Place: Philadelphia (Pa.) / Year: <span class="from" data-blrl-begin="1800">1800</span> to <span class="to" data-blrl-end="1849">1849</span> - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

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]

African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas records, 1790-2019 (inclusive)

Extent:: 50.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Established in 1792 by and for persons of African descent, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is the first African American Episcopal Church in the United States. St. Thomas' founder and first rector was Absalom Jones (1746-1818), the first African American ordained in the Episcopal Church. The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas records, 1790-2019, consist mainly of original church records, as well as some accumulated secondary-source materials. The collection also contains photographs, audio-visual materials, printed materials, and objects.

Held at: African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas [Contact Us]

Franklin Institute records, 1824-2016 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1225.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Franklin Institute records, 1824-2016, consist of administrative and financial records, membership materials, files from various departments and committees at The Franklin Institute, property records and materials relating to the Institute's building, photographs and audiovisual materials, publications, marketing materials, ephemera, and other materials.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1816-2016

Extent:: 50.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 6th and Lombard Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was established as Bethel Church in 1794 by Richard Allen (1760-1830). Allen was a former slave who purchased his freedom in 1783 and preached to African Americans in various Mid-Atlantic states until settling in Philadelphia in 1786, where he became a leader of the city's African American community. Bethel and other black Methodist congregations united in 1816 to organize the African Methodist Episcopal Church in America. Allen was appointed its first bishop and Bethel Church became Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the mother church of the denomination. As of 2016, Mother Bethel remains a prominent and progressive congregation. Its current church building, dedicated in 1890, still sits on the land purchased by Allen in the 1790s, making it the oldest parcel of real estate in the United States continuously owned by African-Americans. The Mother Bethel...(see more)

Held at: Richard Allen Museum Archives [Contact Us]

Saint Joseph's Preparatory School records, circa 1730-2016 (bulk 1890s-2016)

Extent:: 325.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Saint Joseph's Preparatory School is a Roman Catholic high school for boys in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that was founded by Jesuit priests in 1851. It was established as a preparatory school for Saint Joseph's College (now University). The College and Preparatory School moved to Stiles Street and 17th Street in North Philadelphia in 1868. The College later moved to the Overbrook neighborhood of Philadelphia in 1927, while the Preparatory School remained at the North Philadelphia location. As of 2016, Saint Joseph's Preparatory School enrolls just under 1,000 male high school students. Many of the school's graduates have gone on to notable careers in government, business, and other areas. Saint Joseph's Preparatory School records, circa 1730-2016 (bulk 1890s-2016), consist of records and other materials from Saint Joseph's Preparatory School, records and materials relating to people associated with and the activities of the Gesu Parish, and materials documenting Jesuits, including...(see more)

Held at: Villiger Archives of St. Joseph's Preparatory School [Contact Us]

Friends' Central School records, 1845-2016 (bulk) 1785-2016 (inclusive)

Extent:: 150.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Friends' Central School is a Quaker (Religious Society of Friends), co-educational, private school for children in nursery school through 12th grade. The school was established in 1845 in Center City Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and moved to its current location on City Avenue in Wynnewood, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in 1925. The Friends' Central School records, 1785-2016 (bulk 1845-2016), consist of administrative and financial records, enrollment records, personal papers, school publications and ephemera, photographs, scrapbooks, slides, various audiovisual materials, objects and other materials from and relating to the administration, faculty and staff, students, and alumni of Friends' Central School. The collection is arranged into seven series: I. Administration, II. Faculty and staff, III. Students, IV. Alumni, V. Publications, VI. Audiovisual materials, and VII. Objects.

Held at: Friends' Central School Archives [Contact Us]

Laurel Hill Cemetery records, 1836-2015 (inclusive)

Extent:: 525.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Founded in 1836 in what is now the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Laurel Hill Cemetery is one of the first rural cemeteries to be established in the United States and is one of only a few cemeteries to be designated a National Historic Landmark. Numerous prominent local and national figures are interred at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The Laurel Hill Cemetery records, 1836-2015, consist of minute books, legal documents, administrative records, accounting and financial records, photographs, ephemera, prints, and other documents related to Laurel Hill Cemetery. In addition, there is a large collection of burial cards with corresponding lot books and interment records that document the sale of lots and burials at the Cemetery from 1836 to the present.

Held at: Laurel Hill Cemetery [Contact Us]

Philadelphia History Museum local history collection, circa 1682-2014

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]

First African Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.) records, circa 1840-2014 [bulk 1950-2014]

Extent:: 20.0 linear feet
Abstract:: First African Presbyterian Church was the first African American Presbyterian congregation in the United States. It was founded in 1807 and received its charter in 1809. The Church has a history of pastors notable in African American Presbyterianism beginning with its first pastor, John Gloucester (1776-1822), who was a former slave. The First African Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.) records, circa 1840-2014 (bulk 1950-2014), include minutes, membership materials, correspondence, financial documents, photographs, and various other administrative records of the church. There are also some secondary materials collected by church members about the church, its members, and various other organizations and topics. The highlight of the collection is a set of three 1840s ledgers: a membership listing with pew rentals, trustee records, and internment listing.

Held at: John Gloucester Memorial and Historical Society [Contact Us]

St. Peter's Episcopal Church records, 1832-2014 (bulk) 1761-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 100.0 linear feet
Abstract:: St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was established in 1758 as an off-shoot of nearby Christ Church; it became an independent entity in 1832. St. Peter's church building, which held its first service in 1761 and still hosts St. Peter's services as of 2014, was designed by well-known architects Robert Smith and William Strickland, and sculptor William Rush contributed to its interior. Many prominent Philadelphians have been associated with the church, including artist Charles Willson Peale and United States Vice President George Mifflin Dallas, both of whom are buried in its graveyard. St. Peter's Episcopal Church records, 1761-2013 (bulk 1832-2013), consist of minutes of the vestry, parish registers and records of service, accounting and financial records, deeds, blueprints, photographs, sound recordings and other records of St. Peter's Church. In addition, there are materials from parish organizations and affiliated organizations. The records in the...(see more)

Held at: St. Peter's Episcopal Church [Contact Us]

The Central High School of Philadelphia records, 1838-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 125.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Central High School of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) is the second oldest continuously public high school in the United States, operating as a magnet school within the School District of Philadelphia. Chartered in 1836 as an all-boys school, its first building opened its doors in 1838. The school moved to its current building in 1939 and began admitting female students in 1983. The Central High School of Philadelphia records, 1838-2014, consist primarily of student records and publications, with a large number of 19th and 20th century photographs and some other materials including audiovisual materials, faculty papers, ephemera, and blueprints.

Held at: Archives of the Associated Alumni of the Central High School of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

The Associated Alumni of the Central High School of Philadelphia subject files on the Central High School of Philadelphia, 1880-2014 (bulk) 1818-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 50.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Central High School of Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) is the second oldest continuously public high school in the United States, operating as a magnet school within the School District of Philadelphia. Chartered in 1836 as an all-boys school, its first building opened its doors in 1838. The school moved to its current building in 1939 and began admitting female students in 1983. The Associated Alumni of the Central High School of Philadelphia subject files on the Central High School of Philadelphia, 1818-2014 (bulk 1880-2014), consist of subject, class, faculty, distinguished visitors, and alumni files. A minute book of the Board of Public Education of the First School District of Pennsylvania, 1818-1823, is also available. Certain items within the files may be of particular interest including letters from famous people such as Margaret Mead, Robert Kennedy, and John Wanamaker and materials relating to former Unites States presidents.

