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Start Over Year 1950 to 1999

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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]

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Elizabeth J. Forrester papers on Episcopalianism, 1970-1991 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.33 linear feet
Abstract:
Elizabeth J. Forrester (1916-1991) was a community leader active in the Episcopal Church. For most of her career she worked in the Philadelphia area as a social worker and as a director of community improvement projects; she also served on the Boards of numerous charitable, health and educational organizations. Deeply involved with her congregation, the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Forrester became the first African-American president of the Episcopal Church Women in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The Elizabeth J. Forrester papers on Episcopalianism, 1970-1991, consist of papers accumulated by Forrester on Episcopalianism, church issues, Episcopal organizations with which she was involved (principally the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and Episcopal Church Women), and other Episcopal congregations. Included are pamphlets, newsletters, and other printed ephemera; correspondence; handwritten notes; and a few photographs.

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

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Biddle family papers, 1747-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:
70.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Nicholas Biddle (1786-1844) was one of the most prominent men in early 19th century America, best known as President of the Second National Bank of the United States. Many of his family members were also prominent to their contemporaries and to history, including Nicholas's brother, Commodore James Biddle (1783-1848), who served in the Navy for decades and worked to open up trade with Asia. The Biddle family papers, 1747-2011, consist largely of original manuscript documents from a number of Biddle family members, notably Nicholas Biddle (1786-1844), Commodore James Biddle (1783-1848), Letitia Glenn Biddle (1864-1950), Charles J. Biddle (1890-1972) and Katharine Legendre Biddle (1893-1973), and Nicholas Biddle, Jr. (1917-2013). In addition, there are some secondary-source materials pertaining to the Biddle family and the administration of Andalusia, the family's ancestral home.

Held at: Andalusia Foundation [Contact Us]

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American Swedish Historical Museum subject files, 1938-1962 (bulk) 1862-1994 (inclusive)

Extent:
13.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The American Swedish Historical Museum subject files, 1862-1994 [bulk 1938-1962] is an assembled collection of newspaper clippings, articles, ephemera, photographs, and other materials relating to topics of interest to Swedes in America. The collection is arranged into three series: I. "General subject files"; II. "American Swedish historic sites", and III. "Swedish ambassadors."

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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American Swedish Historical Museum Amandus Johnson collection, 1929-1965 (bulk) 1904-1974 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.4 linear feet
Abstract:
Amandus Johnson (1877-1974) was a prominent figure in the Swedish American community who was instrumental in the founding and early operations of the American Swedish Historical Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The American Swedish Historical Museum Amandus Johnson collection, 1904-1974, is an assembled collection of records relating to Johnson's role in the American Swedish Historical Museum, as well as some of his private papers and scholarship. It features a large number of glass plate and film negatives of pages of documents, exhibits, places in Sweden, etc.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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John Bartram Association records, 1911-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:
30.0 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 was established in 1893 to help with the administration and interpretation of the property. The John Bartram Association records, 1911-2012, consist of records of the John Bartram Association, especially pertaining to its management of the Bartram's Garden site. The collection includes financial and administrative records, reports and architectural plans generated by consultants, photographs and slides, documentation of archaeological digs, and mailings of the Bartram Trail Society.

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

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Conrad Wilson and William E. Frame genealogy research files on the Bartram family, 1957-1993 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Conrad Wilson (1921-2005) and Colonel William Eber Frame Jr. (1924-2007) were descendants of "Father of American Botany" John Bartram (1699-1777). Both Wilson and Frame were avid historians and genealogists. The Conrad Wilson and Colonel William Eber Frame genealogy research files on the Bartram family, 1957-1993, consist of materials gathered by Frame and Wilson relating to Bartram family genealogy.

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

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John Bartram Association research files, 1980-2012 (bulk) 1905-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:
16.25 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 was established in 1893 to help with the administration and interpretation of the property. The John Bartram Association research files, 1905-2012, consist of research materials relating to the Bartram family and Bartram's Gardens.

