albert Cook Myers (1874-1960) was a Pennsylvania historian, who dedicated his life’s work to the identification, study and organization of William Penn’s published writings and personal papers. Beginning in 1910, after securing an endorsement from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, he set out to publish: “The Complete Works of William Penn.” All told, Myers devoted fifty years of his life to this project. Though his publication goals were never realized, he assembled a massive and notable body of information about William Penn. To complete his studies, Myers travelled abroad and throughout the United States. As a result of his efforts, he came to be regarded as an expert on the topic and often spoke publicly on the life and times of William Penn. The Albert Cook Myers research collection of William Penn materials contains the information gathered by Myers in his pursuit to thoroughly research and publish a volume documenting the complete writings of William Penn. Researchers...(see more)

Held at: Chester County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Claude W. Unger collection, 1790-1870 (bulk) 1647-1921 (inclusive)

Extent:
34.0 linear feet (; 40 boxes, 112 volumes)
Abstract:
Most of the Claude W. Unger collection at HSP once formed part of the extensive stock of Unger, a book and manuscript dealer in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, who was most active between 1925 and 1937. The collection contains letters and documents representing some 2,000 individuals connected to a wide range of subjects. People from the 19th century such as abolitionists, women’s suffragists, scientists, and politicians (particularly Pennsylvania politicians) are the most commonly represented individuals in the collection. In addition to the 40 document boxes, there are 112 volumes in the collection. The volumes consist of account books, court dockets, and school exercise books representing a variety of Pennsylvania Germans covering from the the late 18th to 19th centuries.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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First Baptist Church of Philadelphia records, 1690-1906, 1690-1906 (inclusive)

Extent:
8 boxes
Abstract:
Notable for its early leadership in Baptist organization and evangelism, the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia was prominent both in its region and city and in the transatlantic community of Baptists. Records include annual reports, membership records, bulletins, scrapbooks, and biographies as well as records specific to the Board of Deacons, Board of Trustees, Treasurer, Pew Committee, Bible School, Board of Christian Education, and various women's and missionary groups.

Held at: American Baptist Historical Society [Contact Us]

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British Friends' letters, 1650-1985 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.25 linear ft. (3 boxes)
Abstract:
Letters of English Friends containing information on Quaker history as well as religious and cultural activities. The collection also includes letters relating to the activities of early Friends.

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Shrewsbury Monthly Meeting (1672-1927) Records, 1650-1920 (inclusive)

Extent:
3 linear ft.
Abstract:
Records of the Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Shrewsbury, 1650-1920. Includes men's minutes, 1732-1920, women's minutes, 1680-1891, vital records, 1650-1914, and other miscellaneous records.

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Foulke Family Papers, ca. 1654-1999 (bulk ca. 1750-1860) (inclusive)

Extent:
5 linear ft. (10 boxes)
Abstract:
The Foulke family was a prominent Quaker family of Richland, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, descended from Edward (1651-1741) and Eleanor (Hugh) Foulke (d. 1733) who emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1698. Their descendents married into the Roberts, Mather, Morris, and other Quaker families and were active in Quaker and Bucks County affairs. The Foulke Family Papers contain correspondence, business and legal papers, surveys, genealogical notes, and memorabilia of the Foulke, Roberts, and Mather, and related families. Of particular interest is a letter from Reubens Peale to Jane Roberts concerning silhouettes and correspondence between Joseph Foulke and George Hatton, a cousin in Indiana, between Joseph Foulke and George Hatton, a cousin in Indiana, about the Hicksite controversy.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Vaux collection of correspondence, documents and graphics, 1659-1978 (inclusive)

Extent:
7.5 linear ft. (18 boxes and 2 volumes)
Abstract:
The collection provides insights into several issues important within the history of Quakerism, such as the abolition of slavery, education and Native American rights, as well as graphics depicting American travel views, Native American sites, Haverford College, Quaker individuals and places associated with Quakers.

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Charles F. Jenkins Autograph Collection, 1656-1940 (inclusive)

Extent:
6 linear ft.
Abstract:
Collection consists of over 450 original letters, documents, and photographs collected by Charles Francis Jenkins (1865-1951) of personalities distinguished in American history, politics, international and cultural affairs, and in the Society of Friends in Britain and the US.

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Friends Historical Library album collection, 1656-1957 (inclusive)

Extent:
13 linear ft.
Abstract:
This collection consists of scrapbooks, commonplace books, class notebooks, autograph albums, piecebooks, and other albums that were received by the Friends Historical Library as individual volumes and not as part of a larger collection.,

Held at: Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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Miscellaneous, 1657-1969, undated (inclusive)

Extent:
1 linear ft. (2 boxes)
Abstract:
This collection is comprised of single folder collections of miscellaneous Quaker materials from the Haverford College Quaker collection.

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]

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George Fox papers, 1660-1952 (inclusive)

Extent:
.5 linear ft. (1 box)
Abstract:
Includes letters, portraits, photographs, illustrations, articles, clippings, pamphlets, and a map concerning the life and times of George Fox. Topics covered include Fox's itinerary of his trip to America, the Dutch Bible Fox carried with him on his trip to Holland in 1677, pictures of places associated with Fox, birthplace, funeral, and grave of Fox. Includes material from the George Fox tercentary of 1924 (on the 300th anniversary of his birth).

Held at: Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections [Contact Us]

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Joshua Humphreys papers, 1660-1931, undated; bulk circa 1770 - 1931

Extent:
4.0 linear feet (; 19 volumes, 5 boxes)
Abstract:
In 1751, Joshua Humphreys was born in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and became the nation's most important naval architect in the post-Revolutionary era concerned with building and retrofitting military fleets. His most well-known ship is the Constitution, which is known as "Old Ironsides" and is the oldest commissioned U.S. naval vessel still afloat. In 1803, Humphreys retired, and his son Samuel continued the business. This collection consists of volumes, including daybooks and financial records; correspondence; family papers; and legal documents.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Smith family papers, 1680-1880 (bulk) 1660-1941 (inclusive)

Extent:
19.0 linear feet (, 14 boxes, 82 volumes)
Abstract:
The Smith family papers contain materials compiled and authored by John Jay Smith as well as several of his descendants. John Jay Smith (1798-1881) was librarian of the Library Company of Philadelphia from 1829 to 1851 and founder of Laurel Hill Cemetery. As a member of an influential Quaker family, Smith was the descendant of several prominent early Philadelphians including James Logan and Richard Hill. Much of the collection consists of deeds and other land transactions as well as correspondence and diaries originating with these ancestors. Smith’s own papers document his wide range of interests as well as his personal and professional relationships through correspondence, financial records, and memorabilia. The collection also contains materials originating from the families of two of Smith’s sons: Lloyd Pearsall Smith (1822-1886) and Horace John Smith (1832-1906). This collection is particularly rich in documenting the history of two prominent Philadelphia institutions, the...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

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Westbury Monthly Meeting Records, 1660-2020 (inclusive)

Extent:
18 linear ft.
Abstract:
Records of Westbury Monthly Meeting, 1660-. Includes minutes 1697-2018; vital records 1660-1995; deeds, 1685-1745; financial records 1723-1931; Ministers and Elders, 1819-1973; and miscellaneous materials, 1696-1995. In 1828 the Hicksite Separation divided the meeting and the Orthodox branch (which was active 1828-1938) records are described separately, following the arrangement maintained by New York Yearly Meeting's Haviland Records Room, from where the records were transfered in 1997.

Held at: Quaker Meeting Records at Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections and Friends Historical Library of Swarthmore College [Contact Us]

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