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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]

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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.

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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.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute photograph and negatives collection, circa 1860-1990s

Extent:

6.06 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 photograph and negatives collection, circa 1860-1990s, includes small collections of photographs and photograph albums as well as other photographic materials collected by The Franklin Institute over time. The materials consist of images related to science, industry and technology, engineering, transportation, and other related topics. There are also portrait, landscape, and aerial images. The collection includes prints, negatives, slides, and some early forms of photographs, including talbotypes/calotypes and albumen prints. Some photographs are oversized.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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Midvale Steel Company records, 1920-1978 (bulk) 1873-1978 (inclusive)

Extent:

20.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Midvale Steel was originally established in the Nicetown neighborhood of North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1867 by William Butcher under the name Butcher Steel Works. Renamed Midvale Steel Works in 1873, it was one of the main steel suppliers to the United States military from 1875 through World War II and was also where Frederick Taylor developed his theory of scientific management. The Nicetown plant closed in 1976. Midvale Steel Company records, 1873-1978 (bulk 1920-1978), consist of photographs, glass plate negatives, scrapbooks, and printed matter from or relating to Midvale Steel. There is a small amount of manuscript materials, including a company activity log book, 1876-1889, and a notebook from Charles Brinley, 1873.

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Wynn Laurence LePage papers, 1857-1869, 1929-1974

Extent:

7.42 linear feet

Abstract:

Wynn Laurence LePage (1902-1985) was an aeronautical engineer, well-known for having a major influence on the development of the autogiro and the helicopter by designing rotary wings. Together, LePage and Haviland Hull Platt, established the Platt-LePage Aircraft Company, which produced the first helicopter officially acquired by the United States Army Air Forces (XR-1) during World War II. The Wynn Laurence LePage papers, 1857-1869, 1929-1974, contain reports on the XR-1 and XR-1A helicopters, correspondence, notes, awards, lectures, newspaper clippings, photographs, a couple of scrapbooks, and objects.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute aviation scrapbook collection, 1940-1959 (bulk) 1909-1959 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.33 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 aviation scrapbook collection, 1909-1959 (bulk 1940-1959), consists of eleven scrapbooks with newspaper and magazine clippings, photographs, ephemera, correspondence, and other materials related to aviation and airplanes. Most of the scrapbooks in the collection were compiled by Carl Hunter Boas; some were compiled by Thomas Hart.

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Henry Butler Allen papers, 1933-1959 (bulk) 1924-1959 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.1 linear feet

Abstract:

Henry Butler Allen (1887-1962) was a metallurgical and mechanical engineer and served as Director of the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from 1935 until 1947. During World War II, Allen served on the National Defense Research Committee (NDRC) in the Armor and Ordnance Division. The Henry Butler Allen papers, 1924-1959 (bulk 1933-1959), consist of materials produced as part of or relating to Allen's duties at Director and Secretary of the Franklin Institute in the 1930s, as well as materials related to work he conducted during World War II for the National Defense Research Committee in Philadelphia and England.

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Edwin H. Armstrong papers, 1909-1956 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.35 linear feet

Abstract:

Edwin H. Armstrong (1890-1954) was an American electrical engineer and inventor, best known for inventing the regenerative circuit, the super-regenerative circuit, the superheterodyne receiver, and FM (frequency modulation) radio. He spent much of his life battling in court over his patent rights, primarily with Lee De Forest and Radio Corporation of America, and took his own life in 1954. Edwin H. Armstrong papers, 1909-1956, consist of photographs, lecture notes, letters, certificates, published materials, programs and ephemera, materials from his memorial service, and other documents.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute aviation photograph collection, 1934-1947 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.25 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 aviation photograph collection, 1934-1947, consists of approximately one hundred photographic negatives depicting airports, airplane repair and manufacturing plants, airplanes, autogiros, airships, and other images related to aviation.

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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.