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

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Byberry Monthly Meeting records, 1790-2002 (inclusive)

Extent:
5.0 linear feet (binders, folders, volumes, loose items)
Abstract:
The first meeting house for members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Byberry, Philadelphia was built in the 1690s. Byberry Monthly Meeting was formally established by Abington Quarterly Meeting out of Horsham Monthly Meeting in 1810, and is currently active as of 2011. Byberry Monthly Meeting records, 1790-2002, include records for the Meeting, Byberry Friends School, Byberry Meeting First Day School, and Byberry Nursery School and Kindergarten. The majority of records held at Byberry Library consist of more recent documentation of the Monthly Meeting, Nursery School, and Kindergarten, circa 1970-2000. These include meeting minutes, financial records, and photograph albums and scrapbooks of Meeting events and activities. Of the remaining collection, most materials pertaining to the Meeting prior to 1970 are photocopies, transcriptions, or facsimiles. There are, however, several original volumes of material from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Held at: Byberry Library [Contact Us]

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Byberry Library Company records, 1876-circa 2000

Extent:
0.5 linear feet (several volumes, several folders, and a set of borrowers cards)
Abstract:
Byberry Library Company was a subscription-based library in the Byberry section of Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was established on December 29, 1794. Although the stockholders were not exclusively members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the Library was generally under Quaker management, and occupied the schoolhouse of the Byberry Friends Meeting for most of its existence. This collection dates from about 1876-2000 and includes scattered records from the Byberry Library Company, such as acquisition/donation records, inventories of books, minutes, and circulation records. The highlight of this collection is a volume, dated 1876-1945, with circulation records of subscribers.

Held at: Byberry Library [Contact Us]

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Tindley Temple United Methodist Church records, circa 1900-2014

Extent:
100.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Tindley Temple United Methodist Church was founded in 1837 as the John Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, and was later known as the Bainbridge Street Methodist Church and East Calvary Methodist Church before it was renamed after its influential pastor Charles A. Tindley in 1927. Charles Albert Tindley (1851-1933) became a pastor of the church in 1902 and vastly increased the size of the congregation during his ministry. He is nationally significant for his important role in the development of the African American gospel tradition. The Tindley Temple United Methodist Church records, circa 1900-2014, consist of membership records, church Trustee records, property and building-related documents, administrative papers, financial records, programs from church services and other events, recordings, photographs, and papers of and research on church reverends. Of note are a small amount of materials from Charles A. Tindley, including photographs of him and sermon outlines.

Held at: Charles Albert Tindley Institute [Contact Us]

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Michael A. Stone research files on woodworking artists, 1980-1995 (inclusive)

Extent:
4.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Michael A. Stone (born 1954) is a scholar of contemporary American crafts and woodworking. He wrote the book Contemporary American Woodworkers (1985), and articles which have appeared in American Craft, Fine Woodworking, The New York Times, and other publications. The Michael A. Stone research files on woodworking artists, 1980-1995, include research articles, interviews, photographs and slides of works, correspondence with artists and descendants of artists, exhibition catalogs and ephemera, artist curricula vitae, press releases, and related documents. Garry Bennett, Arthur Carpenter, Wharton Esherick, and other well-known woodworking artists are represented in the collection.

Held at: The Center for Art in Wood [Contact Us]

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Albert LeCoff early records of The Center for Art in Wood, 1982-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:
20.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Albert LeCoff (born 1950) is a co-founder and the Executive Director of The Center for Art in Wood (formerly known as the Wood Turning Center) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Since the mid 1970s, Albert has worked to promote the art of woodturning, woodworking, and the artists involved in these pursuits through developing programs at the Center, organizing conferences and exhibitions across the United States, and lecturing internationally. The Albert LeCoff early records of the Center for Art in Wood, 1982-2008, consist largely of slides of artworks and other materials that pertain to exhibitions, conferences, and symposia. To a lesser extent there are administrative and publicity materials relating to the early administration of the Center; photographs; printed materials; ephemera; and correspondence.

Held at: The Center for Art in Wood [Contact Us]

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The Center for Art in Wood video collection, 1990-2005 (inclusive)

Extent:
20.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Established in 1986, The Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia, PA is an arts and education institution that is dedicated to promoting and advancing the field of woodworking and woodturning, the use of wood in creation and design, and the artists who work in this field through its programs, gallery space, and research library. The Center for Art in Wood video collection, 1990-2005, consists of VHS tapes and a few DVDs of conference, panel, and event proceedings at The Center for Art in Wood in Philadelphia, PA and elsewhere; instructional videos about woodturning and woodturning history; and other topics relating to wood in art design and creation.

