Subject: Local history - Philadelphia Area Archives Search Results

Chadds Ford Historical Society photograph and document collection, circa 1865-2013

Extent:: 10.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Chadds Ford in Delaware County, Pennsylvania was historically a crossroads, first a fording point across the Brandywine River and later near the intersection of two train lines. It is known for its role in the Revolutionary War--the Battle of the Brandywine was fought here in 1777--and in art history--Howard Pyle's studio and students gave rise to the Brandywine School of Art, fostered by three generations of the Wyeth family. The Chadds Ford Historical Society photograph and document collection, circa 1865-2013, consists of various documents, such as deeds, correspondence, and financial papers; photographs, including daguerreotypes and tintypes; and maps; that document the people, places, and landscape of the Chadds Ford area.

Held at: Chadds Ford Historical Society [Contact Us]

Charlestown Historical Society subject files, circa 1900-2014 (bulk 1976-2014)

Extent:: 16.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Charlestown Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania is named for Charles Pickering, who was granted the land from William Penn that today makes up a large portion of the Township. Charlestown was the site of the Valley Forge General Hospital during World War II. The Charlestown Historical Society subject files, circa 1900-2014 (bulk 1976-2014), contain materials that relate to Charlestown Township's history and residents; local historic districts, buildings, and organizations; other Chester County historic sites and organizations; and other topics of local interest. Although there are a small number of scattered primary source documents in the collection, materials are largely secondary-source, such as newspaper clippings, research notes, scholarly articles, photocopies of primary documents, and printed materials and ephemera. The collection is organized into three series: I. Subject files; II. Family files; and III. Scrapbooks.

Held at: Charlestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

Charlestown Historical Society manuscripts collection, circa 1790-1990

Extent:: 10.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Charlestown Township in Chester County, Pennsylvania is named for Charles Pickering, who was granted the land from William Penn that today makes up a large portion of the Township. Charlestown was the site of the Valley Forge General Hospital during World War II. The Charlestown Historical Society manuscripts collection, circa 1790-1990, includes photographs, slides, deeds, maps and atlases, family papers, business records, school and municipal records, scrapbooks and various other materials collected from local people and organizations from Charlestown Township and nearby areas.

Held at: Charlestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

Lloyd Wells Collection, 1965-1990 (bulk) 1940-2000 (inclusive)

Extent:: 4.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Lloyd Wells was the co-owner of Hill Hardware. He founded with others the Chestnut Hill Development Group, was president of the Chestnut Hill Community Association, the Chestnut Hill Realty Trust, and more. The Lloyd Wells Collection contains papers, clippings, and periodicals concerning Chestnut Hill history from the early 20th century to the 1990s.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Helen Moak Collection, 1960-2002 (bulk) 1859-2002 (inclusive)

Extent:: 32.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Helen Ross Moak (1918-2004) was a journalist, community activist, and local historian in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Helen Moak Collection, 1859-2002 [bulk 1960-2002] consists of newspaper clippings, correspondence, records, photos, and miscellaneous materials about Chestnut Hill and surrounding communities. Subjects include institutions, community organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

"Chestnut Hill Local" Collection, 1960-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:: 26.7 linear feet
Abstract:: Established in 1958, the Chestnut Hill Local emerged as a community forum and since has become an award-winning, independent weekly newspaper serving the neighborhood of Chestnut Hill, PA and the surrounding communities of Northwest Philadelphia. The "Chestnut Hill Local" Collection, 1960-1995, consists of photographs taken by photographers of the newspaper, as well as related clippings. It is arranged into two series: "Series I. Portraits/Headshots" and "Series II: Subject files."

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

Samuel Gordon Smyth scrapbooks, 1882-1929 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.67 linear feet
Abstract:: Samuel Gordon Smyth (1859-1930) was a prominent Irish-American local historian and genealogist in West Conshohocken, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Samuel Gordon Smyth scrapbooks, 1882-1929, consist of 18 volumes of newspaper clippings on local, world, political events and stories, especially items pertaining to Conshohocken, Pennsylvania.