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Frederic E. Ives papers, 1870-1938 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.16 linear feet

Abstract:

Frederic Eugene Ives (1856-1937) was a scientist and inventor known for his work in color photography. Frederic E. Ives papers, 1870-1938, consist of photographs, materials from the Hess-Ives Corporation, approximately a dozen scrapbooks, and other materials.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Harry A. Hornor lantern slides, circa 1900-1920

Extent:

3.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Harry A. Hornor (1874-1939) was an electrical engineer who lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and worked for the New York Ship Building Corporation in Camden, New Jersey. Hornor published several papers in prestigious science and engineering journals related to electrical engineering on ships. The Harry A. Hornor lantern slides, circa 1900-1920, consist of two hundred and thirty-five lantern slides depicting images of ships, as well as their construction, launches, interiors, mechanics, equipment, and other aspects. There are also images of diagrams, drawings, and schematics related to the electrical engineering aspects of ship building.

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American Temperance Society lantern slides, circa 1880-1920

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The American Temperance Society, also known as the American Society for the Promotion of Temperance, was established in 1826 in Boston, Massachusetts. It was the first formal national temperance movement in the United States. The American Temperance Society and other temperance movements would hold events and write literature warning people of the dangers of alcohol. American Temperance Society lantern slides, circa 1880-1920, consist of approximately ninety lantern slides, including slides that depict the sad stories of those who give in to the temptation of drinking alcohol, as well as slides of temperance related poems, sheet music, and cartoons. Many of the stories and other slides were intended to inspire guilt among those feeling tempted by alcohol.

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Henry R. Heyl papers, 1876-1917 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.25 linear feet

Abstract:

Henry Renno Heyl (1842-1919) was an inventor active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Heyl was a longtime member of The Franklin Institute and is best known for creating the phasmatrope, an early simulation of moving pictures, and receiving the first United States patent for a stapler. Henry R. Heyl papers, 1876-1917, consist of numerous patents, drawings and explanations of Heyl's inventions. There is a large amount of materials pertaining to his paper milk bottle and wire book sewing machine inventions. Also included are some photographs and a glass plate negative, a scrapbook, correspondence, graphs, diagrams and blueprints, notes, reports, notebooks, manuals, and books.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute stereoscope card collection, circa 1873-1914

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. The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute stereoscope card collection, circa 1873-1914, consists of small amounts of stereoviews depicting various scenery from the United States and locations in Europe and Asia. Also in the collection are images related to the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, PA and Coleman Sellers's Kinematoscope.

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George W. Hewitt glass plates, circa 1908-1911

Extent:

7.0 linear feet

Abstract:

George Wattson Hewitt (1841-1916) was an architect active in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was involved in the design of several well-known buildings, including the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel, the Philadelphia Bourse, and the Library of the University of Pennsylvania. He worked with noted Philadelphia architect Frank Furness from 1867 to 1875, when they dissolved their partnership. From 1875 to 1878, Hewitt worked on his own and then opened a new firm in 1878 with his brother, where he remained until he retired in 1907. Hewitt passed away in 1916. George W. Hewitt glass plates, circa 1908-1911, consist of approximately one thousand glass plate positives and negatives from Hewitt's travels in Europe.

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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.

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Oliver Wolcott Gibbs papers, 1847-1910 (inclusive)

Extent:

4.2 linear feet

Abstract:

Oliver Wolcott Gibbs (February 21, 1822-December 9, 1908) was an American chemist who is best known for his work in inorganic and analytical chemistry, specifically with the cobalt-amines, platinum metals, and complex acids. He is also known for performing the first electrogravimetric analyses and serving as president of various national science organizations. The Oliver Wolcott Gibbs papers, 1847-1910, consist largely of correspondence and other papers relating to scientific matters and Gibbs' roles in various organizations, especially the National Academy of Sciences. A significant amount of printed matter, such as pamphlets, reprints of articles written by Gibbs, Gibbs' speeches/addresses, and obituaries of him; a few photographs and objects; and a small amount of other materials are also present in the collection.

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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.

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Walter A. R. Pertuch lantern slides, circa 1894-1902

Extent:

1.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Walter A. R. Pertuch (1888-1976) worked in the library at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for fifty-five years, serving as the Institute's librarian from 1940 to 1959. He was an amateur photographer and photograph collector. Walter A. R. Pertuch lantern slides, circa 1894-1902, consist of approximately sixty-seven images depicting street and river scenes, buildings, and other images of Philadelphia, as well as images of the Pertuch family and others in Philadelphia and pictures of the family and scenery at Holly Beach, New Jersey (which was incorporated into Wildwood, NJ in 1912).

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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.

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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.