Held at: The Center for Art in Wood [Contact Us]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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Chester Heights CampMeeting Association records, 1920-2015 (bulk) 1812-2015 (inclusive)

Extent:
12.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Chester Heights CampMeeting Association (CHCMA), located in Chester Heights, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit, parachurch, interdenominational, religious organization dedicated to the evangelical ministry of proclaiming Christianity to the world. Chartered in 1872, the Association was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and, as of 2015, continues to host an annual summer concert series, as well as walking tours, membership meetings, banquets, and annual service days. The Chester Heights CampMeeting Association records, 1812-2015 (bulk 1920-2015), consist of administrative and financial records, legal documents, photographs, scrapbooks, and other materials relating to the CHCMA. There is also a small portion of research, reference materials, printed matter, and other documents related to camp meetings and camp meeting organizations.

Held at: Chester Heights CampMeeting Association [Contact Us]

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Chestnut Hill restaurants collection, circa 1965-1994

Extent:
0.4 linear feet
Abstract:
The Chestnut Hill Restaurant Collection, circa 1965-1994, includes menus, plans, and information on two restaurants: 21 West and Depot, located in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Chestnut Hill Business Association, 1952-1985 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Chestnut Hill Business Association is a membership organization for the retailers and restaurants located in Chestnut Hill, a Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood. This collection is made up of records from the different business which make up the Chestnut Hill Business Association.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Henry H. Houston Estate collection, circa 1905-1996

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Henry Howard Houston (1820-1895) was a prominent Philadelphia businessman and philanthropist influential in the development of Chestnut Hill. As a high-ranking executive for the Pennsylvania Railroad, he convinced the company to run a line west through Chestnut Hill, opening in 1884. As a property developer, he helped establish the affluent neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill and Germantown, and he donated a building and property in Chestnut Hill to the Philadelphia Cricket Club. The Henry H. Houston Estate collection, circa 1905-1996, includes correspondence and other materials concerning Philadelphia Cricket Club and the Houston estate. It features three estate ledgers, dated 1938, 1940, and 1951.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Top of the Hill shopping area collection, circa 1975

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Top of the Hill shopping area collection consists of papers and reports describing the Top of the Hill shopping area development in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia. Authors are Mr. W. W. Keen Butcher and Top of the Hill Associates. Frederick W. G. Peck did landscape design and Ueland and Junker, Architects, did the plans.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Dowley family collection, 1938-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.4 linear feet
Abstract:
The Dowley family, a prominent Chestnut Hill family, moved to the area from New York city in 1948. The Dowley family collection, 1938-2007, contains family records, correspondence, and school yearbooks.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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Dr. Josephus T. Ullom collection, 1913-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.4 linear feet
Abstract:
Dr. Josephus Tuck Ullom was a general practitioner in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, who lived in the area from 1901 till his death in 1965. He served as Chief of Staff of Chestnut Hill Hospital as well as achieving prominence in various other medical endeavors and organizations. The Dr. Josephus T. Ullom collection, 1913-1980, includes a scrapbook, clippings, photos, daily calendars and manuscripts by and about Dr. Josephus Tuck Ullom.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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"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]

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Philadelphia Canoe Club records, 1905-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:
22.0 boxes and 18 record cartons, 3 flat boxes, 1 document box
Abstract:
“The Philadelphia Canoe Club (PCC) is one of the oldest and most distinguished paddling organizations in the United States. Headquartered in an 18th-century mill at the confluence of the Wissahickon Creek and Schuylkill River in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, PCC counts among its members more than 200 canoeists and kayakers who take scores of trips every year on local rivers and streams as well as numerous waterways throughout North America.” The Philadelphia Canoe Club Collection, 1905 to 2013, contains records relating to the functions of the organization. Primary subjects documented in the PCC Collection include: administrative records and financial records, activity records, newsletters, and photographs. The types of materials found in the collection include minutes, reports, ledgers, and logbooks. Bibliography: Philadelphia Canoe Club. “History.” Accessed November 27, 2013. http://www.philacanoe.org/history

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Chestnut Hill Community Centre records, 1817-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.8 linear feet
Abstract:
The Chestnut Hill Community Centre was an organization that worked to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. The Chestnut Hill Community Centre records, 1817-2010, includes administrative, financial, and event records of the organizaton.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Philadelphia Cricket Club Collection, 1935-2011 (bulk) 1858-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:
22.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Founded in 1854, the Philadelphia Cricket Club is one of the oldest clubs in the country devoted to sport. The club was nomadic until 1883, when benefactor Henry H. Houston gave them a permanent home in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Cricket Club Collection, 1858-2011, includes financial and administrative records of the club, as well as publications and ephemera, photographs, and newspaper clippings.