Held at: Archives of the Associated Alumni of the Central High School of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church subject files, 1970-2014 (bulk) 1770-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 28.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Methodism is a protestant Christian faith based in the teachings of John Wesley (1703-1791), who preached "practical divinity," emphasis on Christian living, and putting faith and love into action. The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1784 in the United States. After a series of divisions and unifications over the centuries, the modern United Methodist Church (U.S.) was formed in 1968. The Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church subject files, 1770-2014 (bulk 1970-2014), consist of small amounts of accumulated materials relating to Methodism, particularly, but not exclusively, in the Philadelphia area. Ephemera, such as pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, and newspaper clippings, as well as photocopies, make up a large percentage of the collection, although there are also photographs, correspondence, manuscripts, and other original documents. The collection is organized alphabetically by topic within six series: I. People,...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

St. George's United Methodist Church records, 1763-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 45.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Historic St. George's Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is known as the cradle of American Methodism. St. George's is American Methodism's oldest church building in continuous service; people called 'Methodists' have been meeting there since 1769. St. George's United Methodist Church records, 1763-2014, include vital records, administrative materials, financial documents, papers from subgroups of the church, photographs, blueprints, and various other materials.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

Pennepack Baptist Church collection, 1844-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Pennepack Baptist Church, established in 1688 in what is now Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the oldest existing Baptist church in the state. The church, also known as Lower Dublin Baptist Church, has had several notable pastors and parishioners throughout its history. The Pennepack Baptist Historical Foundation was established in 2010 to preserve the Church and promote its history. The Pennepack Baptist Church collection, 1844-2013, consists primarily of scrapbooks with photocopied and printed materials and some original documents. Additionally, the collection contains original manuscript materials such as late nineteenth and early twentieth century photographs, administrative volumes, cemetery deed certificates, and legal papers. Newspaper clippings, genealogy and other materials are also present in the collection.

Held at: Pennepack Baptist Historical Foundation [Contact Us]

Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society local history collection, 1838-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 15.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Roxborough and Manayunk are neighborhoods in the northwest section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, adjacent to Wissahickon Valley Park. In the 19th century the Wissahickon Creek was lined with mills and the neighborhoods were industrial and working class, but the Wissahickon was later turned into a public park and Roxborough and Manayunk underwent substantial gentrification during the latter part of the 20th century. The Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society local history collection, 1838-2012, consists primarily of newspaper clippings, articles, unpublished genealogies, copies of primary-source documents, and other secondary-source materials relating to local history. The collection also includes a small amount of original primary-source materials, such as receipts and invoices, correspondence, photographs, meeting minutes, and ephemera.

Held at: Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society [Contact Us]

Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church records, 1773-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 25.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The first conference of Methodist preachers in the colonies was held in Philadelphia in 1773. The Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized in 1796, was one of the six original regional annual conferences after the Methodist Episcopal Church in America was incorporated. As of 2014, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church covers 16 counties, ranging roughly from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. About half of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church records, 1773-2012, are printed proceedings. Other document types, including reports to the conference, correspondence, and audiovisual materials, are also included in the collection.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

John Bartram Association collection on the Bartram family, 1768-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 19.0 linear feet
Abstract:: John Bartram (1699-1777), the "Father of American Botany," created a botanic garden in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that is widely considered the first true botanic collection in North America. In 1891 the City of Philadelphia purchased his estate as a historic site, and the John Bartram Association--primarily constituted of his descendants--was established in 1893 to help with the administration and interpretation of the property. The John Bartram Association collection on the Bartram family, 1768-2012, includes various materials created by or on the subject of John Bartram (1699-1777) and his descendants. It includes some original and many copies of Bartram family documents, photographs, book research, genealogical research, and plant information.

Held at: John Bowman Bartram Special Collections Library [Contact Us]

Awbury Arboretum Association Cope family collection, 1791-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.3 linear feet
Abstract:: Henry Cope purchased 40 acres of land in East Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1852 where he built a home for his growing family. Over the next 70 years, his descendants build 24 houses representing a variety of architectural styles. A portion of this land, now known as the Awbury Arboretum, was left to the City Parks Association in 1916 to protect it from development. The Awbury Arboretum Association Cope family collection, 1791-2011, encompasses several small collections donated by various descendants of the Cope family. It includes correspondence, deeds, financial records, journals, and photographs.

Held at: Awbury Arboretum [Contact Us]

Chestnut Hill Historical Society map and atlas collection, 1849-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Chestnut Hill, in northwest Philadelphia, was a village of farmers and millers during the Colonial period. After the railroad reached the area in 1854, Chestnut Hill became a popular spot for Philadelphia's wealthy and it soon boasted magnificent estates designed by Frank Furness, T.P. Chandler, and Horace Trumbauer. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society map and atlas collection, 1849-2011, consists of loose maps and separated atlas plates centering on Chestnut Hill and Mount Airy, as well as about one dozen atlases of Philadelphia.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Congregation Mikveh Israel records, 1765-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 120.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Congregation Mikveh Israel, known as the "Synagogue of the American Revolution," is the oldest formal Jewish congregation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the oldest continuous synagogue in the United States, tracing its origins to a communal cemetery established for the Jews in Philadelphia in 1740. Following the Sephardic tradition, Mikveh Israel has counted among its members many prominent individuals who have contributed to the development of Jewish life in Philadelphia and the United States. The Congregation Mikveh Israel records, 1765-2011, include a large quantity of membership and vital records, and extensive papers from several former religious leaders (hazanim) and synagogue presidents (parnassim). Additionally, there are administrative and financial records, property-related materials, photographs, publications and ephemera, and documentation of various congregational committees and activities. There are some materials from several people and organizations associated...(see more)

Held at: Mikveh Israel Archives [Contact Us]

Chestnut Hill Historical Society local history collection, 1900-2011 (bulk) 1755-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 18.8 linear feet
Abstract:: Chestnut Hill, in northwest Philadelphia, was a village of farmers and millers during the Colonial period. After the railroad reached the area in 1854, Chestnut Hill became a popular spot for Philadelphia's wealthy and it soon boasted magnificent estates designed by Frank Furness, T.P. Chandler, and Horace Trumbauer. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society local history collection, 1755-2011 (bulk 1900-2011) consists primarily of newspaper clippings and other printed materials, such as pamphlets, publications, and ephemera, relating to the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. There are some original records of local organizations, such as minute books and ledgers, as well as some family papers.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Bruce Conner collection on Philadelphia history, circa 1840-2011

Extent:: 7.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Bruce M. Conner (1951-2011) was a local historian and resident of Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. An avid supporter of preserving the history and historic buildings of the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhoods, he was actively involved in many Northeast history organizations and established the Friends of Lower Dublin Academy in 2008. The Bruce Conner collection on Philadelphia history, circa 1840-2011, consists of 19th and 20th century manuscripts collected by Conner as well as secondary-source research materials and papers by Conner on Northeast Philadelphia history.

Held at: Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History [Contact Us]

Chestnut Hill Historical Society Wissahickon collection, 1970-2011 (bulk) 1760-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:: 26.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The 1,800 acres of Wissahickon Valley Park are part of Philadelphia's 9,200-acre Fairmount Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society Wissahickon collection, 1760-2011 (bulk 1970-2011) consists of ephemera, memorabilia and records relating to the Wissahickon, created by various sources and collected by the Historical Society. There are newspaper and magazine clippings, scholarly research and governmental reports, prints and photographs, slides, music CDs, and VHS tapes. A large collection of stereoviews of the Wissahickon is a highlight of the collection.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Reference collection, 1874-2000 (bulk) 1690-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 86.0 linear feet
Abstract:: In the early part of the nineteenth century, Philadelphia City Council took action to protect the purity of public water. This involved the acquisition of property on the banks of the Schuylkill River in order to eliminate polluting waste that had previously been generated by various industrial sites along the river. The City’s newly acquired property was dedicated to the health and enjoyment of the citizens of Philadelphia, and became known as Fairmount Park. The Fairmount Park Commission (FPC) was established by Act of the Assembly, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, March 26, 1867. Over the course of this organization’s history (1867 to 2010) the FPC continued to acquire land for the people of Philadelphia, and operated with a single continuous mission: to preserve and protect its open space; provide opportunities for recreation; maintain the landscapes and structures, streams and woodlands that exist within the Fairmount Park System. This collection contains various materials that...(see more)

Held at: Fairmount Park Historic Resource Archives [Contact Us]

Historical Society of Montgomery County oversized documents collection, circa 1816-2010

Extent:: 18.9 linear feet
Abstract:: The Historical Society of Montgomery County oversize documents collection, circa 1816-2010, is comprised of oversized maps, photographs, blueprints, and documents which depict or are related to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and the United States.