Held at: Conshohocken Historical Society [Contact Us]

Conshohocken Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1850-2012

Extent:: 15.5 linear feet
Abstract:: The Conshohocken Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1850-2012, consists of original photographs of Conshohocken places and events, individuals, and organizations; Conshohocken Historical Society outings and events; and the Conshohocken Historic Resources Survey.

Held at: Conshohocken Historical Society [Contact Us]

Dr. Robert P. Case and Virginia M. DeNenno book production files, circa 1980-1998

Extent:: 9.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Dr. Robert P. Case, formerly a history professor at Neumann College, and Virginia M. "Ginny" DeNenno, long-time president of the Concord Township Historical Society, worked together on the two-volumes series Prosperity and Progress: Concord Township, Pennsylvania, 1683-1983 (Concordville, Pa. : Concord Township Historical Society). The first volume, authored by Case with assistance from DeNenno, was published in 1983; the second volume, co-authored by the pair, was published in 1997. The Dr. Robert P. Case and Virginia M. DeNenno book production files, circa 1980-1998, include their papers relating to the research, writing, and publication of the series. The bulk of the collection is property research and research notes, including photocopies of deeds, transcripts of wills, and other copies of primary-source documents.

Held at: Concord Township Historical Society [Contact Us]

Concord Township Historical Society subject files, circa 1900-2013

Extent:: 18.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Concord Township in Delaware County, Pennsylvania was incorporated in 1683, and includes the four villages of Concordville, Elam, Markham and Ward. Originally in Chester County, the township became part of Delaware County when Chester County was partitioned in 1789. The Concord Township Historical Society subject files, circa 1900-2013, include newspaper clippings, photocopies of secondary and primary source documents, pamphlets and ephemera, and a few photos and primary source documents on various local history topics including people, churches, landmarks and historical organizations (such as Newlin Grist Mill and Newlin family), local businesses and organizations, buildings, maps, and railroads.

Held at: Concord Township Historical Society [Contact Us]

Beulah Newlin Pennington papers, 1890-2003 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.25 linear feet
Abstract:: Beulah Newlin Pennington (1896-1990), who was born and lived all her life in Concord Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, taught in public schools there for 45 years before retiring in 1966. Concord Elementary School was renamed The Pennington School in her honor. The Beulah Newlin Pennington papers, 1890-2003, primarily consist of materials relating to Pennington's work as a teacher in Concord, personal papers, and some local history research materials.

Held at: Concord Township Historical Society [Contact Us]

Downingtown Area Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1991

Extent:: 7.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1991, consists of photographs and postcards depicting the people, businesses, churches, organizations, and schools of the Downingtown area.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

Downingtown Area Historical Society ephemera collection, 1978-2014 (bulk) 1909-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The Borough of Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania is located halfway between Philadelphia and Lancaster. Known as Milltown in the 18th century since it was the location of the last mills on the edge of the unsettled western frontier, the village became known as Downingtown after the War of 1812; the borough was incorporated in 1859. Improved transportation, by stagecoach, railroad, and eventually highways, drew increasing population and investment to Downingtown over the 19th and 20th centuries. The Downingtown Area Historical Society ephemera collection, 1909-2014 (bulk 1978-2014), documents the people, businesses, churches, organizations, and schools of the Downingtown area. Newsletters, pamphlets, maps, programs, copies and print-outs of research articles, and other types of ephemera are included.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

Delaware County Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1990

Extent:: 36.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Delaware County was the first section of Pennsylvania to be settled by Europeans, specifically Swedes in 1643. It was in the city of Chester, the original county seat of Delaware County, that William Penn and the General Assembly of Pennsylvania adopted Penn's "Great Law of Pennsylvania," which granted the right to vote, citizenship, freedom of religion and trial by jury to all settlers. Located adjacent to Philadelphia, Delaware County's suburban population grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Delaware County Historical Society photograph collection, circa 1870-1990, consists largely of original photographs, with some photocopies and copies of lithographs and prints, of local people, organizations, and events. There are also glass and film negatives, postcards, slides and photograph albums.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