Held at: Chestnut Hill Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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Conshohocken Historical Society Alan Wood Steel Company collection, 1928-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:
4.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Alan Wood Steel Company, established in 1826, was an iron production company located in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania along the Schuylkill River. The Conshohocken Historical Society Alan Wood Steel Company collection, 1928-1920, is comprised of assorted published and unpublished materials on the Alan Wood Steel Company, including annual reports, pamphlets, brochures, books, and scrapbooks, as well as a small amount of correspondence, financial records, and artifacts.

Held at: Conshohocken Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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Cliveden of the National Trust (Philadelphia, Pa.) records, 1972-2015 (bulk) 1809-2015 (inclusive)

Extent:
150.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Built in 1767 in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cliveden served as the home of the Chew family for over 200 years and played a key role in the Revolutionary War Battle of Germantown in 1777. In 1972, the estate was donated by the family to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, becoming Cliveden of the National Trust. Cliveden of the National Trust records, 1809-2015 (bulk 1972-2015), consist of materials that document the administration of Cliveden of the National Trust as a historic site, and include administrative files, collection records, reference files, archeological files, buildings and grounds files, program files, grant files, National Trust for Historic Preservation files, board files, education files, Education Director files, oversized materials, audio and visual materials, and other documents.

Held at: Cliveden of the National Trust [Contact Us]

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Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation records, 1973-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:
80.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation is one of the oldest working colonial farms in Pennsylvania, with a unique focus on the "ordinary people" of the Revolutionary era. The Plantation is located in Ridley Creek State Park (Edgmont Township, Delaware County). It was founded by Bishop's Mill Historical Institute in 1973. The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation records, circa 1973-2013, include materials that document its finances, administration, programs and visitation, site maintenance, and personnel. Of special interest are about a dozen logs from the staff and volunteers who worked as re-enactors, "housewives' journals," with daily entries recording programs and events. There are also numerous photographs and several maps and plans in the collection.

Held at: Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation [Contact Us]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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Woman's Club of Downingtown records, 1914-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:
15.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Woman's Club of Downingtown (Chester County, Pennsylvania) was organized in 1914 and is still active as of 2014. Its mission is "to develop the educational, civic, and special interests of its members and to advance the welfare of the community." It was federated in the General Federation of Women's Clubs for most of its history, but disaffiliated in 2001. The Woman's Club of Downingtown records, 1914-2007, consist of various administrative, financial, and other records from the club's founding in 1914 through the beginning of the 21st century. A detailed inventory of the collection is available on-site.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Brandywine Lodge No. 388 (Downingtown, Pa.) records, 1850-1980 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) is an altruistic and benevolent fraternal organization not based in any particular ethnic, religious, or trade affiliation. Brandywine Lodge No. 388, I.O.O.F. in Downingtown, Chester County, Pennsylvania was incorporated in 1852, absorbed Pilgrim's Lodge (Lionville, Pa.) in 1974, and itself merged into Star of Hope Lodge 199 I.O.O.F. (previously of Coatesville, Pa.) in 2001. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Brandywine Lodge No. 388 (Downingtown, Pa.) records, 1850-1980, include minute books (1918-1926), officers books (1850-1962), building-related documents, and other materials.

Held at: Downingtown Area Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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Delaware County Historical Society obituary collection, 1980-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:
21.5 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 obituary collection, 1980-2013, consists of photocopied obituaries from local newspapers, primarily the The Delaware County Daily Times, and index cards with copied information from obituaries.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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J. C. Taylor business papers and blueprints, 1903-1953 (inclusive)

Extent:
15.0 cubic feet
Abstract:
J. C. (Joshua C.) Taylor (1873-1946) was a prominent banker and lawyer in the city of Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. In 1931 he established Taylor Memorial Arboretum in memory of his wife, Anne Rulon Gray. The J. C. Taylor business papers, 1903-1953 (bulk 1935-1953) consist mostly of legal and property-related documents, including a large number of blueprints.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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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]

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Delaware County Historical Society records, 1980-2000 (bulk) 1895-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:
30.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Founded in 1895, Delaware County Historical Society is the oldest historical society in Delaware County. Its mission is to acquire, preserve and make available documentation of Delaware County history; to provide and support educational programs on the history of Delaware County; and to publish materials relevant to this history. The Delaware County Historical Society records, 1895-2013 (bulk, 1980-2000), consist of the Society's inactive records, including administrative and financial records, correspondence and newsletters, and materials relating to members, events, and programs. Also included are the minutes and financial papers of the Eastern Chapter of the Delaware County Historical Society.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Fred Muscella film negatives, 1946-1999 (inclusive)

