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Journal of The Franklin Institute lantern slides, 1881-1921 (inclusive)

Extent:

3.5 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. Journal of The Franklin Institute lantern slides, 1881-1921, consist of about two hundred and fifty lantern slides depicting images used during lectures at the Franklin Institute that were based on articles published in the Journal of The Franklin Institute.

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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Howard Pusey lantern slides, circa 1884-1909

Extent:

10.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Howard Pusey lantern slides, circa 1884-1909, consist of over six hundred images depicting various locations in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Europe, and the Middle East. The images are primarily of scenery, buildings, and sculpture, but there are some portraits and other images featuring people.

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

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Philadelphia Water Department lantern slides, circa 1885-1925

Extent:

5.0 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 Philadelphia Water Department lantern slides, circa 1885-1925, consist of two hundred and ninety-four lantern slides depicting images of documents, machinery, and other subjects related to the Water Department's research and operations.

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

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F. Lynwood Garrison metallography photomicrographic glass plates, circa 1885

Extent:

1.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Frank Lynwood Garrison (1862-1951) was a mining engineer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, who is best known for his research relating to the structural composition of iron and steel and establishing the science of metallography in the United States in 1886. F. Lynwood Garrison metallography photomicrographic glass plates, circa 1885, consist of approximately one hundred and ten glass plates depicting the composition of iron and steel. One image is of his camera and microscope apparatus.

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]

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Welsbach Gas Light Company lantern slides, postcards, and bulletins, circa 1890-1911

Extent:

13.5 linear feet

Abstract:

Welsbach Gas Light Company was in operation in Gloucester City, Camden County, New Jersey from the late 1890s through 1940. The company had the exclusive manufacturing and selling rights for the Welsbach mantle, an incandescent gas mantle used for street lamps, invented by Austrian scientist and inventor Carl Auer von Welsbach (1858-1929). Welsbach Gas Light Company lantern slides, postcards, and bulletins, circa 1890-1911, consist of images showing the production of gas mantles and fixtures, various rooms in the Gloucester City factory and laboratory, and employees; a series of postcards, 1908, showing black and white images of the factory, its equipment and laboratories, and its employees at work; and company bulletins.

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

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Elihu Thomson scrapbook, lantern slides, and photographs, circa 1890-1930

Extent:

3.75 linear feet

Abstract:

Elihu Thomson (1853-1937) was an English-born American electrical engineer and inventor active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was co-founder of the Thomson-Houston Electric Company, which merged with Edison General Electric Company in 1892 to establish General Electric Company. Elihu Thomson scrapbook, lantern slides, and photographs, circa 1890-1930, consist of materials relating to Thomson's time at General Electric, as well as images of various types of lighting fixtures, images of Thomson and his inventions, and other materials.

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

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J. Norman Spawn lantern slides and stereopticons, circa 1890s-early 20th century

Extent:

3.5 linear feet

Abstract:

J. Norman Spawn lantern slides and stereopticons, circa 1890s-early 20th century, consist of approximately two hundred images that depict locations in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Montana, Colorado, Canada, Italy and other places in Europe, Egypt, and other locations. Some of the images are images of drawings and other documents. Some of the images may be commercially published.

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

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Thomas H. Hibbert lantern slides, circa 1890s-1900s

Extent:

5.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Thomas H. Hibbert lived in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The Thomas H. Hibbert lantern slides, circa 1890s-1900s, consist of approximately two hundred and eighty-six lantern slides. The images depict scenery, buildings, bridges, and other outdoor images from various areas in the United States.

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