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Sellers family papers on machinery, 1845-1893 (inclusive)

Extent:

30.0 linear feet

Abstract:

The Sellers family was active in engineering and manufacturing in Philadelphia in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Brothers Charles (1806-1898), George Escol (1808-1899), and Coleman II (1827-1907) Sellers and their cousin William Sellers (1824-1905) were prominent Philadelphia industrialists, inventors, and mechanical engineers in the nineteenth century, responsible for important innovations in engineering and manufacturing while also running major industrial companies and taking an active role in civic affairs. Sellers family papers on machinery, 1845-1893, consist of hand drawn technical drawings for metal parts and machinery, patents and awards from exhibitions relating to machinery, certificates, and photographs of machinery, such as lathes, railroad cars, steam engines, and other mechanical engineering examples.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A. A. Fesquet drawings and notebooks, 1841-1865 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.55 linear feet

Abstract:

Adolphe Amdée Fesquet was a French chemist and engineer, active during the second half of the 19th century. He attended the École Centrale des Arts et Manufactures in France and later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he worked as a chemical engineer and became involved in translating various French technical books into English. The A. A. Fesquet drawings and notebooks, 1841-1865, consist of pencil and ink drawings annotated in French, notebooks and unbound notes, and two unlabeled portraits.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute daguerreotype collection, circa 1840-1860

Extent:

2.0 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 daguerreotype collection, circa 1840-1860, consists of twenty-seven daguerreotypes. Most of the images are of individuals, but there are images of scenery as well. Of special interest in the collection are two images from Philadelphia physician and photographic pioneer, Dr. Paul Beck Goddard and one image attributed to Louis J. M. Daguerre.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute glass plates and lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

20.0 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 glass plates and lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of over two hundred images including children's story slides, travel slides, positive and negative glass plate images of the phases of the moon and an eclipse, and other images. Of special interest in this collection are several glass plate negatives created by artist Thomas Eakins depicting some of his studies of human motion, as well as some glass plate positives from Eadweard Muybridge related to his own studies of motion.

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The Historical and Interpretive Collections of The Franklin Institute subject lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

15.0 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 subject lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of over nine hundred lantern slides depicting various subjects. The lantern slides are a mix of published and original slides.

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 general lantern slide collection, late 19th century-mid-20th century

Extent:

36.75 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 general lantern slide collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of almost 2,500 lantern slides depicting images of and related to The Franklin Institute, as well as science and technology related images. Some of the images in the collection are on full-sized glass plates.

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

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Charles R. Pancoast lantern slides, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

16.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Charles R. Pancoast (1854-1931) was a photographer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania active from the 1870s to 1922. In his shop, Pancoast developed his own photographs as well as those of other photographers. He enjoyed traveling and captured many images from foreign locations. Charles R. Pancoast lantern slides, late 19th century-early 20th century, consist of over twelve hundred slides taken by Pancoast in Philadelphia and during his travels throughout the North America, Asia, the Middle East, and South America.

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

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Carolyn J. Swartz lantern slide collection, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Carolyn J. Swartz lantern slide collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of approximately one hundred and twenty-six images depicting paintings and other artworks; images from Mercer County, NJ; travel/tourist scenes from California, Virginia, and other places; and other images. Several of the images are published, but there are some original images, possibly taken by Thomas H. Hibbert. The published images are from the Victor Animatograph Company, based in Davenport, Iowa.

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 aviation lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

1.0 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 aviation lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of over sixty lantern slides depicting early forms of flight, including monoplanes, biplanes, triplanes, balloons, and various forms of airships (including zeppelins). Also depicted are aerodromes.

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 travel lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

8.0 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 travel lantern slides collection, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of images that depict a variety of locations, including several places in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Chile, Asia, and the Philippines. The images are primarily of scenery and buildings, but subjects such as war vessels, ships, and railroads are also depicted.

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 lantern slide collection on the life of Benjamin Franklin, late 19th century-early 20th century

Extent:

2.0 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 lantern slide collection on the life of Benjamin Franklin, late 19th century-early 20th century, consists of over one hundred and fifty lantern slides depicting various images of and related to Benjamin Franklin. Many slides are of paintings or other artistic interpretations of Franklin, locations related to Franklin, and documents pertaining to Franklin or other related subjects.

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