Extent:
37.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Alfred L. Muscella, Sr. was a professional photographer who lived and worked in Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The Fred Muscella film negatives, 1946-1991, consist primarily of 4"x5" film negatives, with some film strip negatives and 4"x5" prints from later years. The collection is organized into series by year, and then in alphabetical order by client.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Johnston Funeral Home and Beers Funeral Home records, 1907-1994 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Albert S. Beers, Sr. (1864-1938) and his son, Albert S. Beers, Jr. (1895-1979) operated funeral homes at 529 W. Jefferson St. in Philadelphia and 67-69 E. Baltimore Ave in Lansdowne, Pa. They sold the Lansdowne location in 1948 to William D. Johnston. Johnston Funeral Home continues to operate there as of 2013. This collection includes records from Johnston Funeral Home and the funeral home that previously operated on the same premises, Beers Funeral Home. The Johnston Funeral Home and Beers Funeral Home records, 1904-1994, consist primarily of invoices/statements for funerals and funeral registers. There is also a small amount of correspondence and a few miscellaneous documents.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Ministers' Association of Chester and Vicinity records, 1918-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.6 linear feet
Abstract:
The Minister's Association of Chester and Vicinity was formed in 1919 to promote brotherhood amongst ministers of various Protestant denomination, and to increase effectiveness in working toward common goals through cooperation. The Ministers' Association of Chester and Vicinity records, 1918-1963, consist primarily of minutes, correspondence, newspaper clippings, member lists, financial information, and other records, 1918-1946. There is a small amount of material from local Councils on Churches, including committee and attendance reports, 1952-1963.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Rosalie Peirsol collection on implementing recycling in Delaware County, Pa., 1973-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.33 linear feet
Abstract:
M. Rosalie Dryden Peirsol (1913-2005), a long-time resident of Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, was a dedicated civic and environmental activist. During the 1970s and 1980s, Peirsol was one of the lead players responsible for compelling the local government to implement a county-wide recycling program in Delaware County, Pa. The Rosalie Peirsol collection on implementing recycling in Delaware County, Pa., 1973-1990, consists of materials created and collected by Rosalie Peirsol. The major organizations that are represented in the collection include Delaware County Recycling Advisory Committee, Delaware County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, and Recycling Into Cash and Energy (RICE).

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Greater Media Area Auxiliary, American Leprosy Missions records, 1914-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The Greater Media Area Auxiliary of American Leprosy Missions, initially called the Media Auxiliary of the Mission to Lepers in India and the East, was founded in 1914 by a group of women in Media, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. The goals of the auxiliary were to assist its parent organization by providing information about leprosy worldwide and helping to sponsor overseas efforts to help cure and rehabilitate those afflicted with the disease. The auxiliary dissolved in 2010. The Greater Media Area Auxiliary, American Leprosy Missions records, 1914-2011, consist of minutes, correspondence, clippings, ephemera, and a few photographs, documenting the group's fundraising and outreach efforts. It provides some accounts of mission work abroad.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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New Century Club of Chester records, 1893-1996 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The New Century Club of Chester, part of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, was founded in 1893 in the city of Chester, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. In addition to holding lectures and classes for members on science, literature, languages, and other topics, the club established a free kindergarten and was involved in other philanthropic projects. The New Century Club of Chester records, 1893-1993, include annual reports, guest books, materials about the building and selling of the clubhouse, clippings, and other materials.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Chester City Council meeting minutes, 1970-1979 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.9 linear feet
Abstract:
The City of Chester in Delaware County is the oldest city in Pennsylvania. It was settled by Swedish immigrants in 1644, incorporated as a borough in 1701, and incorporated as a city in 1866. The Chester City Council meeting minutes, 1970-1979, cover the years leading up to Chester's passage of a new home rule charter in 1980.

Held at: Delaware County Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Mark Robinson slides and photographs, circa 1955

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Mark Robinson (1906-1965) was an electrical engineer and naturalist who lived in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Especially interested in entomology, mineralogy, wildflowers, and ferns, Robinson served as a curator at the Delaware County Institute of Science (Media, PA), research associate in the department of insects at the Academy of Natural Science (Philadelphia, PA), and president of the American Entomological Society (1947-1948). Mark Robinson slides and photographs, circa 1955, consist of nine binders with photograph and slide images of botanical specimens in the wild, such as plants, trees, and flowers (especially orchids); historic sites and monuments; birds and other animals; transportation; and other subjects.