Delaware County Historical Society miscellaneous manuscripts, 1728-1997 (inclusive)

Extent:: 134.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Delaware County was the first section of Pennsylvania to be settled by Europeans, specifically Swedes in 1643. It was in the city of Chester, the original county seat of Delaware County, that William Penn and the General Assembly of Pennsylvania adopted Penn's "Great Law of Pennsylvania," which granted the right to vote, citizenship, freedom of religion and trial by jury to all settlers. Located adjacent to Philadelphia, Delaware County's suburban population grew rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Delaware County Historical Society miscellaneous manuscripts, 1728-1997, consist of miscellaneous original manuscript and printed/ephemera materials relating to local people, organizations, and businesses in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Types of materials include: ledgers, diaries, correspondence, ephemera, pamphlets, and scrapbooks.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

Darby Free Library local history collection, 1970-2000 (bulk) 1873-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 12.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Darby Borough is located west of Cobbs Creek in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The village of Darby had its first town meeting in 1683 and was incorporated as a borough in 1852. Nicknamed "The Gateway To The South" because of its status as a popular way station for travelers between Baltimore and Philadelphia, Darby was also an important stop for many freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad. The Darby Free Library local history collection, 1873-2014 (bulk 1970-2000), consists mostly of secondary-source materials, such as newspaper clippings, photocopies, computer print outs, color photographs from the late 20th century, flyers and pamphlets, and ephemera. There are also some original, primary-source documents, and a few maps and about half a dozen atlases of Darby, Delaware County, and vicinity.

Held at: Darby Free Library [Contact Us]

Betty J. Strecker Doylestown Sesquicentennial records, 1987-1988 (bulk) 1987-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:: 1.33 linear feet
Abstract:: The area now known as Doylestown (Bucks County, Pennsylvania) was given to Edward Doyle as a land grant from William Penn in 1692. Doylestown became the county seat of Bucks County in 1812, and the area flourished when a railroad line was completed between Doylestown and Philadelphia in 1856. Doylestown's historic downtown began to deteriorate in the early 1960s, but the town was revitalized in part due to an architectural preservation movement. The Betty Strecker Doylestown Sesquicentennial records, consists mostly of records of the Doylestown Sesquicentennial Committee and papers relating to Strecker's role as its coordinator, including correspondence, newspaper clippings, photographs of people and events, applications for Doylestown Sesquicentennial Queen, a scrapbook, some published items, event planning materials, and copies of Doylestown: 150 Years, published by the Committee. There are also some personal records and papers from other organizations with which...(see more)

Held at: Doylestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

Doylestown Historical Society local history collection, 1832-2009 (inclusive)

Extent:: 18.0 linear feet
Abstract:: The area now known as Doylestown (Bucks County, Pennsylvania) was given to Edward Doyle as a land grant from William Penn in 1692. Doylestown became the county seat of Bucks County in 1812, and the area flourished when a railroad line was completed between Doylestown and Philadelphia in 1856. Doylestown's historic downtown began to deteriorate in the early 1960s, but the town was revitalized in part due to an architectural preservation movement. The Doylestown Historical Society local history collection, 1832-2009, consists of manuscripts, such as organizational records, ledgers, photographs, ephemera, genealogy records, maps, and blueprints, that document various Doylestown individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.

Held at: Doylestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

East Falls Historical Society photograph album and scrapbook collection, 1913-1998 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.4 linear feet
Abstract:: The East Falls Historical Society photograph album and scrapbook collection, 1913-1998, is comprised of scrapbooks and photograph albums. The collection includes scrapbooks on local history, events, and community organizations, and photograph albums compiled by local groups including Girl Scouts troops and the East Falls Community Council.

