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M. Carey Lea opalotypes and manuscripts, circa 1840s-1890s

Extent:

1.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Matthew Carey Lea (1823-1897) was a lawyer and chemist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In his later years, Lea focused specifically on the chemistry of photography and made a number of contributions to the field, including publishing several hundred articles and a book on photography and developing a photochemical called Carey Lea Silver. M. Carey Lea opalotypes and manuscripts, circa 1840s-1890s, consists of just over forty opalotype photographs and two manuscripts.

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

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Ivy Mills financial records, 1783-1866 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Ivy Mills, located in what is now the community of Glen Mills in Concord Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, was established in 1729 by Thomas Willcox and his partner Thomas Brown. One of the earliest paper mills in operation in the American colonies, Ivy Mills rose to prominence, supplying paper to Benjamin Franklin for his print shop and to the American colonies and the Continental Congress for their currency. After the establishment of the United States, Ivy Mills continued to be the leading supplier of bank note paper for the federal government and also supplied banks across the western hemisphere with paper. The mill's ownership passed down through the Willcox family until 1866 when it ceased operations. Ivy Mills financial records, 1783-1866, consist of the mill's financial records, a glass plate negative of the mill, and paper samples.

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

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute subject files, 1792-1943 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.5 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 subject files, 1792-1943, consist of files arranged alphabetically by subject containing a variety of primary and secondary-source documents related to each topic. The subject headings in the collection include Assorted Industry, Assorted Machines/Technology, Aviation, Cars, Deeds, Electricity, Maps, People, Newspaper Clippings, Patents, The Franklin Institute, Trains, Printing/Typing, and other topics.

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

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John Scott portrait negatives of scientists, circa 1920-1930s

Extent:

7.5 linear feet

Abstract:

John Scott was a photographer. John Scott portrait negatives of scientists, circa 1920-1930s, consist of approximately 2,500 film negatives of portraits of male and female scientists from the United States and around the world. The negatives are labeled with the name and field of study of the scientist, as well as a school with which they are associated or a location.

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

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D. G. McCaa papers on radio, 1909-1930 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.0 linear feet

Abstract:

D. G. McCaa (1882-1954) was a doctor and a pioneer in the field of radio engineering from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. He is best known today for his noise-reduction circuits in AM radio.The D. G. McCaa papers on radio, 1909-1930, consist of materials relating to McCaa's work in radio, including twenty-five assorted lab notebooks, patents and patent correspondence, and other related papers.

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

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Oliver Evans papers on patents, manufacturing and business matters, 1793-1818, 1900

Extent:

0.67 linear feet

Abstract:

Oliver Evans (1755-1819) was a pioneer in automation, materials handling, and steam power whose innovations gave great impetus to the Industrial Revolution in the United States. Evans was among the first Americans to recognize the advantage of combined heat and power, or cogeneration. Later in his career, much of his time was spent on patent infringement lawsuits. The Oliver Evans papers on patents, manufacturing and business matters, 1793-1818, 1900, consist primarily of correspondence, as well as legal documents relating to Oliver Evans' patent infringement cases including summons, court papers and proceedings, sworn testimony and statements, and financial records.

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

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William N. Jennings scrapbook, photographs, and negatives, 1882-1937 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.0 linear feet

Abstract:

William N. Jennings (1860-1946) was a photographer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania best known for being credited with the first successful photograph of lightning and his work in aerial photography. William N. Jennings scrapbook, photographs, and negatives, 1882-1937, consist of Jennings's scrapbook documenting his efforts to photograph lightning, including prints of the first photograph of lightning, as well as photographs, film negatives, and glass plate negatives of people at street scenes in Philadelphia, PA and nearby areas. There is also one oversized item consisting of mounted images of lightning.

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

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Frederick Graff maps, technical drawings, and plans on Philadelphia (Pa.) water engineering projects, circa 1683-1875

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Frederick Graff (1775-1847) was a hydraulic engineer best known for designing Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's landmark Fairmount Water Works in the 1810s. He subsequently served as consulting engineer for water works in New York, Boston, and many other cities. After Graff's death in 1847, his son, Frederick Graff, Jr. (1817-1890), took over the role of chief engineer for the Philadelphia Water Department. Frederick Graff maps, technical drawings, and plans on Philadelphia (Pa.) water engineering projects, circa 1683-1875, consist of maps, drawings, and plans related to both the elder and younger Graff's work as water engineers. Most of the materials relate to the Fairmount Water Works, but some pertain to other water engineering projects in Philadelphia.

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

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Orville and Wilbur Wright papers on aeronautical engineering, 1889-1930 (inclusive)

Extent:

8.5 linear feet

Abstract:

Brothers Orville (1871-1948) and Wilbur Wright (1867-1912) were American inventors and pioneers in the field of aviation, best known for being credited with building and flying the first successful airplane. The Orville and Wilbur Wright papers on aeronautical engineering, 1889-1930, include notebooks, data sheets, graphs, technical drawings and blueprints, photographs, correspondence, newspaper clippings and other materials related to the brothers' aeronautical efforts.

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