Held at: Historical Society of Montgomery County [Contact Us]

Union League archives, 1833-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1643.0 items
Abstract:: Founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln, the Union League of Philadelphia laid the philosophical foundation of other Union Leagues across a nation torn by Civil War. From its founding to the present, the League has been a leading civic organization and has played an important role in the history of our country and the City of Philadelphia. Over the past 150 years, this service has ranged from raising troops during the Civil War and lobbying for enforcement of the “freedom” amendments during Reconstruction, to feeding the hungry during the Great Depression, to finding jobs for returning veterans after World War II. The Union League archives houses a wide variety of records related to the general administration of the Union League, its mission, building and history. Additionally, researchers will find a small sampling of papers more generally related to the Civil War, including some letters written by Abraham Lincoln....(see more)

Held at: Union League of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Lippincott Family Papers, 1752-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6 linear ft. (9 boxes, 2 oversize folders, and photographs)
Abstract:: Horace Mather Lippincott (1877-1967) was a Quaker editor and historian. The collection contains his speeches and writings on topics primarily concerning the Society of Friends and the history of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Of particular interest is the scrapbook he compiled in 1946 of papers and photographs of the 1913-1914 Joint Group which met weekly to study the Separation in the Society of Friends, along with other papers on the topic and on the first joint meeting of the two Philadelphia Yearly Meetings in 1946. The collection includes genealogical research by Horace Mather Lippincott and his brother George E. Lippincott, deeds, and some family papers.

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

Chestnut Hill Historical Society architectural drawings, land deeds, and titles, 1802-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Chestnut Hill, in northwest Philadelphia, was a village of farmers and millers during the Colonial period. After the railroad reached the area in 1854, Chestnut Hill became a popular spot for Philadelphia's wealthy and it soon boasted magnificent estates designed by Frank Furness, T.P. Chandler, and Horace Trumbauer. Chestnut Hill Historical Society architectural drawings, land deeds, and titles, 1802-2010, consists of landscape drawings, blueprints of houses, and surveys of properties in Chestnut Hill (1927 to 2010), as well as land deeds and titles (1802-1955).

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Bustleton United Methodist Church records, 1830-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.33 linear feet
Abstract:: Methodists began meeting for worship in the Bustleton neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1827, although Bustleton Methodist Episcopal Church was not officially chartered until 1833. Bustleton United Methodist Church was discontinued around 2010. The Bustleton United Methodist Church records, 1830-2010, include membership and vital records, official board minutes, administrative board minutes, Quarterly Conference minutes, reports to Quarterly Conference, trustee minutes, bequests, building-related documents, newsletters, worship bulletins, anniversary and historical material, newspaper clippings, photographs, and various other documents.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

Union League art and artifact collection, 1840-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1406.0 items
Abstract:: Founded in 1862 as a patriotic society to support the Union and the policies of President Abraham Lincoln, the Union League of Philadelphia laid the philosophical foundation of other Union Leagues across a nation torn by Civil War. From its founding to the present, the League has been a leading civic organization and has played an important role in the history of our country and the City of Philadelphia. Over the past 150 years, this service has ranged from raising troops during the Civil War and lobbying for enforcement of the “freedom” amendments during Reconstruction, to feeding the hungry during the Great Depression, to finding jobs for returning veterans after World War II. Adorning the walls and hallways of the Union League’s historic building is a distinguished collection of art and artifacts. The collection is a rich, historical chronicle of Philadelphia’s unique imprint upon the American landscape from the 19th century to today and is recognized by historians and art...(see more)

Held at: Union League of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Hahnemann University Academic Affairs records, 1928-1994 (bulk) 1848-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:: 240.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Hahnemann University’s long history began in 1848 with the founding of the Homeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. Over the years, the institution evolved in many ways, eventually becoming Hahnemann University and, later, the Drexel University College of Medicine. In the mid- to late-twentieth century, with the decline of homeopathy, Hahnemann re-invented itself as a nationally known academic medical center with prominence in cardiac surgery and cardiology, oncology, transplantation, training of non-physician health professionals, community health, and community mental health. This expertise led to many firsts for Hahnemann, including international advances in cardiac surgery. The Hahnemann University Academic Affairs records house the files of Hahnemann University and date from 1848 to 2009. The collection consists of annual and accreditation reports; minutes, memoranda, and correspondence from various committees, councils, and departments; records of student life and...(see more)

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

Holme family papers, circa 1685-1920, 2008-2009

Extent:: 0.83 linear feet
Abstract:: The Holme family in the United States can be traced to John Holme (1632-1702), who came to America in 1686 from England. The Holmesburg section of Philadelphia, PA, is named after the Holme family, who resided there until 1928. The Holme family papers, circa 1685-1920, 2008-2009, is a collection of some 200 digital scans of documents pertaining to the Holme and related families of the Holmesburg area of Northeast Philadelphia, as well as 55 physical documents and photographs. The digital files in the collection include scans of loose papers – receipts and financial accounts, deeds, petitions, letters, wills, indentures, legal papers, and various other notes and writings – as well as some maps, broadsides, newspapers, loose photographs, photograph albums, and bound volumes.

Held at: Historical Society of Frankford [Contact Us]

Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History local history collection, 1796-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Northeast Philadelphia is one of the largest sections of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, bounded by the Delaware River, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and Tacony and Frankford Creeks. Before the City of Philadelphia was consolidated in 1854, the area was made up of several independent townships and boroughs, many of which had been settled in the 17th century by Swedes and Welsh and English Quakers. Industry developed early in the Northeast's history due to its proximity to several creeks and Philadelphia, but its population did not experience large growth until the 20th century. The Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History local history collection, 1796-2009, is comprised of small groups of materials from various local families, businesses, and historians.

Held at: Friends of Northeast Philadelphia History [Contact Us]

Woodlands Cemetery Company records, 1843-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:: 80.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Woodlands Cemetery Company of Philadelphia was founded in 1840 to transform a mansion and grounds owned by William Hamilton into a "rural cemetery," with winding carriage-ways and highly individualized monuments. The cemetery is still active as of 2012. The bulk of the Woodlands Cemetery Company records, 1843-2008, is comprised of administrative and financial records of the organization; the collection also contains interment records and architectural drawings of the mansion and property. Most of the administrative and financial records date from the 1960s to 1990s, but the interment records span the life of the Woodlands Cemetery Company.

Held at: Woodlands Mansion and Cemetery [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]

Rehoboth Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1832-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Rehoboth Methodist Episcopal Church in the Frankford Section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is known as the "mother church" of Frankford Methodism. It traces its roots to the first "Methodist Society" in the community, established in 1829. In 2001, Rehoboth merged into Central United Methodist Church, which closed in 2005. The Rehoboth Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1832-2007, include financial records, membership and cemetery records, class lists, board and trustee minutes, anniversary materials, worship bulletins, newsletters, photographs, ephemera, and various other documents. Some materials have been microfilmed and are available at other repositories.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [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]

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society records, 1791-2006 (inclusive)

Extent:: 22.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) was founded on November 24, 1827 by fifty-three prominent Philadelphians; among them Horace Binney, David Landreth Jr., William Davidson, George Pepper, Nicolas Biddle and Moses Brown. Emulating similar societies existing in England at the time, the men formed their Society to promote “a highly instructive and interesting science for the purpose of improving the growth of vegetables, plants, trees, fruits and flowers.” Since that time, the Society and its membership has fostered “…an appreciation of plants, acquiring scientific knowledge about them, disseminating horticultural information, and involving the public in gardening and beautifying the City of Philadelphia.” More recently, the Society has worked specifically to beautify the city and help realize William Penn’s founding vision for Philadelphia to be a “greene countrie towne.” This is a collection of administrative records from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The...(see more)