Held at: East Falls Historical Society [Contact Us]

Pat Stopper collection on Northeast Philadelphia history, circa 1880-2013 (bulk 1980-2005)

Extent:: 8.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Patricia Worthington Stopper (born 1928) was a local historian in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is involved in many Northeast Philadelphia history societies and groups and has researched and written extensively about the neighborhoods of Bustleton, Somerton, and Byberry. She has also given presentations and lectures at schools, libraries, and historical groups about Northeast Philadelphia history. The Pat Stopper collection on Northeast Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pa.) history, circa 1880-2013 (bulk 1980-2005), consists of scrapbooks, maps, audio and video recordings, and photographs all relating to Northeast Philadelphia, especially the neighborhoods of Bustleton, Somerton, and Byberry.

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

Goschenhoppen Historians audiovisual materials collection, circa 1967-2011

Extent:: 34.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Goschenhoppen, one of the oldest continuously existing Pennsylvania German communities in America, is a geographic region in Montgomery County. The bulk of the Goschenhoppen Historians audiovisual materials collection, 1967-2011, depicts the annual folk festival put on by the Historians. There are also photographs and recordings of other Goschenhoppen Historians events and lectures, as well as oral histories.

Held at: Goschenhoppen Historians, Inc. [Contact Us]

Goschenhoppen Historians document and ephemera collection, 1758-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Goschenhoppen, one of the oldest continuously existing Pennsylvania German communities in America, is a geographic region in Montgomery County. The Goschenhoppen Historians document and ephemera collection, 1758-1992, documents local history and is rich in genealogical data. It includes receipts and accounts, indentures, vital records, correspondence, and other original documents; ephemera, such as advertisements, pamphlets, broadsides, and sheet music, are also in the collection. Fine examples of Fraktur are of special interest.

Held at: Goschenhoppen Historians, Inc. [Contact Us]

Germantown Historical Society pamphlet boxes, circa 1875-2012

Extent:: 163.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Germantown, a section of northwest Philadelphia, was settled in the late 1600s. It is well known as the site of the first American anti-slavery protest, the Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown, and the seat of the National government during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. The Germantown Historical Society pamphlet boxes, circa 1875-2012, contain files on various topics relating to Germantown and surrounding areas.

Held at: Germantown Historical Society [Contact Us]

Germantown Historical Society scrapbook and photograph album collection, circa 1880-1989

Extent:: 14.75 linear feet
Abstract:: Germantown, a section of northwest Philadelphia, was settled in the late 1600s. It is well known as the site of the first American anti-slavery protest, the Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown, and the seat of the National government during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. The Germantown Historical Society scrapbook collection, circa 1880-1989, contains scrapbooks from multiple creators relating to local Germantown families, events, and organizations.

Held at: Germantown Historical Society [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]

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]

Haverford Township Historical Society photograph collection, 1895-2014 (inclusive)

Extent:: 10.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Haverford Township is a suburb of Philadelphia situated near the wealthy "Main Line" west of the city. It encompasses the community of Havertown and parts of Haverford, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Drexel Hill, and Wynnewood in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Haverford Township Historical Society photograph collection, 1895-2014, depicts the people, buildings, and scenery of Haverford Township (Delaware County, Pennsylvania). Buildings, especially historic sites, are particularly well represented, but there are also family photographs and photographs of other subjects.

Held at: Haverford Township Historical Society [Contact Us]

Historic Carversville Society local history collection, 1970-1990 (bulk) 1793-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:: 3.5 linear feet
Abstract:: A prime example of a 19th-century farming community, Carversville in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was one of the first districts to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. The Historic Carversville Society local history collection, 1793-2013 (bulk 1970-1990), contains various materials, including oral histories, photographs, newspaper clippings, ephemera, and two deeds, that document Carversville local history.