Held at: Delaware County Institute of Science [Contact Us]

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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]

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Will-Britt Books genealogy research files and books, 1965-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:
44.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Mildred C. Williams and Janet R. Brittingham were genealogists who together self-published genealogy histories and genealogy-source transcripts, primarily focusing on Southeastern Pennsylvania, under the name Will-Britt Books. The Will-Britt Books genealogy research files and books, 1965-2012, consist of the working files, publications, and reference materials from the offices of Will-Britt Books. It is organized into three series: I. Genealogy research files; II. Will-Britt Books publications; and III. Reference materials and administrative records.

Held at: Doylestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

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John H. Elfman family and business papers, 1930-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:
4.0 linear feet
Abstract:
After attending Pennsylvania State University, John H. Elfman (1912-1983) married Jean M. Kerr (1913-1955). He joined his father's business, A.C. Elfman & Sons, a building contractor firm established in Doylestown, Pa. in 1909. The largest portion of the John H. Elfman family and business papers, 1930-2012, is letters from Jean M. Kerr to her future husband, John H. Elfman, while he was away at college (1930-1934). The collection also includes records from A.C. Elfman & Sons (1935-1986), and some genealogical research and biographical notes on Elfman family members.

Held at: Doylestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Bucks County Justice Center plans, 1998-2013 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The 2008 decision to build a new Bucks County Justice Center in Doylestown, Pennsylvania was controversial. A new parking garage was built from 2008 to 2010, and construction for the new courthouse began in 2011. The Bucks County Justice Center plans, 1998-2013, include reports, correspondence, site plans, newspaper clippings, photographs, resolutions, and other documents relative to planning the construction of the justice center.

Held at: Doylestown Historical Society [Contact Us]

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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]

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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]

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Eden Cemetery interment records, 1902-2015 (inclusive)

Extent:
60.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Founded in 1902 in Collingdale, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Eden Cemetery is one of the oldest continually active African-American owned cemeteries in the United States and is the burial ground for many notable 19th century African-Americans. Throughout the twentieth century, remains from several African-American cemeteries in Philadelphia, PA were reinterred at Eden Cemetery in order to accommodate the expansion of the growing city. The Eden Cemetery interment records, 1902-2015, consist of interment books, deed and certificate books, section books, financial records, and legal papers that document the burials and lot sales at Eden Cemetery. The collection also includes the Cemetery's charter from 1902.

Held at: Eden Cemetery [Contact Us]

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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]

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Joseph Gindele Jr. scrapbooks, 1923-1999 (inclusive)

Extent:
9.2 linear feet
Abstract:
Battalion Chief Joseph H. Gindele, Jr. (1929-1979) served with the Philadelphia Fire Department for 30 years. The Joseph Gindele Jr. scrapbooks, 1923-1999, consist of about 75 scrapbooks about the fire department and individual fire incidents.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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Joseph C. Farley Sr. scrapbooks, 1898-1985 (inclusive)

Extent:
28.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Joseph C. Farley Sr. was a charter member of the Philadelphia Second Alarmers Association, a volunteer group which provides aid to the Philadelphia Fire Department. The Joseph C. Farley Sr. scrapbooks, 1898-1985, consist of over 100 scrapbooks focused on fire incidents in Philadelphia and the history of fire fighting.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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Fireman's Hall Museum photograph and scrapbook collection, 1871-2012 (inclusive)

Extent:
49.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Fireman's Hall Museum photograph and scrapbook collection, 1871-2012, is comprised of photographs and scrapbooks collected by the Museum. Most of the photographs are original, but some are reproductions. They relate to Philadelphia fires, fire companies, apparatus, and fire history.

Held at: Fireman's Hall Museum [Contact Us]

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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)

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

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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.

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 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]

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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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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.

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

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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]

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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]

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Newspaper Collection, 1854-1972

Extent:
36.0 containers
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 newspaper clippings from...(see more)

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

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Wissahickon Valley Park Maps, Plans and Drawings Collection, 1920-1980 (bulk) 1758-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:
20.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Covering nearly 1,400 acres of the 10,000 acre Fairmount Park System, Wissahickon Valley Park epitomizes the breadth of resource available within the city of Philadelphia. Primarily a naturalist landscape, the parklands also support a variety of recreational activities and are home to a number of nationally important structural sites. Wissahickon Valley Park is located along the Wissahickon Creek, and has been a popular location with visitors for over a century and a half. Known best for its craggy rock formations, steep cliffs, and flowing waterway, the park provides an extremely rustic location just minutes from downtown Philadelphia. Popular natural locations within the park include the Devil’s Pool, Forbidden Drive, Livezey Rock and Lover’s Leap. Concealed within the park’s natural landscape are a number of reminders of its rich history. Nestled in the upper trails are two statues hidden in the lush surroundings, “The Indian” and “Toleration”. The weathered steel bridge...(see more)