Held at: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society [Contact Us]

The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute Frankliniana collection, 1718-2006 (inclusive)

Extent:: 4.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute Frankliniana collection, 1718-2006, consists of prints, drawings, photographs, and a variety of ephemera and secondary-source materials relating to Benjamin Franklin and his activities. There is a small amount of 18th century materials signed or printed by Franklin.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

Constantine Hering and Calvin B. Knerr family papers, 1820-1940 (bulk) 1820-2003 (inclusive)

Extent:: 7.0 linear feet (12 document boxes, 4 half-size document boxes)
Abstract:: Dr. Constantine Hering (1800-1880), born and educated in Germany, immigrated to Philadelphia in 1833 and devoted his life to the study, practice and education of homeopathic medicine in the United States. As such, he is considered the father of homeopathy in America. Hering founded several schools and organizations devoted to teaching homeopathy, especially the North American Academy of the Homeopathic Healing Arts, aka the Allentown Academy, in 1836, and the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia in 1848. Hering’s pupil and eventual son-in-law and professional assistant, Dr. Calvin B. Knerr, also practiced homeopathy. Knerr was integrally involved in the editing of two of Hering’s books and also devoted much time and effort to writing Hering’s biography, The Life of Hering. This collection primarily houses papers of Dr. Constantine Hering and his son-in-law, Dr. Calvin B. Knerr from 1820 to 1940. To a significantly lesser extent, the collection documents the...(see more)

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

The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute manuscript collection, 1762-2003 (inclusive)

Extent:: 40.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most significant science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute manuscript collection, 1762-2003, includes small groups (less than 1 linear foot each) of papers of scientists, inventors, science-oriented groups and organizations, industrial businesses, and others in the scientific community, as well as other science and engineering related materials.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

Rex family papers, 1850-1920 (bulk) 1798-2002 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Rex family, descended from German immigrants, settled in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. The Rex family papers, 1798-2002, includes photographs, a scrapbook, a sampler, certificates, published books, and other items created by Rex family members.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Pennsylvania Horticultural Society minute books, 1827-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:: 7.3 linear feet (27 containers)
Abstract:: The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) was founded on November 24, 1827 by fifty-three prominent Philadelphians; among them Horace Binney, David Landreth Jr., William Davidson, George Pepper, Nicolas Biddle and Moses Brown. Emulating similar societies existing in England at the time, the men formed their Society to promote “a highly instructive and interesting science for the purpose of improving the growth of vegetables, plants, trees, fruits and flowers.” Since that time, the Society and its membership has fostered “…an appreciation of plants, acquiring scientific knowledge about them, disseminating horticultural information, and involving the public in gardening and beautifying the City of Philadelphia.” More recently, the Society has worked specifically to beautify the city and help realize William Penn’s founding vision for Philadelphia to be a “greene countrie towne.” This is a collection of meeting minutes of the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Horticultural...(see more)

Held at: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society [Contact Us]

Historical Society of Frankford map and atlas collection, circa 1684-2000s

Extent:: 9.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is located in the lower northeast section of the city and is bordered by the Frankford Creek on the south, Castor Avenue on the west, Cheltenham Avenue on the north, and roughly the I-95 expressway on the east. Originally a village, Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and was later absorbed into the City of Philadelphia in the 1854 Philadelphia city/county consolidation. As of 2015, Frankford is a working-class neighborhood with a diverse population, including a large number of African Americans, Asian Americans, Polish Americans, Italian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and West Indian Americans. The Historical Society of Frankford map and atlas collection, circa 1684-2000s, consists of approximately 90 maps of the greater Philadelphia region, as well as state, national, and international maps.

Held at: Historical Society of Frankford [Contact Us]

Old York Road Historical Society atlas and map collection, 1848-circa 2000

Extent:: 9.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Montgomery County, situated in southeastern Pennsylvania and established in 1784 out of the western portion of Philadelphia County, has played an important role in U.S. history. Since its founding, it has experienced "booming industry and manufacturing, rich farm fields, advanced transportation, artistic endeavors and unique religious beliefs." The history of the area of eastern Montgomery County has been documented significantly through the collecting efforts of the Old York Road Historical Society. The Old York Road Historical Society atlas and map collection, 1848-circa 2000, documents Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and parts of the Delaware Valley.

Held at: Old York Road Historical Society [Contact Us]

Library Company of Philadelphia minute books, 1731-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 46.0 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 flourished because it adopted a purchasing policy responsive to the needs of its intellectually alert, economically ambitious, but non-elite membership. The Library Company of Philadelphia is now an independent research library specializing in American society and culture from the 17th to 19th centuries. The history of this organization is best documented by its minute books dating from 1731 to 2000. The collection consists of minute books documenting the meetings of the Directors (both the final approved version of the minutes and the rough drafts of the minutes), 1731 to 2000; the Trustees of the Loganian Library, 1853 to 1876; and the Committee for Fixing the Value of Lost Books, 1785 to 1848. In addition to meeting minutes, the minute books include financial reports, and supporting...(see more)

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia records, 1796-circa 2000s

Extent:: 70.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia is a Unitarian Universalist congregation located in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the longest continually functioning Unitarian church in the United States. The Church was first formed as the Society of Unitarian Christians of Philadelphia in 1796. In 1825, Reverend William Henry Furness (1801-1896) became the Society's first regularly ordained, full-time minister and led the Church for fifty years. As of 2015, the church continues to operate in a building designed for them in 1885 by noted architect Frank Furness (1839-1912), one of the sons of William Henry Furness. The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia records, 1796-circa 2000s, consist of administrative and financial records, church registers, correspondence, history materials, and other materials related to the Church, as well as papers of the Church's first minister, William Henry Furness, and other individuals associated or involved with the Church such as...(see more)

Held at: First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia Archives [Contact Us]

Henry George family papers, circa 1844-2000 (bulk 1880-1950)

Extent:: 4.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Henry George (1839-1897) was a journalist and political economist best known for writing about and popularizing the idea of the "single tax." His work led to several reform movements in the Progressive Era and inspired the economic philosophy known today as "Georgism." Two of George's children, Henry George Jr. and Anna George de Mille, continued to be active in the single tax movement and promoting their father's legacy after his death in 1897. The Henry George family papers, circa 1844-2000 (bulk 1880-1950), consist of correspondence, published and unpublished works, and other materials from and about Henry George, Henry George Jr., and Agnes George de Mille. There are also photographs, prints, and illustrations of the George family and of Anna George de Mille's family.

Held at: The Henry George Birthplace, Archive and Historical Research Center [Contact Us]

Georgij Sanji Zagadinow collection of Kalmyk materials, 1834-1999 (inclusive)

Extent:: 10 linear feet (19 boxes)
Abstract:: Georgij Sanji Zagadinow (1925-1999) was a Kalmyk immigrant to Philadelphia who spent much of his life working on a Kalmyk-English dictionary. The materials in this collection include literary and other sources from Soviet Kalmykia, as well as extensive documentation of the Kalmyk communities in the United States. Researchers interested in Inner Asian studies and US immigration history may wish to consult this collection.

