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Walter Lewis scrapbooks of the 761st Tank Battalion, 1944-1985 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The 761st Tank Battalion, active during World War II, was one of the first African American armored units to enter combat. The battalion saw combat in six countries, endured 183 days of continual combat, and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The Walter Lewis scrapbooks of the 761st Tank Battalion, 1944-1985, contain clippings, correspondence, photographs, speeches, and ephemera about the 761st Tank Battalion, honors it received, and reunions and award ceremonies attended by its veterans.

Held at: African American Museum in Philadelphia [Contact Us]

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Pearl Bailey papers, 1970-1979 (bulk) 1946-1990 (inclusive)

Extent:

40.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Pearl Bailey (1918-1990) was an American entertainer notable for her sultry singing and mischievous humor. She appeared on Broadway, in movies, and on her own television show. Bailey also authored several books. In 1975 she was appointed special ambassador to the United Nations by President Gerald Ford; she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Ronald Reagan in 1988. The Pearl Bailey papers, 1946-1990 (bulk 1970-1979), include scrapbooks, recordings, correspondence, photographs, newspaper clippings, writings, financial records, and other materials relating to Pearl Bailey. Most document her public life in the 1970s, especially her career as a singer and actress, a cultural ambassador, and an author. A smaller quantity of materials relate to her personal life, including her finances, family, and college education at Georgetown University.

Held at: African American Museum in Philadelphia [Contact Us]

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James T. Townsend papers of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 1975-2001 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

James T. Townsend (1915-2000), formerly a state welfare supervisor and veteran of the United States Navy, was organist and choirmaster at the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for more than fifty years. Named in his honor, the James T. Townsend Vocal Scholarship Award is given annually by the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Music Committee to an African American student under age 25 who is pursuing studies and training in voice at an accredited college or university, or with a master teacher affiliated with an accredited school of music. Most of the James T. Townsend papers of African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, 1975-2001, are applications for the Townsend scholarship. Additionally, the collection includes church and vestry records, church history research, clippings, correspondence, and photographs. Of special interest are illustrations of church vestments and a rectory drawn in 1941 by Dorothy Young (James Townsend's future wife).

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

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American Swedish Historical Museum Jenny Lind collection, 1847-1851 (bulk) 1832-1950 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.5 linear feet

Abstract:

Jenny Lind (Johanna Maria Lind, 1820-1887) was a Swedish-born operatic and oratorio soprano admired for her vocal control and agility and for the purity and naturalness of her art. She toured the United States with P.T. Barnum in 1950 and married her accompanist, Otto Goldschmidt, in 1952. The American Swedish Historical Museum Jenny Lind collection, 1832-1950, is comprised of sheet music, correspondence, programs and prints, ephemera, and a few daguerreotypes. There is also a series of Abel Ahlquist's research on Jenny Lind, circa 1918-1933.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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American Swedish Historical Museum John Ericsson collection, 1859-1890 (bulk) 1838-1938 (inclusive)

Extent:

16.0 linear feet

Abstract:

John Ericsson (1803-1889) was an inventor and engineer best known for designing the USS Monitor and innovating propeller-driven boats. The USS Monitor, an ironclad warship, contributed to the Union victory in the Civil War; one of Ericsson's other ships was the first propeller-driven steamer to cross the Atlantic. The American Swedish Historical Museum John Ericsson collection, 1838-1938, encompasses correspondence, financial records, plans and drawings, patents and contracts, scrapbooks, and photographs. It is an invaluable resource for the study of the Civil War, mechanical engineering, famous Swedes in America, and numerous other topics.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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J. G. Winnberg family papers, circa 1850-1890

Extent:

1.25 linear feet

Abstract:

Johan Gustav Winnberg (1824-1899) was a Swedish-born pharmacist who settled in Jamestown, New York in 1891. The J. G. Winnberg family papers, circa 1850-1890, are comprised of scrapbooks compiled by Johan Gustav Winnberg, poems by Johan, and English-translation school exercise books belonging to his daughters. The scrapbooks are of several types: newspaper clippings, "småplock" ("odds and ends"), and autographs/letters.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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American Swedish Historical Museum relief society records collection, 1853-1957 (inclusive)

Extent:

2.0 linear feet

Abstract:

American Swedish Historical Museum relief society records collection, 1853-1957, includes minute books, a membership register, and other records from several benevolent societies organized by Swedes in America. The societies are: the New England Scandinavian Benevolent Relief Society in Boston, the Norrsken Swedish-Finnish Sick Beneficial Society in Philadelphia, and The Northstar Society. This collection also features one volume from the a Swedish choral group, the Harmony Choir.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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American Swedish Historical Museum genealogy collection, 1880-1992 (inclusive)

Extent:

7.8 linear feet

Abstract:

The American Swedish Historical Museum genealogy collection, 1880-1922, consists of genealogical research materials collected by the American Swedish Historical Museum on various American families of Swedish descent. It is arranged in two series: Series I. Genealogy files in alphabetical order, and Series II. Miscellaneous narrative genealogies, family history notes, and family trees. The genealogy files typically include a family history fact sheet, and any combination of the following: photographs, newspaper clippings, short genealogical narratives, research notes, correspondence with the American Swedish Historical Museum.

Held at: American Swedish Historical Museum [Contact Us]

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Aston Township Historical Society records, 1993-2015 (inclusive)

Extent:

1.5 linear feet

Abstract:

The area that is known as Aston Township was incorporated as a township of Chester County in 1688 and became a part of Delaware County when the latter county was established in 1789. Today, due to its proximity to both Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE, Aston Township is predominantly a residential area with various local organizations and community events. The Aston Township Historical Society was founded in 1993 to promote efforts to identify, preserve, and enhance the properties of historical value or interest to the residents of Aston Township; to collect historical information and material and maintain archives; to provide education, information, and other associated services; and to preserve the Village Green School on Pennell Road. The Aston Township Historical Society records, 1993-2015, consist of administrative records of the Aston Township Historical Society.

Held at: Aston Township Historical Society [Contact Us]

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Daniel McKinley research files on the history of natural history, 1963-1999 (inclusive)

Extent:

30.0 linear feet

Abstract:

Daniel L. McKinley (1925-2010) was a biology professor and historian of natural history. The Daniel McKinley book research files on natural history, 1963-1999, consist mostly of article reprints and an associated card file, but also feature biographical files on historically important naturalists. Featured in McKinley's biographical research are "the father of American botany" John Bartram (1699-1777) and his son, naturalist William Bartram (1739-1823).

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