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

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Pennypack Park Maps, Plans and Drawings, 1897-2003

Extent:
9.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Located in the northeasternmost region of Philadelphia, Pennypack Park has developed along the Pennypack Creek watershed. Established as protected park space in 1905 for the preservation of surrounding land, Pennypack Park is now comprised of roughly 1400 acres of woodlands, meadows, and marshland. It is also home to one of the oldest stone bridges still in use in the United States- the Holmesburg Bridge erected in 1697. Pennypack Park offers a green retreat for visitors amidst an urban setting, and is home to miles of paved and unpaved trails, recreational and athletic facilities, and important operational structures such as Fox Chase Farm and the Pennypack Environmental Education and Visitors Center.

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

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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park (FDR Park) Maps, Plans, and Drawings Collection, 1901-2008 (inclusive)

Extent:
2.0 linear feet
Abstract:
Located along the southern boundary of Philadelphia, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park has been a treasured landmark in the city for nearly a century. Designed in the early 1900s by the prestigious Olmsted Brothers architectural firm, the park was originally named League Island Park as an homage to the marshy wetlands from which it was constructed. Diverse in natural resources, the park's nearly 350 acres of land contain a variety of lakes, ponds, and lagoons in addition to the coastal plain environment. The park contains a variety of important wildlife, and has been designated an Important Bird Area by the Audobon Society. Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park is also an important historic location for the city of Philadelphia. Bellaire Manor and the Bake House located on park property were built in the late 1700s and remain wonderfully preserved. Additionally, the park played host to the city's elaborate Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1926. Today, the boat house, gazebo, and American...(see more)

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

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Greek American Heritage Museum collection on Greek churches and organizations in Philadelphia (Pa.), circa 1929-2010s (bulk circa 1980s-1990s)

Extent:
14.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Greek American Heritage Society was founded in 2002 to preserve and promote Hellenic culture and to reconnect youth and adults to their Greek heritage. In 2013 the Society established the Greek American Heritage Museum in the historic Saint George's Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Philadelphia. The Greek American Heritage Museum collection on Greek churches and organizations, 1929-2010s (bulk 1980s-1990s), contains church committee records, minutes and member materials, property documents, newsletters, booklets, calendars, greeting cards, pamphlets, printed matter, and ephemera. Also included in this collection are photocopied materials, scrapbooks, convention booklets, directories, newsletters, and bylaws, as well as the administrative and financial records of the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society.

Held at: Greek American Heritage Museum [Contact Us]

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Greek American Heritage Society records, circa 1990s

Extent:
5.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Greek American Heritage Society was established in 2002 by Mary Creticos (1918-2015). It is a volunteer based organization which strives to preserve and promote Hellenic culture and to reconnect youth and adults to their Greek heritage. The Greek American Heritage Society records date from circa 1990s and include letters and correspondence, newsletters, event flyers and sign up sheets, stationary, agendas, minutes, tax documents, newspaper clippings, materials related to genealogical research, and printed matter.

Held at: Greek American Heritage Museum [Contact Us]

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Records of Benjamin Franklin Post No. 405, American Legion, 1919-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:
0.75 linear feet
Abstract:
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. The records of Benjamin Franklin Post No. 405 (Philadelphia, Pa.), American Legion, 1919-1992, includes financial, administrative, and membership records, as well as newsletters.

Held at: Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library [Contact Us]

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Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library subject files, 1975-2011 (bulk) 1865-2011 bulk, 1975-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:
21.5 linear feet
Abstract:
Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library subject files, 1865-2011 (bulk 1975-2011), focus around topics relating to the Civil War and its legacy. The bulk of the collection is made up of photocopies, copies of secondary histories, and printed ephemera, although there are some original, unique documents.

Held at: Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library [Contact Us]

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Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library Civil War soldiers' records collection, 1961-2011 (bulk) 1861-2011 bulk, 1961-2011 (inclusive)

Extent:
9.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library Civil War soldiers' records collection, 1861-2011, consists primarily of photocopies of records held elsewhere. About 1/3 of the records come from Pennsylvania soldiers, but there are also records for soldiers from other states.