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

Elizabeth Shantz Bourquin Collection, 1899-1984 (bulk) 1800-1999 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Elizabeth Shantz Bourquin, born in 1917, was a resident of the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. The Elizabeth Shantz Bourquin Collection, 1800-1999, consists of an oral history transcript, photographs of Chestnut Hill scenes and carriage driving, and other items. The oral history is a conversation between Elizabeth Bourquin and her brother Raymond Schantz, discussing their childhood in Chestnut Hill.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

German Society of Pennsylvania institutional records, 1764-1968 (bulk) 1764-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 27.4 linear feet
Abstract:: The German Society of Pennsylvania, founded in Philadelphia in 1764, directed its early efforts to assisting new German immigrants, especially those forced into indentured servitude when they were unable to pay their sea fare. Throughout the late 18th and 19th centuries, the Society was very visible in the thriving German-American community in Philadelphia, boasting just over one thousand members at the peak of its growth, in the late 1870s. In the 20th century, the Society’s scope and prominence was affected by the two World Wars, which created suspicion and criticism of Germanic culture. That suspicion and government scrutiny played a role in the dwindling membership of the Society. In the post-World War II era the Society channeled its overseas relief activities through a Quaker-based aid society. In the second half of the century, the neighborhood was also changing, as it became predominantly African-American, rather than German, and more impoverished. But the Society pressed...(see more)

Held at: German Society of Pennsylvania: Joseph P. Horner Memorial Library [Contact Us]

Tomlinson, Foehr, and Peters families papers, 1870-1970 (bulk) 1713-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 11.25 linear feet
Abstract:: Ritner W. Tomlinson (1880-1949) was raised on his family's farm in the Bustleton neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ritner married Caroline F. Foehr (1890-1981) in 1911 and together they had four children: twins Isabel R. (1915-2010) and Esther R. (1915-1938), Ritner Pierson "Buddy" (1922-1944), and Thelma Claire (1924-2006). Ritner and Caroline raised their family on the Tomlinson Farm, which Ritner had inherited from his parents in the 1920s. In the mid-1930s, the Tomlinsons lost this farm due to financial difficulties, and relocated to another farm property in nearby Huntingdon Valley (Montgomery County). The Tomlinson, Foehr, and Peters families papers, 1713-1998 (bulk 1870-1970), consist of photographs, legal and financial documents, correspondence, diaries, ephemera, and other materials related to the Tomlinson, Foehr, and Peters families. The bulk of the material is from the Tomlinson family and predominately relates to Ritner W., his wife Caroline, and their children.

Held at: Historical Society of Frankford [Contact Us]

Princeton University Library Collection of Western Americana Photographs, 1870-1915 (bulk) 1840-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 144 boxes and 123 linear feet
Abstract:: Consists of a closed collection of more than 5,000 Western Americana photographs, consisting mostly of documentary photographs of the Trans-Mississippi West from the late 1860s to early 1900s, largely from the perspective of white photographers and settlers. Subjects include American Indians (especially studio portraits), natural wonders, cities, towns, buildings, and economic activities (mining, railroads, logging, and agriculture). Some photographs relate to the Indigenous populations of Mexico and Central America. The dimensions, physical formats, and photographic processes of the photographs vary widely.

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

Presbyterian Medical Center Records, 1799-1997 (inclusive) 1871-1997 (bulk)

Extent:: 117 cubic feet
Abstract:: The Presbyterian Medical Center originated as a charitable institution named the Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia. The Collection documents the history of the Presbyterian Medical Center of Philadelphia since its founding in 1871.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: University Archives and Records Center [Contact Us]

The professional and personal papers of Edwin Wolf 2nd, 1920-1988 (bulk) 1798-1996 (inclusive)

Extent:: 20.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Edwin Wolf 2nd (1911-1991) was a librarian, bibliophile, author, historian, Franklin scholar, and a civic leader in Philadelphia. Wolf was Curator of the Library Company from 1953 to 1955, and then served as Librarian from 1955 to 1984. During those years, he led the Library Company though a period of rejuvenation, growth, and prosperity. The Edwin Wolf 2nd papers contain correspondence, research files, volumes, publications, photographs, and other records that document the education, career, and personal family life of one of Philadelphia’s most prominent bookmen during the 20th century.

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Vaux Family papers, 1708-1995 (inclusive) 1912-1932 (bulk)

Extent:: 12.5 linear ft. (24 boxes and 2 rolled documents in 1 tube)
Abstract:: The Vaux family was deeply involved with Quaker and Native American affairs throughout much of the 19th and early 20th centuries. George Vaux, Sr. was involved in Quaker activity through the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and other Quaker meetings throughout the world (including Antigua and London). Both George Vaux, Jr. and Mary Morris Vaux Walcott, his sister, served as commissioners for the U.S. Board of Indian Commissioners. This organization was established by the United States Congress in 1869 to watch over federal policies regarding Native Americans and to make certain that treaty obligations were fulfilled, especially in reference to supply deliveries. George Vaux, III also worked as the treasurer of the Indian Committee of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Within the collection are letters, reports, photographs, land surveys, and administrative records. This collection may be of special interest to researchers who are studying both the history and recent state of affairs of...(see more)

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

Mutual Assurance Company (Green Tree) records, 1784-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:: 455.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Mutual Assurance Company for Insuring Houses from Loss by Fire was organized in Philadelphia in 1784, in order to make fire insurance available to those citizens who wished to have trees in front of their houses. A group of sixty-one men met on July 8, 1784 at the City (or London) Coffee House and agreed to create a new mutual fire insurance company. A deed of settlement was adopted and a green tree was selected as a symbol to appear on the company's policies and fire marks. The company archives of The Mutual Assurance Company, familiarly known as the Green Tree, consist of financial accounts and receipts, correspondence, histories, cancelled insurance surveys and policies, and miscellaneous material. The records date from the formation of the company in 1784 to 1995.

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

Church of the Covenant Methodist Church records, 1834-1945, 1995

Extent:: 2.75 linear feet
Abstract:: Salem Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1835, and re-located to Lombard and Juniper Streets in 1841. It merged with Western Methodist Episcopal Church to form Methodist Episcopal Church of the Covenant in 1894, located at 18th and Spruce Streets. Church of the Covenant Methodist Church was discontinued in 1945. Most of the Church of the Covenant Methodist Church records, 1834-1945 and 1995, are Salem Methodist Episcopal Church registers and minutes (First Leaders, trustees, and Quarterly Conference). Records from Western Methodist Episcopal Church and Church of the Covenant Methodist Church are also present.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

Johnson House Historic Site collection on the Johnson family, 1794-circa 1994

Extent:: 0.5 linear feet
Abstract:: John Johnson built a house in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1768. A family of ardent Quakers, the Johnsons did not participate in the Revolutionary War and were vocal abolitionists. The Johnson House was a documented stop along the Underground Railroad for African Americans escaping North from slavery prior to the Civil War. Johnson House Historic Site collection on the Johnson family, 1794-circa 1994, includes several original manuscript volumes and photographs from the Johnson family, as well as secondary-source materials such as photocopies and genealogical information about the family.

Held at: Johnson House Historic Site [Contact Us]

First Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.) Records, 1769-1944, 1769-1944 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3 cubic feet
Abstract:: The First Presbyterian Church was organized around 1692. This collection contains miscellaneous items dealing with the development and growth of the First Presbyterian Church.

Held at: Presbyterian Historical Society [Contact Us]

Thornton Oakley collection of Howard Pyle and his students, 1887-1951 (bulk) 1841-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:: 15.83 linear feet
Abstract:: The Thornton Oakley collection of Howard Pyle and his students covers the influential artistic career of Howard Pyle and several of his students, most notably Maxfield Parrish, Violet Oakley, and N.C. Wyeth. The collection includes a wide range of materials, which was collected and assembled by Pyle’s former student Thornton Oakley. There are tear sheets of artwork published in magazines, original illustrations, photographs, research notes, manuscripts, and correspondence. Besides Howard Pyle, artists well represented in this collection include Elizabeth Shippen Green, Jessie Wilcox Smith, George Harding, Violet Oakley, N.C. Wyeth, and a large collection of material on Maxfield Parrish. There is also a series dedicated to the children’s author and art historian, Henry Clarence Pitz, who researched and wrote The Brandywine Tradition about Pyle and his artistic influence. The collection’s primary strength is the collection of artwork by Pyle and his students, some of...(see more)

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

Dr. Russell F. Minton papers, 1909-1960 (bulk) 1839-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Dr. Russell F. Minton, born around 1900, was a prominent doctor in the Philadelphia area from the 1930s-1970s. Minton became a radiologist in 1940, and was involved with the merging of Mercy and Frederick Douglass Memorial hospitals. At Mercy-Douglass Hospital he served as chairman of the intern and resident training program, chief of the medical staff, chief of the Radiology Department, and Medical Director from 1949 until 1953. The Dr. Russell F. Minton papers, 1839-1991, bulk 1909-1960, contain correspondence, medical notes and reports, hospital records, newspaper clippings, speeches and articles, numerous photographs, Minton family genealogical items, and other materials. Many documents in the collection are associated with Dr. DeHaven Hinkson, another prominent African American physician in Philadelphia, and the reason for their inclusion with this collection is unclear.