Held at: Historic Carversville Society [Contact Us]

Historic Fallsington, Inc. manuscript collection, 1729-1984 (inclusive)

Extent:: 15.5 linear feet
Abstract:: Settled by English Quakers in the late 17th century, the village of Fallsington in Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania became significant as a religious, social and commercial center for the surrounding community. It served as a popular stopover point for travelers due to its location along several major transportation systems. Fallsington became the first historic district in Bucks County (1955) and was subsequently placed on the National Register of Historic Places (1971). The Historic Fallsington, Inc. manuscript collection includes the papers of numerous Fallsington families and individuals, as well as other materials that document the history of the village. Items include personal papers, account books and other financial papers, diaries, photographs, deeds, maps, and genealogy research.

Held at: Historic Fallsington, Inc. [Contact Us]

Historic Fallsington, Inc. records, 1956-circa 1995

Extent:: 3.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Settled by English Quakers in the late 17th century, the Village of Fallsington in Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania became significant as a religious, social and commercial center for the surrounding community. Fallsington became the first historic district in Bucks County in 1955 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, largely due to the efforts of Historic Fallsington, Inc. The historic preservation organization and museum formed in the early 1950s as a response to the suburban development that threatened the destruction of historic homes and buildings. The Historic Fallsington, Inc. records, 1956-circa 1995, consist of files on Historic Fallsington, Inc. that were maintained by former board members and donated back to the organization. The files include Historic Fallsington, Inc. minutes, financial records, correspondence, ephemera, photocopies of research materials, and photocopies of newspaper clippings on Historic Fallsington. Also...(see more)

Held at: Historic Fallsington, Inc. [Contact Us]

Historic Langhorne Association local history collection, 1733-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:: 18.33 linear feet
Abstract:: Settled by Quakers beginning in 1680, the small town of Langhorne in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, grew as an important transportation center between Trenton and Philadelphia due to its location at the intersection of major roads connecting the two cities. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the town, which served as a stop along the rail line, became a popular summer vacation destination for wealthy Philadelphians. The Historic Langhorne Association local history collection, 1733-2012, consists of various materials relating to local history topics in or around Langhorne, Pennsylvania, including families, individuals, businesses, organizations, and property. It includes four series: subject files, small collections, oral histories, and oversize materials.

Held at: Historic Langhorne Association [Contact Us]

Horsham Preservation and Historical Association manuscript collection, 1684-1975 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Welsh Strawbridge (1878-1969) and his new wife Margaret E. Marhsall Strawbridge (1898-1969) moved to Graeme Park, the estate of colonial Governor Sir William Keith, in 1922. They raised thoroughbred horses on the land before donating it to Horsham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania in 1958. The Horsham Preservation and Historical Association manuscript collection, 1684-1975, is comprised of Strawbridge family papers, township records, Graeme Park property records, and various other documents.

Held at: Horsham Preservation and Historical Association [Contact Us]

Dorothy Call clippings scrapbooks on Bensalem School District, 1950-1967 (bulk) 1940-1989 (inclusive)

Extent:: 2.75 linear feet
Abstract:: As of 2013, the Bensalem Township School District in Bucks County, Pennsylvania has six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The Dorothy Call clippings scrapbooks on Bensalem School District, 1940-1989 (bulk 1950-1967), consist of 18 scrapbooks that largely document Bensalem High School. Of special interest is a scrapbook Call began to create while still a student at Bensalem High School about its girls' sports teams, 1940-1945.

Held at: Historical Society of Bensalem Township [Contact Us]

Historical Society of Bensalem Township local history collection, 1770-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:: 12.0 linear feet
Abstract:: Settled by the Dutch, Swedes, and English, Bensalem Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, was a farming community until the 1950s and 1960s when the area underwent a significant amount of suburban development. Historical Society of Bensalem Township local history collection, 1770-2013, consists of maps, deeds, photographs, ledgers, and other original, primary-source documents relating to the history of Bensalem Township and surrounding areas.

Held at: Historical Society of Bensalem Township [Contact Us]