Held at: Grand Army of the Republic Civil War Museum and Library [Contact Us]

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Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation blueprints collection, 1890-2007 (inclusive)

Extent:
27.0 cubic feet ((about 40 items))
Abstract:
The Glen Foerd estate was built circa 1850 by Charles Macalester and was later purchased by Robert H. Foerderer, Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives and leather manufacturer. His daughter, art collector Florence Tonner, bequeathed Glen Foerd to the Lutheran Church of America with the caveat that the estate would revert to public ownership if the Lutheran Church was unable to care for it. That happened in 1988, and the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation was established as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Glen Foerd. There are about 40 unique blueprints, plus some duplicates, in the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation blueprints collection, 1890-2007. Most depict renovations of the Glen Foerd estate, 1933-2007, but there are also some blueprints of other properties, 1890-1938.

Held at: Glen Foerd on the Delaware [Contact Us]

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Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation records, 1985-2004 (bulk) 1963-2006 (inclusive)

Extent:
81.0 linear feet ((60 boxes of records in the basement make up the bulk of the collection (75 linear feet)))
Abstract:
The Glen Foerd estate was built circa 1850 by Charles Macalester and was later purchased by Robert H. Foerderer, Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives and leather manufacturer. His daughter, art collector Florence Tonner, bequeathed Glen Foerd to the Lutheran Church of America with the caveat that the estate would revert to public ownership if the Lutheran Church was unable to care for it. That happened in 1988, and the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation was established as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Glen Foerd. The Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation records, 1963-2006, is made up of financial records, correspondence, fundraising records, event records, and membership records, mostly dating from 1985 to 2004. There are also a large number of photographs, videos, and slides; and a small amount of legal records.

Held at: Glen Foerd on the Delaware [Contact Us]

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Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation local history collection, 1964-2010 (bulk) 1880-2010 (inclusive)

Extent:
3.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The neighborhood of Torresdale, first settled by Swedish immigrants in the mid 1600s, is located in the northeast section of Philadelphia. An important site in the area is the historic estate Glen Foerd. The Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation local history collection, 1880-2010, is comprised mostly of secondary materials, the bulk of which relate to the history of Torresdale. There are a small amount original photographs, as well as original documents from the Kramer family.

Held at: Glen Foerd on the Delaware [Contact Us]

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Lutheran Center at Glen Foerd records, 1963-1985 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.5 linear feet
Abstract:
The Glen Foerd estate was built circa 1850 by Charles Macalester and was later purchased by Robert H. Foerderer, Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives and leather manufacturer. His daughter, art collector Florence Tonner, bequeathed Glen Foerd to the Lutheran Church of America upon her death with the caveat that the estate would revert to public ownership if the Lutheran Church was unable to care for it. The Lutheran Center at Glen Foerd operated the estate as a retreat center and meeting space until 1988, when ownership of the estate was awarded to the City of Philadelphia in a lawsuit. The Lutheran Center at Glen Foerd records, 1963-1985, primarily include financial and administrative records, although there are also a small number of subject files in the collection pertaining to the Foerderer family.

Held at: Glen Foerd on the Delaware [Contact Us]

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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]

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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]

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Goschenhoppen Historians manuscript volumes collection, 1789-1968 (inclusive)

Extent:
8.0 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]

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Improved Order of Red Men, Tohickon Tribe No. 386 (Green Lane, Pa.) records, 1898-1963 (inclusive)

Extent:
7.3 linear feet
Abstract:
The Improved Order of Red Men (IORM) was a fraternal beneficial organization that provided health, disability, and death benefits to members. The Improved Order of Red Men records, 1899-1963, consist of administrative, financial, and membership records of the Tohickan Tribe #386. The collection also includes a small amount of materials relating to the ladies' auxiliary, Order of Pocahontas, Macoby Tribe #269.

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

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Patriotic Order of Americans, Camp 90 and Camp 168 records, 1911-1981 (inclusive)

Extent:
1.0 linear feet
Abstract:
The Patriotic Order of Americans was the ladies' auxiliary to the Patriotic Order Sons of America, patriotic fraternal organization founded in Philadelphia in 1847. Patriotic Order of Americans, Camp 90 and Camp 168 records, 1911-1981, consists of administrative records, correspondence, and ephemera. Most records are from Camp #90 (Tylersport, Pennsylvania), but there are also three minute books from Camp #168 (Green Lane, Pennsylvania).

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

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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]

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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]

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