Held at: African American Museum in Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Historical Society of Frankford small manuscripts collection, circa 1774-1990s

Extent:: 20.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is located in the lower northeast section of the city and is bordered by the Frankford Creek on the south, Castor Avenue on the west, Cheltenham Avenue on the north, and roughly the I-95 expressway on the east. Originally a village, Frankford was incorporated as a borough in 1800 and was later absorbed into the City of Philadelphia in the 1854 Philadelphia city/county consolidation. As of 2015, Frankford is a working-class neighborhood with a diverse population, including a large number of African Americans, Asian Americans, Polish Americans, Italian Americans, Hispanic Americans, and West Indian Americans. The Historical Society of Frankford small manuscripts collection, circa 1774-1990s, consists of groups (less than 1 linear foot each) of various manuscript materials from local individuals, families, and businesses in the Frankford neighborhood. The materials include financial and insurance papers, property documents,...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Frankford [Contact Us]

John Wagner and Sons, Inc. records, 1847-1980 (bulk) 1772-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.75 linear feet
Abstract:: John Wagner and Sons, Inc. began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1847 as a cigar importing business, but soon added wines, teas, and spices to its list of imports. Later on, the company expanded into the specialty food market. The Wagner family sold the business in 1950 and it changed hands a few more times until 2000, when it was purchased by Williams Foods, Inc., which as of 2014, still sells Wagner's brand products. The John Wagner and Sons, Inc. records, 1772-1990 (bulk 1847-1980), consist primarily of documents relating to John Wagner and Sons, including financial ledgers and receipts, photographs, letters, delivery records, property documents, price lists, product labels, publicity materials, employee records, and other materials. Also present in the collection is a small amount of materials that pre-date the business.

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Germantown Historical Society small collections, 1764-1989 (inclusive)

Extent:: 42.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Germantown Historical Society small collections, 1764-1989, consists of small accumulations of records and papers from various families, individuals, and organizations based in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. There are four general groups of materials: "Organizational records," "Family and personal papers," "Unprocessed papers," and "Small manuscript collection." Rough, preliminary inventories exist for the first three groups and are provided below. There is an online finding aid for the fourth group, "Small manuscript collection," at http://hdl.library.upenn.edu/1017/d/pacscl/HSP_GHS34SM.

Held at: Germantown Historical Society [Contact Us]

Reeves Wetherill scrapbooks, circa 1800-1989 (bulk 1935-1985)

Extent:: 3.75 linear feet
Abstract:: Reeves Wetherill (1912-1992) was a Philadelphia socialite who served as the Vice President for Public Relations at Wanamaker's department store from 1960-1987. He descended from Samuel Wetherill, a textile manufacturer involved in founding the Free Quakers during the American Revolution, and Christopher Wetherill, an early settler in Burlington County, New Jersey. The Reeves Wetherill scrapbooks, circa 1800-1989 (bulk 1935-1985), consist of about a dozen scrapbooks that document the activities of members of Philadelphia's upper class, including the lives of Reeves Wetherill and his wife, Sally Ann, as well as a small amount of 19th century documents relating to Reeves Wetherill's ancestors.

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Laurence and Sylvia C. Eisenlohr papers on book about Fairmount Water Works, 1817, 1974-1989

Extent:: 1.67 linear feet
Abstract:: Herman Laurence Eisenlohr (1922-2012) was a professor at Rider College in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey, and his wife, Sylvia (Crane) Eisenlohr (1926-2011), was a journalist who wrote for Time, The Saturday Evening Post, and various trade newspapers. In 1974, they undertook the project of dating the many drawings, paintings, and prints that have been made of the Fairmount Water Works in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They received funding from the Barra Foundation and tried unsuccessfully to have a book on the Fairmount Water Works published. Laurence and Sylvia C. Eisenlohr papers on book about Fairmount Water Works, 1817, 1974-1989, consist of materials relating to the Eisenlohrs's manuscript, Fair Mount. The collection includes two versions of the manuscript and numerous letters related to the manuscript and the use of the Eisenlohrs' numerous prints and photographs of the Water Works. The collection also includes...(see more)

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

Helen M. Beitler ephemera collection, 1728-1987 (inclusive)

Extent:: 40.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Helen Morris Beitler (1915-2002) was a collector of books and 18th, 19th and early 20th century ephemera. She collected trade cards, bill heads, catalogs, and other ephemera, focusing on trades and tools, children's literature, boating, advertising, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania history, and the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. The Helen M. Beitler ephemera collection, 1728-1987, focuses on Philadelphia, sports, civic matters, and business and industry, although many other subjects are represented.

Held at: Philadelphia History Museum [Contact Us]

Germantown Historical Society small manuscripts collection, 1701-1987 (inclusive)

Extent:: 8.0 linear feet (one filing cabinet ("box 1"), two boxes ("box 2" and "box 3"))
Abstract:: Germantown, a neighborhood in the northwest section of Philadelphia, was the site of several nationally significant events. It was settled in the late 1600s by Mennonite and Quaker German-speaking emigrants and incorporated as a borough in 1689. Germantown is sometimes called the home of the American anti-slavery movement; the first organized protest against slavery in the Americas was begun by four members of the Germantown Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in 1688. In 1777, the courage displayed by American troops at the Battle of Germantown helped to spur the French to assist the United States in the Revolutionary War. During the yellow fever outbreak of 1793, government officials escaping the epidemic in Philadelphia relocated to Germantown, and it served as the temporary home of George Washington and the First Bank of the United States. Germantown was incorporated into the City of Philadelphia in 1854. The Germantown Historical Society small manuscript...(see more)

Held at: Germantown Historical Society [Contact Us]

John Wanamaker collection, 1827-1987 (inclusive)

Extent:: 193.2 linear feet (; 316 volumes, 438 boxes)
Abstract:: John Wanamaker (1838-1922) was a well-known merchant, entrepreneur, and lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was active in the city's religious, political, and philanthropic areas, founded several Presbyterian churches and Sunday schools, and served as postmaster general under President Benjamin Harrison from 1889 to 1893. He opened his first Philadelphia clothing store, Oak Hall, with partner Nathan Brown in 1861, and founded John Wanamaker and Co. in 1869. In 1876, he opened "A New Kind of Store" known as the Grand Depot at Thirteenth and Market Streets. This store later became the flagship store, with satellite stores eventually established in central and southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey, Delaware, and New York City. Wanamaker was at the forefront in many areas of retailing including merchandising, employee relations and advertising. His sons Thomas B. Wanamaker and L. Rodman Wanamaker were also active in the business. Thomas ran John Wanamaker and...(see more)

Held at: Historical Society of Pennsylvania [Contact Us]

Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1854-1942 (bulk) 1814-1986 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church at 11th Street above Jefferson Street in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was established in 1814. Its iconic church building was destroyed by fire in 1857, but a second structure modeled on the first was completed the next year. Tabernacle Methodist Church was discontinued in 1941. The Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1814-1986 (bulk 1854-1942), consist of Quarterly Conference minutes, Trustee minutes, and various other financial, administrative, and historical documents, as well as a large amount of membership and vital records (membership, marriages, and baptisms).

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute collection of oversized papers, 1790-1984 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Founded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1824, in honor of America's first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and most important science institutes in the nation. Its mission is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute collection of oversized papers, 1790-1984, consists of oversized materials such as technical drawings of machinery (some used for patents), posters, illustrations, prints, drawings, engravings, maps, photographs, certificates, blueprints, and newspaper pages.

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

Stevens-Cogdell-Sanders-Venning collection, 1734-1982 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Stevens-Cogdell-Sanders-Venning family papers document the development of a white family and a prominent middle-class African American family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, beginning with the 1760s emigration of John Stevens from England to South Carolina. The materials date from 1734 to 1982 and consist of scrapbooks, ephemera, newspaper clippings, Common Prayer books, invitations, holiday cards, correspondence, business papers, and a variety of personal papers. The materials document the Stevens-Cogdell-Sanders-Venning families’ professional, family, and personal lives as well as the development of a prominent middle-class African American family.

Held at: Library Company of Philadelphia [Contact Us]

Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Rail Road Company records, 1831-1981 (inclusive)

Extent:: 80.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Philadelphia, Germantown and Norristown Rail Road Company, one of the first railroads in the Philadelphia area, was incorporated in 1831 and liquidated in the late 1970s. The PG&N became part of the Reading Railroad system under lease in 1869 and became the Reading's primary entrance for passenger trains into Philadelphia. The Philadelphia, Germantown, and Norristown Rail Road Company records, 1831-1981, include executive business records, financial records, and stock records. There are also materials relating to property and depots owned by PG&N, and records from subsidiary and other rail companies.

Held at: Germantown Historical Society [Contact Us]

American Swedish Historical Museum document and photograph collection, 1702-1981 (inclusive)

Extent:: 11.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The American Swedish Historical Museum document and photograph collection, 1702-1981, consists of miscellaneous documents and photographs collected by the American Swedish Historical Museum. It includes correspondence, printed broadsides, certificates, deeds, manuscripts and stage scripts, photographs, glass and film negatives, Speakophone recordings, and many other document types. The materials relate to Americans of Swedish descent, Sweden and Swedish culture, the founding of the Swedish American Historical Museum, and associated topics.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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]

Philadelphia Water Department records and collection on Fairmount Water Works, 1801-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:: 6.33 linear feet
Abstract:: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the first city in the United States to provide water as a public utility and was known for its advances in water distribution technology, such as using a centralized distribution system and employing the use of hydropower for pumps. The Philadelphia Water Department (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) traces its roots to 1799 when the Joint Committee on Supplying the City with Water (known as the Watering Committee) was established by the city council in response to pressure from the city's residents to provide them with clean water for drinking, fire fighting, and cleansing the streets following a series of yellow fever epidemics. The Fairmount Water Works (FWW), Philadelphia's second water works, began operating in 1815 and remained in use until 1909. Regarded as a significant achievement in civil engineering, FWW was also an important Philadelphia landmark and tourist attraction. In the early twenty-first century, Philadelphia operates three water...(see more)

Held at: The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute [Contact Us]

New Hope Historical Society collection on the Parry family, 1840-1900 (bulk) 1801-1978 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Parry family of New Hope, Bucks County, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was a prominent Quaker family. The New Hope Historical Society collection on the Parry family, 1801-1978 (bulk 1840-1900), includes various scattered documents relating to family members, including deeds and other property records, genealogical papers and memoranda, financial papers including receipts, newspaper clippings, photographs, a small amount of printed matter, and journals. Richard Randolph Parry, Oliver R. Parry, and Gertrude Parry are the best-represented family members.

Held at: New Hope Historical Society [Contact Us]

Sarah D. Cooper Memorial United Methodist Church records, 1834-1978 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Methodists began meeting for religious instruction in Haddington, then a suburb to the west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1830. Haddington Methodist Episcopal Church was formally chartered in 1849. In 1893, the congregation changed its name to Sarah D. Cooper Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Sarah D. Cooper Memorial United Methodist Church closed in 1978. The Sarah D. Cooper Memorial United Methodist Church records, 1834-1978, include trustee minutes, Quarterly Conference minutes, cemetery records, vital and membership records, photographs, and other documents.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

LMHS.15: Levering family papers, 1807-1973 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.4 linear feet
Abstract:: Born in Lower Merion, Pennsylvania, John Levering (1789-1878) was a graduate of the University Academy and a noted mathematician and surveyor. The Levering family papers, 1807-1973, consist of a family bible, a burial plot deed, two obituaries, two photographs, and genealogical notes.

Held at: Lower Merion Historical Society [Contact Us]

William H. Molloy papers, 1925-1971 (bulk) 1804-1971 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.5 linear feet
Abstract:: William H. Molloy (1890-1980) was a real estate agent and resident of Upper Moreland Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The bulk of the William H. Molloy papers, 1804-1971, is materials relating to his work as a real estate agent, including deeds, mortgages, estate papers, and other related materials. There are also family photographs and papers in the collection.

Held at: Upper Moreland Historical Association [Contact Us]

1st Regiment Infantry, Pennsylvania records, 1812-1970 (inclusive)

Extent:: 16.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The First Regiment Infantry, Pennsylvania, or "The Dandy First," is considered by some to be the oldest continuously existing troop in the United States National Guard, and the only existing Pennsylvania unit that served in the Continental Army. The unit, which today is known as the 103rd Engineer Battalion, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, has fought in nearly every major American battle beginning with the Revolutionary War. The 1st Regiment Infantry, Pennsylvania records, 1812-1970, consist of about 100 record books of the regiment and its predecessor and successor units, as well as several photograph albums and scrapbooks.

Held at: 1st Regiment Infantry Museum [Contact Us]

State Penitentiary for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania records, circa 1830-1970

Extent:: 31.0 linear feet
Abstract:: When it opened in 1829, the State Penitentiary for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ("Eastern State Penitentiary") was the world's first true "penitentiary" in the sense that it was designed to inspire true feelings of penitence in the hearts of inmates. Initially characterized by its system of strict isolation and grand architecture, more than 300 prisons on five continents were modeled after Eastern State Penitentiary. Over 142 years of operation, the system of isolation was gradually abandoned and the penitentiary became a traditional modern prison; in 1971, the facility was closed. The State Penitentiary for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania records, circa 1830-1970, is comprised of various fragmentary records of the "Eastern State Penitentiary" that were either found on-site after the prison was closed, or donated by various individuals with connections to the prison. There are records relating to the operations and administration of the prison as a whole, as well as...(see more)

Held at: Eastern State Penitentiary [Contact Us]

Leary and Company (Leary's Bookstore) archives, 1840s-1969

Extent:: 21.0 boxes and and 91 volumes
Abstract:: William A. Leary, was a small-time book seller in 1836 when he journeyed to Philadelphia to establish a sidewalk book stall on North Second Street. As business prospered, Leary moved to several different locations, finally settling at 138 North Second Street which was right next door to the Camel Tavern, a landmark in Philadelphia. Leary’s Book Store specialized in selling inexpensive, second—hand books. Because of its large inventory and cheap prices, Leary’s developed a national reputation. In addition to selling and buying books, Leary expanded his base of operations by venturing into the publishing business in the 1850s. William A. Leary, Jr. took over the book store in 1865. Stuart and Charles Mann purchased the store from the Leary Estate in 1876. Under the Stuart’s management, Leary’s became one of the largest old book dealers in the world. As more people moved to and shopped in the suburbs, Leary’s customer base declined. Leary’s went out of business on November 20, 1968....(see more)

Held at: Temple University Libraries Special Collections Research Center [Contact Us]

Christ Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1834-1968 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.75 linear feet
Abstract:: Christ Methodist Episcopal Church was located at North 38th Street in the Mantua neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was also known at various times as Mantua, Thirty-Eighth Street, and Heiskell Chapel Methodist Episcopal Churches. The church was founded in 1852 and discontinued in 1968. The Christ Methodist Episcopal Church records, 1834-1968, consist of membership records, marriages, baptisms, Quarterly Conference records, minute books, and various assorted financial, property, and other records.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

Germantown Historical Society collection on the Wister family, 1814-1966 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.8 linear feet
Abstract:: The Wisters were a prominent merchant family, established in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the 18th century. The family built many homes in the area which are now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Germantown Historical Society collection on the Wister family, 1814-1966, is comprised of materials created by various members of the Wister family, such as business records, correspondence, diaries, knitting patterns, and photographs.

Held at: Germantown Historical Society [Contact Us]

Orphan Society of Philadelphia records, 1930-1965 (bulk) 1815-1965 (inclusive)

Extent:: 4.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Orphan Society of Philadelphia, founded in 1814, was the first non-sectarian orphanage in Pennsylvania. In 1965, due to low enrollment and financial and staffing issues, the Orphan Society merged with the Elwyn School, now known as Elwyn, in Delaware County, Pa. The Orphan Society of Philadelphia records, 1815-1965 (bulk 1930-1965), consist of administrative and financial records, legal documents, historical files, orphan records, and other materials. Of special interest is an Orphan Asylum register listing orphan admissions (name, birth date, admission date) and dates of discharge or death from 1815 to 1896.

Held at: Elwyn Historical Archives and Museum [Contact Us]

Kane Family Papers, 1802-1965 (inclusive) 1850-1871 (bulk)

Extent:: 0.5 cubic feet
Abstract:: The Kane family was prominent in Philadelphia society and politics during the nineteenth century. The Kane Family Papers consists primarily of correspondence to Elizabeth D. Kane from her family.

Held at: University of Pennsylvania: University Archives and Records Center [Contact Us]

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]

Horace William Castor family papers, 1827-1964 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.5 linear feet
Abstract:: This collection consists of several generations of Castor family papers and provides insight into the wide interest in family history and the history of Frankford and Philadelphia cultivated by noted architect Horace W. Castor. It also documents financial, real estate, and legal transactions conducted not only by Mr. Castor but by his father and grandfather as well. Historical research notes and genealogical notes, personal correspondence and wills document family relationships among the three generations of Castors represented in the collection. Besides collecting and preserving these documents, Horace W. Castor wrote several papers on subjects of local history. A copy of one of these: "A Story of Pine Street Church and Frankford Gun Powder Mill," written for The Historical Society of Frankford, March 11, 1948, is in the collection.

Held at: Historical Society of Frankford [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]

Martin, Campbell, and Furlong families papers, 1825-1930 (bulk) 1795-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:: 5.2 linear feet (; 13 boxes)
Abstract:: This collection contains papers that document several generations of the Martin, Campbell, and Furlong families with the Martin family receiving the most coverage. To a lesser extent, the Kennedy and Jenkins families, who had strong personal and mercantile ties to the Martin family, are also represented. These interrelated middle class Irish Catholic families from Philadelphia were involved in several prominent industries in the region, including overseas commerce. Devout in their religious beliefs, the families, the Campbells in particular, played a significant role in shaping Catholicity in Philadelphia. Members of the Campbell family were also actively involved in political and social movements of the nineteenth- and twentieth-centuries, including the labor movement and women’s suffrage. Distinguished members of these families are represented, including suffragist and writer Sarah Jane Campbell (1844-1928). Items in the collection date from 1795 to 1939 with the majority of...(see more)

Held at: Philadelphia Archdiocesan Historical Research Center [Contact Us]

Sarah Wistar Rhoads family papers, 1824-1930 1824-1963 (inclusive) 1824-1930 (bulk)

Extent:: 4.75 linear ft. (19 boxes)
Abstract:: The Sarah Wistar Rhoads family papers indicate strong relationships and family ties that spanned the 19th and 20th centuries. Sarah Wistar Rhoads (1839-1920) married William Gibbons Rhoads (1838-1880) on November 28, 1866. At that time, the Rhoads, Gibbons and Wistar families began corresponding, the result being an outstanding collection illustrating family support, friendship and love. These papers include correspondence, financial records, diaries and journals, memorabilia, classwork and notes, copied poems, prayers, sermons and verses, memorials, genealogical research, Quaker material and photographs. Researchers interested in family papers and Quaker family dynamics, social life, and customs may find this collection extremely useful.

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

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]

Port Richmond Methodist Church records, 1846-1959 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Port Richmond Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in 1846 in Port Richmond, which was then a district outside the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but was later incorporated into and became a neighborhood of the city in the 1854 city/county consolidation of Philadelphia. Port Richmond Methodist Church was discontinued in 1955. The Port Richmond Methodist Church records, 1846-1959, consist of trustee minutes, official board minutes, corporation minutes, Quarterly Conference records, membership records, baptisms, and marriages.

Held at: Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church [Contact Us]

Third Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia, Pa.) Records, 1771-1956, 1771-1956 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.75 cubic feet
Abstract:: Third Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, (“Old Pine Street”) began as a collegiate congregation to First Presbyterian Church and shared a board of trustees. In 1771, the congregations separated. Records include: charters and deeds; other legal and financial documents; correspondence; publications; records of the Trustees, Sunday school and missionary society; session minutes; pew rents; dismission and reception certificate stubs; and registers of baptisms, marriages, deaths and burials.

Held at: Presbyterian Historical Society [Contact Us]

Gibson family papers, 1860-1955 (bulk) 1761-1955 (inclusive)

Extent:: 0.9 linear feet
Abstract:: Henry C. Gibson (1830-1891), one of the wealthiest men in Philadelphia in his time, indulged liberally in collecting art and philanthropic causes. His son, J. Howard Gibson, lived from about 1855 until about 1894. J. Howard's grandson, Henry C. Gibson, Jr. (born circa 1922), established a firm to explore commercial uses of atomic energy in Palm Beach, Florida. The Gibson family papers, 1860-1955, primarily concern John Howard Gibson and his father Henry Clay Gibson, with some material on other family members. It consists mostly of family scrapbooks and memorabilia.

Held at: Old York Road Historical Society [Contact Us]

James and Lorah families papers, 1833-1954 (inclusive)

Extent:: 12.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Oliver P. James (1815-1894) was a prominent doctor and community member in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. He, his wife Sarah (1824-1906), and their three children Oliver (1860-1890), Martha (1862-1918), and Sarah (1864-1954) lived at what is now known as the James-Lorah Memorial Home at 132 N. Main Street in Doylestown. In 1896, Dr. James' daughter, Martha, married George H. Lorah (1863-1945), a minister at the Doylestown Methodist Episcopal Church. Martha's sister, Sarah James was a charter member of the Village Improvement Association of Doylestown (VIA), and upon her passing in 1954, the family home and its contents and property, as well as a trust fund for maintenance were bequeathed to the VIA. The James and Lorah families papers, 1833-1954, consist of original manuscript documents from the James and Lorah families, primarily Dr. Oliver P. James (1815-1894), Sarah (Sallie) James (1864-1954), Martha (Mattie) James Lorah (1862-1918), and Dr. George Lorah (1863-1945). The...(see more)

Held at: Village Improvement Association of Doylestown [Contact Us]

Henry Howson family papers, 1849-1952 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.5 cubic feet
Abstract:: Henry Howson, Sr. (1823-1885), trained as an engineer in his native England before establishing a patent law firm in Philadelphia in 1853. Henry Howson, Jr. (1859-1937) joined the family practice in 1875. He maintained residences in Philadelphia, but also enjoyed the family's country home, "Brae Head Farm," in Glenmoore (Wallace Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania). The Henry Howson family papers, 1849-1952, mostly pertain to Henry Howson, Jr., with some documents from his father, and a sizeable quantity of papers from his daughter, Margaret, relative to Henry Howson, Jr.'s estate. Most materials relate to properties owned by the family in Philadelphia and in Chester County, Pennsylvania (Brae Head Farm) or the Howson patent law firm; there are a few items about Henry Howson, Sr.'s engineering work, Henry Howson, Jr.'s involvement with the Fairview Presbyterian Church's annual flower, fruit, and vegetable exhibition, and other topics.

Held at: Wallace Township Archives [Contact Us]

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